Consistent, routine maintenance is the key to a safe, clean, and sparkling swimming pool. Neglecting your pool for even a week, especially during peak season, can lead to cloudy water, algae growth, and chemical imbalances. This professional checklist breaks down the essential tasks you should perform every week to keep your pool in perfect condition, saving you time and money in the long run.

1. Test the Water Chemistry This is the most important step. Use a quality test kit or test strips to check the following levels and adjust as needed:

• pH: Ideal range is 7.4 to 7.6.
• Free Chlorine: Ideal range is 1 to 3 ppm (parts per million).
• Total Alkalinity: Ideal range is 80 to 120 ppm.
• Calcium Hardness: Ideal range is 200 to 400 ppm.

2. Skim the Surface and Brush the Walls Use a long-handled skimmer net to remove all floating debris like leaves, bugs, and grass. Then, use a pool brush to scrub the walls, steps, and ladders. This prevents algae and calcium buildup before it can take hold. Brush toward the main drain.

3. Vacuum the Pool Whether you use a manual vacuum, an automatic pool cleaner, or a robotic cleaner, vacuum the pool floor weekly to remove sediment and sunken debris that the skimmer missed.

4. Check and Clean Skimmer & Pump Baskets Turn off the pump. Remove the skimmer basket(s) located on the side of your pool and empty any collected debris. Then, open the pump lid and clean out the pump’s strainer basket. Clogged baskets restrict water flow and strain your equipment.

5. Check the Water Level The pool’s water level should be roughly halfway up the skimmer opening for optimal circulation. If it’s too low, add water with a garden hose. If it’s too high after a heavy rain, you may need to drain some water using the pump’s “waste” setting.

6. “Shock” the Pool (As Needed) Shocking, or super-chlorinating, the pool is necessary after heavy use, a big storm, or if the water looks cloudy. This process oxidizes contaminants and restores clarity. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the shock treatment you use, and always do it at dusk to prevent the sun from burning off the unstabilized chlorine.