Pool Basics: How Your Pool Works & Weekly Care

Every pool runs on the 3 C’s: Circulation, Cleaning and Chemistry. Get circulation right and the other two get much easier.

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How your pool works

The pump pulls water through the skimmer and main drain, pushes it through the filter, heater and chlorinator, then sends it back through the return jets. Aim the return jets slightly down and in the same direction so the whole pool swirls and nothing sits stagnant.

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Your pool maintenance checklist

About 30 minutes a week keeps most pools trouble-free.

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Every few days

• Empty the skimmer and pump baskets

• Skim leaves and debris off the surface

• Check chlorine and pH; top up chlorine

• Check the water level (it should sit mid-way up the skimmer opening)

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Weekly

• Brush the walls, steps and tile line

• Vacuum, or check the automatic cleaner

• Test alkalinity and adjust if needed

• Shock the pool (summer)

• Check the filter pressure gauge

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Monthly

• Full water test (calcium, CYA, salt, TDS)

• Clean or backwash the filter if pressure is 8–10 psi above clean

• Inspect the salt cell for scale

• Look over the pump, timer and plumbing for leaks

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Yearly

• Deep-clean or replace the filter media

• Professional equipment inspection

• Partial drain and refill every 2–3 years (or when TDS or CYA is too high)

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Pool safety basics

• A self-closing, self-latching gate and barrier fencing around the pool

• Never leave children unsupervised; assign a “water watcher” at gatherings

• Store chemicals cool, dry, shaded and separately, and read every label

• Keep drain covers intact and compliant

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Rather let us handle it? Book a Blue Kiwi service visit.