Stay ahead of cloudy water and algae with this quick weekly routine. It takes 15–30 minutes and keeps water clear, safe, and swim‑ready.
Daily (Peak Season)
- Skim leaves and debris; empty skimmer basket if full
- Check pump is running; target 8–12 hours/day
- Quick test for free chlorine (target 2–4 ppm)
2–3× Per Week
- Brush walls, steps, corners to prevent algae
- Vacuum the floor (manual or robotic)
- Empty pump basket; inspect for air leaks
Weekly
- Test and balance in order: Alkalinity (80–120 ppm) → pH (7.4–7.6) → Calcium Hardness (175–225 ppm vinyl, 200–400 ppm plaster) → CYA (30–50 ppm) → Chlorine (2–4 ppm). Wait 20–60 min between additions.
- Shock after dusk. Use non‑chlorine shock for routine oxidation; use cal‑hypo if algae or heavy contamination.
- Backwash/clean filter when pressure is +10 PSI over clean baseline
Monthly / Seasonal
- Deep clean cartridge or sand media; replace worn parts
- Inspect ladders, lights, and GFCI outlets for safety
- Before heatwaves or storms, shock at dusk to stay ahead of algae
What to Do Next
Set a weekly reminder and print this checklist. Keep test strips, non‑chlorine shock, and a brush handy so you can finish in 15 minutes.