Pool and Spa Maintenance Checklist

Keeping a healthy pool can be a daunting task. For many of us, it’s hard to find the time or motivation to get everything done on our own, especially when there are so many other pressing responsibilities at hand. But don’t worry: here is a simple checklist that can help make your pool maintenance routine less overwhelming.

Run the pump and filter for a minimum of 10 to 12 hours every day.

Run the pump and filter for a minimum of 10 to 12 hours every day. If you don’t run it for long enough, the pool can get dirty. If you run it too long, the pool can get dirty. You can check your filters every few weeks to see if they need cleaning or contact Instyle pools and spas.

Check the water level daily and maintain it at the proper level.

The proper water level is important for both the health of the pool and its long-term longevity. A good rule of thumb is to keep your water level at least 6″ above the skimmer or suction line, which will keep debris from going into your pump. You can also use a water level gauge to check your pool’s exact level every day.

Check the chemical balance monthly (or more often during heavy use).

Use test strips or a testing kit to check the pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels in your pool or spa. If your water is not balanced properly, it will cause problems like rust, corrosion, and scale buildup. If you notice any problems with your equipment, they should be repaired immediately to prevent further damage.

Clean automatic pool cleaners every week.

It’s important to clean your automatic pool cleaner every week. This will help keep debris like dirt and algae from building up inside the machine, which can affect its performance. To clean your automatic pool cleaner:

• Turn off the power to your pool pump, then remove any hoses connected to it before cleaning or replacing it. If you have a remote control for the pump, turn on its manual override switch so that you don’t accidentally turn the pump back on during cleanup!
• Use a garden hose with an adjustable nozzle spray head to spray off any visible gunk from the bottom of your cleaner (don’t forget about its wheels!). Then use a soft broom or leaf rake to sweep away anything that didn’t come off using just water alone—this includes sand as well as loose pieces of leaves or other debris stuck between brush bristles; these may cause damage over time if left untouched!

Clean and vacuum the pool as needed

Use a long-handled pool/vacuum with your skimmer or suction-side cleaner on your pool filter to vacuum the entire pool, including steps and ladders (if applicable). Cleaning off leaves will help prevent them from entering your filter basket, where they could clog up flow channels.

Brush down steps, tile lines, steps, walls, and floors using a proper pool brush once a week.

If you’re going to be brushing your pool or spa professionally, a long-handled soft-bristle brush is best. If you are brushing yourself, select a soft-bristle brush with replaceable heads (available at most hardware stores) that has a long handle to reach the bottom of your swimming pool or hot tub and move quickly over its surface area so as not to miss any spots.

Empty skimmer baskets as needed (typically several times per week).

Check your skimmer baskets regularly and empty them as needed. If you have a lot of debris in your pool, you may need to empty it more often. You can use a skimmer net or vacuum to remove the debris.

Empty the pump strainer basket as needed (at least once a week).

• Open the skimmer box drain on top of the pump. If there is anything in there, it will fall out when you open this drain.
• Loosen the retaining nut or screws holding down your strainer basket (if applicable). The type of strainer basket and how you need to remove it may vary depending on your model. Some baskets have tabs, while others have holes through which they can be lifted up and out. If yours has an opening at its bottom end, you can use an old broom handle or similar tool to gently push it through. Some models even come with a special tool designed specifically for removing a full basket from its housing without damaging it! Whatever type of strainer basket you have, make sure not to use too much force—you don’t want to bend or break any parts that might be under tension because they’re connected with springs!
• Remove all debris from inside by hand (or using a net if possible) before putting back into place again once cleaned thoroughly first. If possible try using something soft like another hose instead because metal objects could scratch up plastic materials like PVC fittings which would then leak water slowly over time due to corrosion caused by these scratches being rubbed against while turning on/off valves etc.

Check automatic chlorinators weekly and add chlorine tablets as needed in the skimmer or floater.

You’ve got to keep on top of this one. Chlorine tablets are available in different sizes, so make sure you have the right one for your pool size—and never use more than the recommended dosage. It’s always a good idea to read the instructions on each bottle of chlorine tablet before adding it to your water. Adding chlorine tablets can be done directly in your skimmer or floater(s), or by measuring out a cupful per 10,000 gallons of water and adding that amount directly into the pool from above.

Having a checklist can be a good way to stay on track with your pool maintenance routine

A checklist can be a good way to stay on track with your pool maintenance routine. It’s important to check the water level daily and maintain it at the proper level. It’s also important to check the chemical balance monthly, as well as filter efficiency every two weeks or so.

Conclusion

I hope this checklist has been helpful to you. If you follow it regularly, your pool should stay clean and healthy for many years. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact a professional pool maintenance company or your local pool store.