New Pool Owner? Here's What You Need to Know

So…you have a pool.

Maybe you just had one installed. Maybe you bought a house that came with one. Or maybe somebody handed you the keys, pointed toward the backyard and basically said, “Good luck.” 😂

Either way, if you're staring at your pool wondering what exactly you're supposed to be doing every day, you're not alone.

I’ve spent years testing pool water and helping people who walk in completely overwhelmed. And here's the good news:

Taking care of a pool is not nearly as complicated as it can sound.

You don't need to understand everything today. You just need to understand a few basics.

1. Your Water Needs to Be Tested

This is where I want every new pool owner to start.

Don't wait until the pool turns green.

Testing tells us what's happening in the water before you can necessarily see that something is wrong.

You're looking at things like chlorine, pH, alkalinity, stabilizer and calcium hardness. Does this pool use chlorine as a sanitizer? It could be salt, Baquacil, Ionizer, or even something else . Chlorine is the most common sanitizer.

You don't have to memorize what every one of those means yet.

Seriously.

For now, just remember:

Test first. Treat second.

One of the easiest ways to spend too much money on a pool is to start throwing chemicals into it because somebody said, “Try this.”

Find out what the water actually needs first.

2. Chlorine Has a Job

Chlorine isn't just something you dump in because you own a pool.

It's what helps keep the water sanitized and prevents algae and other unwanted stuff from taking over.

If your chlorine keeps disappearing, don't just keep adding more and more without figuring out why.

There is usually a reason.

Your stabilizer may be low. You may have algae starting. Your water may be out of balance. Heavy swimming, rain and hot sunny weather can affect chlorine demand too.

That's a problem we can troubleshoot.

3. Your Pump and Filter Are a Team

Your pump moves the water.

Your filter cleans what the pump sends through it.

Pretty simple.

Your pump needs to run every day during pool season, but that doesn't automatically mean it needs to run 24 hours a day.

How long it should run depends on your pool and equipment.

And here's something new pool owners sometimes miss:

Your filter needs attention too.

Depending on what kind you have, it may need to be backwashed, cleaned or have the cartridge cleaned periodically.

If you don't know what kind of filter you have, that's okay. Take a picture of it. We can usually help you figure it out.

4. Keep the Pool Physically Clean

Chemicals can't do everything.

Skim the leaves.

Empty your baskets.

Brush the walls and steps.

Vacuum the bottom or use your cleaner.

If you see something starting to grow, don't wait a week to see what happens. 😂

A little problem is almost always easier to fix than a big one.

5. Learn What “Normal” Looks Like

This one doesn't get talked about enough.

Pay attention to your pool when everything is working correctly.

What does the water look like?

Where does your filter pressure normally sit?

What does your pump normally sound like?

How strong is the water coming from your returns?

Once you know what's normal for your pool, you'll notice much faster when something changes.

That can save you a lot of trouble.

6. Don't Chase Perfect Numbers All Day

Yes, water balance matters.

No, you don't need to stand beside your pool with a test kit three times a day. 😂

Pools change.

People swim. It rains. The sun comes out. Temperatures rise. Leaves fall in.

Your goal is consistent, properly balanced water, not panicking every time one number moves slightly.

7. Please Don't Mix Chemicals Together

This one is a big deal.

Pool chemicals are powerful chemicals.

Follow the directions on the product you're using, add products separately as directed, and never combine different pool chemicals together in the same container.

And if you're unsure whether two products can be added around the same time, ask before guessing.

8. If Something Looks Wrong, Deal With It Early

Cloudy?

Green tint?

Yellow stuff on the walls?

Rust-colored water?

Pump suddenly sounds different?

Water level dropping?

Those are clues.

Your pool is basically telling you:

“Hey. Something changed.”

That's the time to investigate—not after the entire pool has turned into a swamp.

9. Take Pictures of Your Equipment

This is one of my favorite tips for new pool owners.

Go outside and take pictures of:

• Your pump

• Your filter

• Your heater, if you have one

• Your salt system, if you have one

• The labels/model numbers on the equipment

Save them in an album on your phone called POOL.

Then when something isn't working and somebody asks, “What pump do you have?” you don't have to say:

“Ummm…the black one?” 😂

You'd be surprised how often pictures help us solve a problem.

10. You Do NOT Have to Know Everything

This may be the most important one.

I've met plenty of people who have owned pools for years and still walk in and say:

“I have no idea what I'm doing.”

That's okay.

You don't have to become a chemist, electrician and pool technician just because you own a swimming pool.

Learn your pool a little at a time.

And when something doesn't make sense, ask somebody who knows.

The Simplest Pool Routine I Can Give You

If you're brand new and want something easy to remember:

LOOK at it.
Does anything seem different?

TEST it.
Know what's happening with your water.

CLEAN it.
Skim, brush, vacuum and empty baskets as needed.

CIRCULATE it.
Make sure your pump and filter are doing their jobs.

ASK before guessing.

That's it.

You will learn the rest as you go.

And If Your Pool Has a Problem…

That's exactly why I created Just the Water Tester.

After years behind a water-testing counter, I've learned that most people aren't looking for a chemistry lesson.

They're standing there thinking:

“Just tell me what's wrong and what I need to do.”

That's what I'm here for.

So if your water looks weird, your chemicals aren't cooperating, algae has decided to move in, or something on your equipment isn't working…

Start with the problem. We'll figure out the rest.

— Just the Water Tester
The Family Spa & Pool Place

NEW POOL OWNER TIP: Bookmark this page. As we answer more real pool-owner questions, I'll link the answers throughout this guide so you don't have to hunt for the

Contact

The Family Spa & Pool Place

732 East Stone Drive

Kingsport, TN 37660

Phone & Email

familyspas@aol.com

(423) 765-1330

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