Pool Maintenance Guide: Simple Weekly Care for Australian Pools

A clean, clear pool doesn’t take hours of work. A few minutes each week, a regular water test and a little attention to your pump, filter and chlorinator will keep it ready to swim in and help your equipment last. Here’s a simple routine for Australian backyard pools.

Every week

• Skim the surface. Remove leaves and debris with a leaf net before they sink and break down.
• Empty the baskets. Clean out the skimmer basket and the pump basket. Full baskets restrict water flow and make the pump work harder.
• Brush the walls, steps and floor. Brushing stops dirt and algae from settling and lets the filter catch it.
• Vacuum if needed. Use a manual vacuum through the skimmer or an automatic pool cleaner to pick up dirt from the floor.
• Check the water level. Keep the water about halfway up the skimmer opening so the skimmer can work properly. Top up after hot, windy weather.
• Test the water. Check free chlorine and pH at least once a week, and more often in hot weather or when the pool is busy.

Keep the water balanced

Balanced water is more comfortable to swim in, helps chlorine work properly and protects your pool surface and equipment. The main things to keep an eye on are:

• Free chlorine – the sanitiser that keeps the water clean.
• pH – how acidic or alkaline the water is. When pH is out of range, chlorine works less effectively and the water can irritate eyes and skin.
• Total alkalinity – helps hold the pH steady.
• Calcium hardness – too low can damage pool surfaces and equipment; too high can cause scale.
• Stabiliser – helps protect chlorine from being used up by the sun in outdoor pools.
• Salt or mineral level – if you have a chlorinator, keep it within the range in your chlorinator manual.

A home test kit or test strips are fine for weekly checks. Once a month, or whenever the water looks off, take a sample to your local pool shop for a full test, and follow the product directions when adding chemicals.

Look after your filter

The filter removes the fine dirt that the skimmer and baskets miss. Note the pressure on your filter’s gauge when it’s clean. When the pressure rises noticeably above that reading, it’s time to clean it.

• Media filters (sand or glass) are cleaned by backwashing, followed by a short rinse.
• Cartridge filters are cleaned by removing the cartridge and hosing it down.

Our Pool School guides walk you through both step by step. Filter media and cartridges wear out over time, so replace them when they no longer clean up well. See Diamond Kleen glass media and filter spare parts.

Look after your pump

• Keep the pump basket clean and check the lid gasket is in good condition, so the pump doesn’t draw air.
• Check for leaks around the pump and fittings, and listen for unusual noises.
• Keep the area around the motor clear so it can stay cool.
• Run the pump long enough each day to circulate all the water – longer in summer, shorter in winter.

Genuine pump spare parts such as lids, gaskets, seals and impeller kits are available online.

Look after your chlorinator

If you have a salt or mineral chlorinator, check the salt or mineral level regularly and keep it in the range shown in your manual. Inspect the cell for white calcium build-up and clean it if needed, following the manufacturer’s instructions. If you use a mineral blend such as Revive, follow the dosing directions on the bag.

Through the seasons

• Summer: increase pump and chlorinator running times, and test the water more often. See our summer pool checklist.
• Winter: you can reduce running times, but keep the water circulating and balanced, and keep the baskets clear.
• After storms: see our guide to heavy rain and your pool.

When to call a professional

Get help from a pool professional if the water stays cloudy or green after treatment, the pump won’t prime or is leaking, or you’re unsure about electrical or plumbing work. Find a Poolrite dealer near you, or contact Poolrite on (07) 3155 6531.