How to Take Care of Inground Swimming Pools

Owning an inground swimming pool is a great way to enjoy relaxation and fun in your backyard, but keeping it clean and safe requires regular maintenance. Proper care ensures clear, healthy water while preventing costly repairs. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to maintain your inground swimming pool year-round.

Why Regular Pool Maintenance Is Important

Routine maintenance prevents algae growth, bacterial contamination, and equipment malfunctions. Neglecting pool care can lead to cloudy water, scaling, stains, or even structural damage. By following a consistent maintenance schedule, you can extend the lifespan of your pool and keep it looking great.

1. Skim, Brush, and Vacuum Your Pool

To keep your pool clean and debris-free:

• Skim the surface daily to remove leaves, bugs, and dirt before they sink.

• Brush pool walls, steps, and ladders weekly to prevent algae and stains.

• Vacuum the pool floor at least once a week to remove dirt and debris.

• Empty skimmer baskets regularly to maintain proper water circulation.

• Trim nearby trees and plants to minimize falling debris and pollen.

Using an automatic pool cleaner can reduce manual effort and keep your pool spotless with minimal maintenance.

2. Maintain Proper Water Chemistry

Balancing your pool’s chemicals is essential to keep the water safe and clear. Here’s what to monitor:

• pH Level: Keep between 7.2 and 7.6 to prevent skin irritation and equipment damage.

• Chlorine Level: Maintain 1-3 ppm (parts per million) for effective sanitation.

• Alkalinity: Keep between 80-120 ppm to stabilize pH levels.

• Calcium Hardness: Maintain 200-400 ppm to prevent scaling or corrosion.

• Cyanuric Acid (Stabilizer): Keep between 30-50 ppm to protect chlorine from sunlight.

• Phosphates: High phosphate levels can encourage algae growth—use a phosphate remover if needed.

Tips for Water Testing:

• Use a liquid test kit or test strips at least twice a week.

• Adjust alkalinity before adjusting pH to maintain stability.

• Shock the pool after heavy use or rainfall to restore chlorine levels.

• Keep an eye on metals in the water that can cause staining and discoloration.

3. Keep Your Pool Filter Clean

Your filter is responsible for trapping dirt and debris, keeping your pool water clear. The type of filter you have will determine how you clean it:

• Sand Filters: Backwash the filter when the pressure gauge is 8-10 PSI above normal.

• Cartridge Filters: Rinse the cartridge with a hose every few weeks and replace it annually.

• Diatomaceous Earth (DE) Filters: Backwash regularly and add new DE powder as needed.

A clean filter improves water circulation and reduces strain on your pump.

4. Run Your Pool Pump Daily

Your pool pump helps circulate chemicals and filter debris. To keep water moving:

• Run the pump for at least 8-12 hours a day during the swimming season.

• Ensure proper water flow by angling return jets for even circulation.

• Check for clogged skimmer baskets or low water levels that could reduce efficiency.

• Consider a variable-speed pump for energy savings and improved circulation.

5. Prevent and Treat Algae Growth

Algae can quickly take over a pool if left untreated. To prevent it:

• Maintain proper chlorine and pH levels.

• Brush and vacuum the pool weekly.

• Use an AquaDoc algaecide as a preventative treatment.

• Shock the pool if you notice early signs of algae.

• Run the pump continuously when treating algae for better circulation.

• Scrub ladders, steps, and corners, as algae tend to hide in these areas.

If algae have already spread, a high-dose shock treatment and thorough brushing will help restore water clarity.

6. Maintain Proper Water Levels

Water levels can fluctuate due to evaporation, rain, or heavy pool use. Keeping the water at the correct level ensures proper filtration and circulation.

• Keep the water level at the midpoint of the skimmer opening.

• If the water is too low, add water with a garden hose.

• If the water is too high, drain excess water using a pool pump or backwash function.

• Use a solar cover to reduce evaporation and maintain water levels.

7. Seasonal Maintenance for Inground Pools

Each season requires different care for your inground pool.

Spring Opening:

• Remove the pool cover and clean any debris.

• Test and balance water chemistry before swimming.

• Run the pump continuously for 24 hours after opening.

• Inspect the pool for cracks, leaks, or equipment issues.

• Deep clean the pool to remove any winter buildup.

Summer Maintenance:

• Test chemicals more frequently due to heat and increased pool use.

• Use a solar cover to reduce evaporation and chemical loss.

• Clean filters regularly to handle increased debris and swimmer waste.

• Increase pump run time during extreme heat to prevent algae growth.

Fall and Winter Closing:

• Lower the water level if freezing temperatures are expected.

• Use a winter pool cover to keep out debris.

• Add an winterizing kit to prevent algae growth during the offseason.

• Blow out plumbing lines to prevent freeze damage.

• Store pool accessories in a dry place to extend their lifespan.

Why Pool Care Products Are Necessity

AquaDoc offers high-quality pool maintenance products, including chlorine tablets, algaecides, and shock treatments. A 3-inch chlorine tablets provide long-lasting sanitation, while our pool shock eliminates contaminants and restores water clarity. AquaDoc also offers phosphate removers, clarifiers, and stain removers to handle all your pool maintenance needs. 

Take Care of Your Inground Pool Like a Pro

By following these simple maintenance steps, you’ll keep your inground pool clean, safe, and ready for swimming. From skimming debris and balancing chemicals to cleaning filters and preventing algae, regular upkeep ensures crystal-clear water all season long.