Is your pool ready for chill vibes and happy splashes, or do you sometimes feel unsure if you’re doing enough to keep it clean?
When the sun is out and the pool becomes the go-to place for everyone, it’s important to take a few simple steps to stop algae from showing up.
The best part?
You don’t need anything fancy, just regular care and the right habits.
Here are 7 easy and smart pool maintenance tips to help you enjoy a clean, clear, and algae-free pool all summer long.
Table of Contents
Keep the Water Moving
When your pool water keeps flowing, everything works better. The chlorine spreads evenly, the filter picks up more dirt, and algae don’t get a chance to sit and grow. Still water usually collects dust, sunscreen, and small debris, which are things algae love.
To keep the water moving, try running your pump for about 8 hours a day. Some people run it more during hot weather.
Also, make sure all the return jets are aimed in a way that helps circulate the water, especially around steps, corners, and pool walls.
If your pool has a few calm spots where water doesn’t move much, give those areas a quick stir using a pool brush.
Brush and Vacuum Regularly
Brushing the pool walls and floor once or twice a week helps more than you think. Algae often begin as a thin layer on surfaces.
Brushing removes that layer before it becomes a problem. If it’s already starting to show up, regular brushing is one of the easiest ways to get rid of pool algae before it spreads further.
Use a soft brush for vinyl or fibreglass pools, and a stainless steel one for concrete pools. Focus on areas like behind ladders, steps, corners, and anywhere that doesn’t get a lot of water movement.
After brushing, vacuum the pool to pick up everything you loosened. Even if the water looks clean, brushing and vacuuming help keep your pool balanced and fresh.
Test Your Pool Water Every Week
Testing your water weekly helps you understand what your pool needs. If everything is in balance, your chlorine can work properly, and your water stays clear.
Keep an eye on these:
- Free chlorine (to kill germs)
- pH (between 7.2 and 7.6)
- Alkalinity (for stable pH)
- Stabilizer (helps chlorine last longer)
- Calcium hardness (for surface protection)
You can use test strips or a liquid test kit, whichever feels easier for you. Once you get used to checking, it becomes a quick routine like watering plants or checking the fridge before shopping.
Keep Your Filter Clean
Your pool filter is always working in the background, collecting small particles and dirt from the water. But if it gets too full, it won’t clean properly. That’s why cleaning your filter is a must.
If you have a cartridge filter, rinse it with a hose every few weeks and deep-clean it monthly.
Sand and DE filters need backwashing; just follow your filter’s instructions. Also, check your pressure gauge. If it reads higher than normal, it’s probably time to clean the filter.
Clean filters mean better water flow and better performance from your pool chemicals.
Use Algaecide as a Preventive
Algaecide is often thought of as something you only use when algae show up. But actually, using it weekly as a preventive measure works well.
Choose an algaecide that suits your pool type. Non-foaming types are a good option if you don’t want bubbles on the surface. If your pool gets used a lot or has been through heavy rain, adding algaecide afterward is also helpful.
Just pour it in while the pump is running and let it circulate. It’s one of those simple habits that save you effort later.
Shock Your Pool Often
Shocking your pool means giving it a strong dose of chlorine to clean out invisible stuff that normal levels might miss. This includes small bacteria and even early-stage algae.
Do this once a week during summer, especially after a party or after it rains. Add the shock at night so the sun doesn’t burn it off too quickly. Let the filter run all night if possible.
It’s like giving your pool a fresh start every week, and it helps all the other treatments work better too.
Don’t Forget the Corners and Pool Toys
Algae can hide in places we don’t always clean, like steps, ladders, light covers, or floating toys. These are often ignored, but still touch the water every day.
Make it a habit to clean pool accessories, floats, and even skimmer baskets once a week. Rinse off toys after use and store them dry. Use a small brush or cloth to wipe corners and hardware like railings or jets.
Final Words
Keeping algae out of your pool this summer is easier than you think. With just a bit of regular care like brushing, testing water, cleaning filters, and using the right products, you’ll enjoy a pool that’s always ready for fun. These tips don’t take much time, but they go a long way in keeping everything clean and clear.
