Welcome to pool school! This is a broad overview of how to care for your new pool.
If you’ve just installed a pool in your backyard—congratulations! A new pool brings endless fun, relaxation, and curb appeal to your home. But before you dive in, it’s important to understand how to care for your new pool properly. Consistent maintenance not only keeps the water clean and inviting but also helps extend the life of your pool equipment and surface.
Whether you’re a first-time pool owner or just need a refresher, this Pool School guide covers all the basics to help you confidently care for your new pool.
Understand Your Pool’s Equipment
One of the first steps in learning to care for your new pool is understanding how your equipment works. The core components include:
- Pump – Circulates water through your filtration system.
- Filter – Removes debris and small particles from the water.
- Skimmer and Return Jets – Skimmer removes debris; return jets send clean water back.
- Heater (optional) – Maintains a comfortable swimming temperature.
Check each component regularly to ensure they’re running efficiently. Knowing your equipment helps you detect and address issues before they become costly.
Maintain Proper Water Chemistry
Water chemistry is the backbone of good pool care. To care for your new pool, you’ll need to regularly test and balance:
- pH (ideal range: 7.2–7.6)
- Chlorine or Sanitizer Levels (depending on system)
- Total Alkalinity
- Calcium Hardness
- Cyanuric Acid (stabilizer for outdoor pools)
Use a reliable test kit or strips at least 2–3 times per week, and adjust chemical levels as needed. Keeping the water balanced prevents algae, staining, scaling, and equipment damage.
Skim, Brush, and Vacuum Regularly
Physical cleaning is just as important as chemical balance. Here’s what your routine should include:
- Skim the surface daily to remove leaves, bugs, and debris.
- Brush the walls and steps at least once a week to prevent algae buildup.
- Vacuum the floor or use an automatic pool cleaner to keep the bottom clean.
These simple tasks go a long way toward maintaining water clarity and reducing chemical usage.
Run Your Pool Pump Consistently
To care for your new pool effectively, your pump should run 8–12 hours a day during the swimming season. Circulating the water helps distribute chemicals evenly and keeps it from becoming stagnant. For energy savings, consider running it during off-peak hours or using a variable-speed pump.
Shock the Pool When Needed
“Shocking” involves adding a large dose of sanitizer (usually chlorine) to destroy bacteria, algae, and organic contaminants. You should shock your pool:
- After heavy use
- After a storm
- If the water looks cloudy or smells unpleasant
- Weekly during peak season as a preventive measure
Shocking helps restore clarity and ensures your pool stays safe and swim-ready.
Schedule Regular Professional Inspections
While DIY maintenance is essential, having a professional inspect your pool annually can catch hidden problems. They’ll check your equipment, water balance, and overall condition to ensure your pool is operating at peak performance.
Prepare for Seasonal Changes
If you live in a region with seasonal changes, closing and opening your pool properly is critical. To care for your new pool during winter:
- Balance the water chemistry
- Lower the water level
- Drain equipment and pipes
- Cover the pool securely
In the spring, reverse the process with a thorough cleaning, equipment check, and water balancing.
Do You Have More Questions About Swimming Pools? Ask Sunrise Premiere Pool Builders LLC
If you still have questions about how to build a brand new swimming pool, Sunrise Premiere Pool Builders LLC is here to help you. At Sunrise Pools, we can build and install your pool, spa, or hot tub and provide you with pool chemicals, services, and more. If you have questions, feel free to give us a call at 410-349-3852. To see more from us and for tips and tricks, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.