Maintaining a clean and healthy pool doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By sticking to a simple weekly pool care routine, you can keep your pool crystal-clear, extend the lifespan of your equipment, and save yourself from costly repairs down the line. Here’s your step-by-step guide to efficient and effective pool service maintenance.

Why Consistent Pool Maintenance Matters

Your pool is an investment, and regular care helps protect it. Without proper upkeep, debris, algae, and imbalanced chemicals can lead to expensive damage, unsafe swimming conditions, and water you wouldn’t want to dip a toe into. A weekly checklist makes it manageable and helps you avoid unnecessary stress—and expenses—by catching issues before they escalate.

Your Weekly Pool Care Checklist

Follow these steps each week to keep your pool in prime condition.

1. Skim and Clean the Pool Surface

Start by removing leaves, bugs, and other debris with a pool skimmer. Larger debris can clog filters or promote algae growth if left unattended.

• Use a long-handled skimmer to reach every corner.
• For stubborn dirt or algae buildup on pool walls and steps, scrub with a pool brush to prevent staining or slippery surfaces.

2. Empty the Skimmer and Pump Baskets

Debris doesn’t just float on the surface—it gathers in your skimmer and pump baskets too. Clean these out weekly to ensure proper circulation and filtration.

• Turn off the pool pump before emptying the baskets.
• Rinse the baskets thoroughly with a hose to remove smaller particles.

3. Test and Balance Water Chemistry

Balanced water chemistry is critical to keeping your pool clean, safe, and algae-free. Use a testing kit to check the following levels every week:

• Chlorine (or alternative sanitizer): Ensures water is sanitized. Aim for 1–3 ppm.
• pH: Prevents irritation to skin and eyes and protects pool equipment. Keep it between 7.2–7.6.
• Alkalinity: Stabilizes pH levels. Target 80–120 ppm.
• Calcium Hardness: Prevents scaling or corrosion. Ideal range is 200–400 ppm.
• Cyanuric Acid (CYA): Protects chlorine from the sun’s UV rays. Aim for 30–50 ppm.

If any levels fall outside their ideal ranges, adjust them using the appropriate pool chemicals. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when adding chemicals to your pool.

4. Shock the Pool (When Necessary)

Even with proper chlorine levels, your pool may need a weekly or bi-weekly shock treatment to kill off contaminants, bacteria, and algae. Shocking involves adding a higher dose of chlorine or a non-chlorine alternative to reset the water’s clarity and hygiene.

• Choose an evening or overcast day for shocking to prevent rapid chlorine breakdown caused by sunlight.
• Keep the pool covered and wait at least 24 hours before swimming.

5. Check the Water Level

Your pool’s water level naturally fluctuates due to evaporation, splashing, or heavy rain. A too-low water level can damage the pump, while an overly full pool can interfere with skimming.

• Water should sit about halfway up the pool skimmer opening.
• Add or drain water as needed to maintain the proper level.

6. Monitor and Clean the Filter

Your pool’s filter is its MVP when it comes to removing dirt and debris. Check your filter’s pressure gauge weekly to determine if it needs a backwash (for sand and DE filters) or a thorough cleaning (for cartridge filters).

• If the pressure gauge shows an increase of 8–10 psi above your baseline, it’s time to clean or backwash.
• Stick to your manufacturer’s recommendations for deep cleaning your filter to avoid unnecessary wear and tear.

Stay Consistent and Reap the Rewards

A pool that’s well cared for is a pool that’s ready to use whenever you are. By sticking to this weekly checklist, you’ll be able to enjoy your pool without worrying about cloudy water, algae blooms, or costly maintenance surprises.