Pool maintenance is one of those things you barely notice when it is working. The water stays clear, the equipment runs quietly, and the pool is ready to use whenever you want it. Let things slide for a few weeks and you tend to notice pretty quickly, usually in the form of cloudy water, a green tinge, or a pump that sounds like it is struggling.
Staying on top of a few simple tasks is all it takes to avoid most pool troubleshooting situations before they start.
Your Weekly Pool Maintenance Checklist
Consistent pool maintenance does not need to take long. A few tasks done regularly keep the water clean, the equipment running properly, and the big repair bills at bay.
| Task | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Skim the surface | Removes leaves and debris before they sink and break down |
| Empty the skimmer basket | Blocked baskets restrict water flow and strain the pump |
| Brush walls, floor and steps | Prevents algae taking hold, especially in corners and shaded areas |
| Test water chemistry | Catches imbalances before they affect water clarity or equipment |
| Check water level | Keeps the pump drawing correctly and prevents air locks |
Brushing and Vacuuming
Always brush before you vacuum. Brushing dislodges algae and debris from walls, the floor, steps and corners and pushes it into the water where your filter and cleaner can pick it up.
Start at the waterline and work down, paying extra attention to shaded spots and behind ladders where algae tends to settle.
Let an Automatic Cleaner Do the Heavy Work
A quality automatic pool cleaner takes most of the manual vacuuming out of the equation.Robotic cleaners are the best option for most in-ground pools. They run independently from your filtration system, scrub walls and the waterline, and collect debris in their own filter.
Not sure which one suits your pool? Our guide to choosing the right robotic pool cleaner talks you through it.
Filter Maintenance
Your filter does the heavy lifting on water clarity and it only performs well when it is clean. How often you need to service it depends on your filter type:
- Sand filters: Backwash when the pressure gauge rises 7 to 10 kPa above your normal operating pressure.
- Cartridge filters: Rinse every four to six weeks and replace cartridges every one to two years.
- DE filters: Backwash regularly and recharge with fresh DE powder after each backwash.
A filter that is overdue for a clean is one of the most common causes of cloudy water and slow circulation. If your filter is more than a few years old and struggling to keep up, it may be time for an upgrade. Browse our pool filters range to see what suits your setup.
Shocking Your Pool
Shocking breaks down chloramines and kills off bacteria and algae that regular chlorination does not fully take care of.
For most Australian pools, a maintenance shock once a fortnight through summer is a good baseline. Shock after heavy use, after a storm, or any time the water looks off.
Dissolve the shock treatment in a bucket of water first, then distribute it evenly around the pool with your pump running. Do it in the evening so UV does not degrade it before it has a chance to work.
Equipment Checks
Pool equipment that is looked after lasts longer and runs more efficiently.
Every month or so, check your pump, filter and chlorinator for anything unusual. Lubricate O-rings and gaskets on your pump lid and filter when you notice them drying out.
If your pump is making a noise it was not making before, or your chlorinator output has dropped, get it looked at before a small issue becomes an expensive one.
Pool Troubleshooting: Common Issues and Fixes
Even with a solid routine, things come up. Here is how to read the signs quickly.
| Problem | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Cloudy water | pH or chlorine out of range, dirty filter | Test and balance water, clean filter, check pump run time |
| Green water | Algae bloom from low chlorine or high pH | Shock the pool, brush surfaces, run filter continuously |
| Strong chlorine smell | Chloramine buildup rather than excess chlorine | Shock the pool to break down combined chlorine |
| Water level dropping faster than usual | Evaporation or a slow leak | Do the bucket test to determine which one |
If you are working through a pool troubleshooting problem and cannot pin down the cause, give us a call on 02 9137 8914 and we will talk you through it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I shock my pool?
For most Australian pools, a maintenance shock once a fortnight through summer is a good baseline. Shock after heavy use, after a storm, or any time the water looks off. Always check your product label for the correct dosage for your pool volume and dissolve the treatment in a bucket of water before adding it to the pool.
What is the most common cause of cloudy pool water?
Water chemistry that has drifted out of range is the most common cause, usually pH or chlorine. A dirty or underperforming filter is the second most likely culprit. Test your water first, correct what needs adjusting, then check your filter if the water has not cleared within 24 hours.
How do I know if my pool has a leak?
The bucket test is the quickest way to check. Fill a bucket with pool water, place it on a step, and mark both the pool water level and the water inside the bucket. After 24 hours, if the pool has dropped more than the bucket, you likely have a leak worth investigating.