How Often Should You Clean A Swimming Pool?

Your swimming pool is a great luxury that can be used for leisure, play, exercise, and even socializing with friends and family. 

But like anything great, your pool needs to have a thorough and regular cleaning routine to be enjoyed all year round. This is because constant changes in weather, use, and other factors can throw off your pool’s chemical balance at any time.

That said, how often should you clean a swimming pool? This is one of the most common questions pool beginners have. To help you keep your pool water sparkling clean, we answer this question — and give you a few routine recommendations! Keep reading.

How often should you clean your swimming pool?

It goes without saying that you have to keep your swimming pool clean so that it’s safe to use. Plus, it helps keep your pool equipment and components in good condition for much longer.

The question is, just how often should you be cleaning your swimming pool? The answer is at least weekly, if not every day. There are a few cleaning tasks you can do daily (such as skimming leaves and debris from your water), especially if you plan on using your pool frequently. 

Taking the time every day to check on your pool and doing some spot cleaning can help you save time on longer maintenance tasks. Doing bigger cleaning jobs weekly will keep your pool clean, and prevent bigger headaches in the future! 

When should I clean more often?

That said, there may be times when you have to clean and maintain your pool more often than a week. 

These include unusual weather, such as very hot, sunny days, or a recent storm. This is especially important if you don’t have a pool cover, as it is a sure thing that the weather has affected your water chemistry.

Other circumstances include if you’re using your pool several times a week, have had a lot of swimmers, or have allowed pets in your pool. 

If I have a small pool, can I clean it less often?

Unfortunately, no. There is a misconception that a smaller pool equals less need for maintenance, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. 

The size of your pool does not affect how long your pool chemicals will last, or how often it needs to be cleaned. The key to maintaining a clean pool is having a consistent cleaning schedule! 

Our recommended weekly maintenance routine

We said you should be cleaning your pool at least once a week, but what does this entail for you?

Generally, your weekly cleaning routine should consist of: 

• Skimming your pool of any debris — including leaves, insects, dirt, and others. 
• Emptying your skimmer basket.
• Scrubbing the sides of your pool with a brush.
• Vacuuming your pool. This is important if you notice more debris in your pool than usual. 

Once you’ve physically cleaned out your pool, you’ll need to work on your water chemistry. Keeping the right levels is important for sanitizing your water, and avoiding damage to your pool equipment and components.

This routine includes:

• Refilling your pool water — especially after vacuuming, because it removes some water from your pool. 
• Testing for pH, chlorine levels, and other parameters. 
• Adjusting pool chemicals to the right levels, which we covered in a different guide here.
• Testing again to ensure your water has the proper chemistry. 

At times your pool will need more intensive chemical treatment, such as pool shock treatment using large amounts of chlorine, or powerful algaecide (like this Pool Algaecide HCT from Oktakem). 

Our recommended monthly maintenance routine

Every month or so, you will have to do other maintenance tasks. 

One of these tasks involves deep-cleaning your pool filters. This will help remove any oil and grease they might have collected in the last month. 

You might also want to consider getting your pool serviced every other month. You could get some pool water samples and have them professionally tested to get a closer look at your water chemistry. Or, you could have a professional come and maintain your pool for you. This is useful as they also check your filtration and pump systems for you, and may identify repair and maintenance-related issues that you might not be aware of. 

Aside from this, it’s a good idea to keep a close eye on your pool, year-round. 

Key Takeaway

The question, “how often should you clean a swimming pool?” can be a bit tricky to answer, because there are a lot of things involved in cleaning and maintaining a healthy pool. But, the answer is general cleaning at least once a week, with a few bigger cleaning tasks at least once a month.

To make sure you’re stocked up on all you need for your daily, weekly, and monthly pool cleaning routine, check out Oktakem’s online store. Check out our other raw materials and swimming pool chemicals. We are a reputable swimming pool chemicals supplier in the Philippines and can provide what you need in bulk. Don’t forget to visit our official Shopee page or official Lazada page.