Essential Tips Every Pool Owner Should Know

For pool owners in Tucson, a backyard swimming pool isn’t just a luxury—it’s a lifestyle. To keep your water clear and your equipment working well, you need more than just chlorine. If you are new to pool care or tired of guessing your water chemistry, this guide is for you. Patio Pools & Spas will help you learn everything about pool maintenance in the Southern Arizona climate.

man cleaning pool based on Tucson pool maintenace guide Patio Pools and Spas

Why Proper Pool Maintenance Matters

Maintaining your pool isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about water quality, swimmer safety, and protecting your investment. Left unchecked, poor maintenance can lead to cloudy water, equipment failure, and even unsafe swimming conditions.

Taking care of your pool filter system helps it last longer. It also keeps your pool pump working well so that your pool is always ready for fun.

Beginners guild to pool maintenance tucson patio pools infographic

  1. Start with Circulation – It’s the Heart of Your Pool

    A healthy pool starts with good circulation. Think of your pool pump as the heart of the system.

    It pushes water through the pool filter. Then, it returns clean, treated water back into the swimming pool. In hot climates like Tucson, running your pump 8–12 hours a day is key.

    • Make sure pool skimmers are free of debris
    • Inspect return jets to ensure proper flow
    • Keep baskets and pump strainers clean

    Pro Tip: Daily circulation prevents algae and distributes pool chemicals evenly.

  2. Testing the Water – Weekly is Non-Negotiable

    Water tests are your best defense against poor water quality. Use a test kit or test strips to measure:

    • pH level (should be between 7.2 and 7.8)
    • Chlorine (1–3 parts per million, or ppm)
    • Total Alkalinity (80–120 ppm)
    • Calcium Hardness (200–400 ppm)
    • Cyanuric Acid (CYA) (30–50 ppm)

    Unbalanced pool water can be just as dangerous as dirty water. It can irritate eyes, corrode equipment, or even turn green overnight.

    Stop by Patio Pools & Spas and we’ll test your water—just like drinking water, accuracy matters!

  3. Balance Your Pool Chemicals in the Right Order

    When adjusting water chemistry, follow this sequence:

    1. Total Alkalinity – it stabilizes pH
    2. pH – adjust using pH up/down to stay in the 7.2 range
    3. Chlorine or Sanitizer – your main defense against bacteria
    4. Stabilizer (CYA) – protects chlorine from sunlight
    5. Calcium Hardness – especially important for plaster pools

    Target levels are measured in parts per million (ppm). Always add chemicals one at a time, letting each fully circulate before retesting.

  4. Clean with Purpose: Brush, Skim, and Vacuum Weekly

    Manual cleaning prevents algae and improves water clarity.

    • Brush walls, steps, and corners weekly
    • Skim debris daily using a leaf net or pool skimmer
    • Vacuum or use automatic pool cleaners to clean the bottom

    Desert Tip: Monsoons and windstorms can dump dirt, leaves, and bugs into your pool. Stay ahead of it with a consistent cleaning routine.

  5. Shock Your Swimming Pool Regularly

    Shocking removes organic contaminants and reactivates your sanitizer.

    Use a calcium hypochlorite shock weekly in summer or after:

    • Heavy pool usage
    • Monsoon dust storms
    • Noticing cloudy water or chlorine odor

    Always test your water after shocking to rebalance.

  6. Know Your Pool Filter and Clean It Often

    Filters trap debris and maintain water clarity. Depending on your system:

    • Sand Filters: Backwash Tucson pools every 1–2 weeks
    • Cartridge Filters: Rinse monthly, deep clean every 3 months
    • DE Filters: Backwash monthly, clean grids quarterly

    Over time, filters become clogged. Check the pressure gauge weekly and clean as needed to protect your filter system and ensure optimal water flow.

  7. Watch Water Levels Closely

    Tucson’s dry climate means high evaporation. Keep water halfway up the skimmer for proper circulation.

    • Too low = pump damage
    • Too high = poor surface skimming

    Consider an auto-fill system to maintain stable water levels, especially in summer.

  8. Invest in the Right Tools and Equipment

    Your pool maintenance routine is only as good as your tools:

    • Test Kit or digital meter
    • Durable pool brush
    • Telescopic skimmer pole
    • Automatic pool cleaner