10 Pool Cleaning and Maintenance Tips to Save You Money

Pool ownership can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to enjoy the water, but not if your pool is constantly dirty. From scrubbing away algae to making sure that your equipment is running properly, keeping up with maintenance can quickly become expensive – especially for those on a budget.

If you own a pool or are thinking about owning one – it’s important to know how to take care of it. After all, the last thing we want is for our swimming hole to turn into a swampy mess and drive away any potential pool parties.

Here are 10 tips to help you save time and money when cleaning and maintaining your pool.

1. Pool Vacuum Tips

Using a pool vacuum can help you clean up all kinds of debris and dirt that make their way into the water daily, but they aren’t cheap! Most models start at around $100 and high-end ones can reach prices in the thousands. Fortunately, there are many ways to save on pool vacuums.

When shopping for a new pool vacuum, always keep in mind that you can sometimes find refurbished or used models online. You’ll have the same warranty coverage when you buy a reconditioned unit as when buying one brand-new, but these units are typically sold at prices up to 80% off the original price.

These units may be refurbished, but they are still backed up by a warranty that will cover any potential manufacturing defects. Also, buying a reconditioned pool vacuum from a popular brand will typically ensure its compatibility with other parts and equipment you already own, such as your filtration system.

2. Avoid Using Pool Chemicals to Clean the Pool

Your pool contains several gallons of water, and when you pour in chemical cleaners, it may make your water appear clean for a little while. However, if you’re using these products to do all of your cleanings, you might end up spending more money than necessary in the long run.

Chemicals are great for getting rid of any algae or bacteria that you can see, but they don’t remove the minute particles of dead skin cells and other debris. This is why it’s crucial to have your water checked at least once a week so you know exactly how much chemical it needs.

3. Clean the Pool When The Sun Goes Down

The best time to clean your pool is at night when the sun isn’t shining directly on it. While you might be tempted to use your solar cover during the day to heat the water and speed up the cleaning process, studies show that this can lower the temperature of the water by as much as 15 degrees.

4. Use a Pool Vacuum Away with a Long Hose

Waterfall boxes can get clogged pretty quickly, especially if you have a lot of debris in your pool. Avoid this problem by using a pool vacuum cleaner that has a long hose so you can reach the deepest parts of your swimming pool.

The longer the hose is on your pool vacuum, the less likely you are to damage either it or your pool. The best option would be a pool vacuum that has a remote control and doesn’t require too much bending over as you clean.

5. Drain Half of the Water from Your Pool

If you want to take down the overall water level without removing all of it (which can be extremely difficult), you can drain half of the water from your pool and refill it later. It’s a great way to save on water bills and reduce swimming pool maintenance costs.

6. Use Natural Algae Killers

Many people don’t realize that using natural algae killers, such as hydrogen peroxide or vinegar, is better for the environment than using chemicals. These natural pool cleaners will deplete the number of algae in your swimming pool, but they won’t leave behind any harmful residues that may damage your skin or irritate other parts of your body when you spend time in the water.

7. Clean Above-Ground Pool Covers with Dish Soap

If you have an above-ground pool, you can use dish soap to clean your pool cover. All you need to do is spray the soapy water on the surface of the cover and let it soak for a few minutes before hosing it off with fresh water. This procedure will remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated over time.

8. Remove the Pool’s Water

The water in your pool should be replaced once every six months, but this doesn’t mean you need to drain the entire thing. You can keep the water levels steady by giving the pool a thorough cleaning while draining half of it into storage containers.

Once all of the water is drained, you can use fresh water to refill the swimming pool and keep the chemicals balanced. This process helps prevent corrosion, so your pool’s surface will remain in pristine condition for many years to come.

9. Vacuum the Pool Every Few Days

The best time to vacuum your pool is when you drain half of it at night. You can use a traditional pool vacuum, but if you have one with remote control, all the better. This way you won’t have to bend over while you’re cleaning and ensure that your pool stays in pristine condition for many years.

10. Clean the Pool Floor

To make sure dirt doesn’t collect on the bottom of your swimming pool, you should clean it at least once a week with a broom or a vacuum. This will also help you spot any cracks that may have developed over time and make a mental note of where the ladder is, so you don’t accidentally bump into it while you’re swimming.

The pool floor doesn’t need to be scrubbed if the water is kept clean, since dirt won’t stick to it. You should, however, use a brush to clean the sides of your pool once every week so mold and algae don’t start developing.

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