Keeping your pool in North Carolina clean and healthy requires regular maintenance, but there are some common mistakes you'll want to avoid. Not keeping up with regular cleaning, such as skimming, vacuuming, and brushing, can lead to dirt and debris buildup. Failing to regularly test the water and use chemicals properly can result in imbalanced water chemistry. Additionally, neglecting to clean and maintain the filter can reduce its effectiveness and lead to poor water quality. Cleaning the filter regularly, according to its type, is essential to maintain its efficiency and prevent increased energy costs.


Not keeping up with regular cleaning is a pool maintenance mistake you want to avoid.

Skimming leaves off the surface of a pool in Cary, NC.

One of the most fundamental aspects of pool maintenance is regular cleaning, yet it's easy to overlook. Skimming the surface to remove leaves and debris is something you should do as often as daily. Allowing debris to accumulate can lead to clogging in the filtration system, affecting its efficiency and the quality of the water.

In addition to skimming, vacuuming the pool floor and brushing the walls is crucial to prevent algae build-up. Regular cleaning keeps your pool looking pristine and ensures the water remains safe and inviting. Setting a cleaning schedule can help you stay consistent and ensure your pool remains in top condition.


Avoid Not Regularly Testing the Water of Your Pool

Regularly testing your pool water is fundamental to maintaining a safe and enjoyable swimming environment. Understanding the balance of chemicals is crucial, as it affects everything from water clarity to swimmer comfort. The pH level should remain between 7.2 and 7.8 to prevent eye irritation and skin discomfort.

Total alkalinity acts as a stabilizer for pH levels, preventing sudden fluctuations that could cause chemical imbalances. Meanwhile, maintaining appropriate calcium hardness helps avoid corrosion of pool equipment and scaling on surfaces. Regular testing allows you to make informed adjustments, preventing costly damage to liners and plumbing. Additionally, keeping a detailed log of test results helps track trends and tailor your maintenance routine. Utilizing quality test kits or digital testers ensures accurate readings, making it easier to maintain a harmonious chemical balance.

A balanced pH level maintains comfortable swimming conditions in your pool.

Another pool maintenance mistake you want to avoid is not cleaning the filter.

The filter system is your pool’s primary defense against contaminants, and its efficiency directly impacts water clarity and quality. Depending on the filter type, maintenance can mean backwashing sand or diatomaceous earth (DE) filters, replacing worn-out cartridges, or even rinsing and recharging the DE grids. Each type of filter has specific intervals for cleaning, with sand and DE filters generally needing backwashing once a month, while cartridges should be inspected monthly and deep-cleaned seasonally.

Not maintaining the filter can lead to increased pressure on the pool pump, rendering it less effective and increasing energy costs. Regular inspection and servicing of your filter system helps ensure your pool remains clear, inviting, and hassle-free.


Keep your pool in top shape with our pool maintenance service. Call us today to sign up!

If you're looking to keep your pool in top condition, take advantage of our pool maintenance service. This service starts with a visit from our lead tech to inspect your pool and get it in good shape, which can involve repairs or upgrades. From there, you can expect weekly visits from our team to perform various maintenance tasks, such as checking and balancing chemical and salt levels, brushing pool surfaces, removing debris, vacuuming the pool, and more.

This service also includes ensuring all lights and equipment are working, blowing off debris from hardscape features around your pool, and wiping down any pool furniture. Our team at Greenway Irrigation offers this service to homeowners in Cary, Chapel Hill, Raleigh, NC, and surrounding areas. Give us a call today at (919) 217-4340 to sign up!