There is nothing like stepping outside on a Texas summer afternoon and watching sunlight dance across crystal clear water. That postcard moment does not happen by accident. It happens because someone decided to learn the art of pool care and put that knowledge into practice. Welcome to your crash course with Horizon Pools.
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Why choose Horizon Pools
Our crew spends every workday elbow deep in blue water and white foam. We see the good, the bad, and the suddenly green. We have rescued pools after storm debris, parties, and we have helped calcium-coated tiles get back that showroom shine. Everything you read here is field tested. By the end, you will hold a set of swimming pool maintenance tips that make professional service easier and personal upkeep smarter.
- Respect the balance
Water chemistry is the beating heart of any pool. Let pH drift or sanitizer levels drop, and algae will move in faster than relatives who heard you bought a beach house. pH should hover between 7.4 and 7.6. Think of that range as a sweet spot where chlorine works efficiently and swimmers stay comfortable.
Test strips are handy, but a digital tester removes the guesswork. Whichever tool you choose, make a note of your readings. Patterns appear over time, which helps you predict and prevent problems.
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- Skim and brush like you mean it
The simplest answer to how to keep a pool clean is also the oldest. Remove debris before it sinks, clogging filters and feeding algae. Grab the skimmer net every morning. Ten minutes tops. Brush walls, steps, and waterline tile twice each week. Fine dust and sunscreen build up there. Vacuum the floor weekly or set a robotic cleaner to handle the chore.
- Filter friends and backwash blues
Your filter is the lungs of the pool. Sand cartridge or DE, every type needs a little love.
- Sand filters: Backwash when the pressure gauge rises eight PSI above clean. Replace sand every five years.
- Cartridge filters: Hose down pleats monthly and deep clean each quarter. Replace cartridges every two to three years.
- DE filters: Backwash like sand units, then add fresh DE powder. Complete tear down once a year to rinse grids.
A pressure gauge that spikes suddenly can mean blockages. If that happens, call Horizon Pools before the pump strains itself into early retirement.
- Shock on schedule
Even when chlorine levels look good, organic compounds accumulate. A weekly shock restores your pool’s defense system against bacteria and buildup. Add product after sunset so sunlight does not burn off the extra chlorine. Run the pump overnight to distribute chemicals evenly. During peak season or after a big pool party, shock twice.
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- Keep calcium in check
Texas tap water loves calcium. High levels cause cloudy water and rough surfaces. Test monthly. If calcium hardness climbs above four hundred parts per million, schedule a partial drain and refill. You can also use scale inhibitors, but water replacement is often the most straightforward fix.
- Circulation is key
Poor circulation equals cold spots plus algae zones. Run your pump eight to twelve hours daily in summer and four to six hours during mild months. Angle return jets slightly downward and away from skimmers to create a gentle circular flow.
- Seasonal wisdom
- Spring: Remove and clean the cover vacuum thoroughly and balance chemicals before the first cannonball of the year.
- Summer: Test more often and keep tabs on evaporation. Top off the water early in the morning to reduce calcium deposits.
- Fall: Scoop leaves quickly. They stain plaster faster than you can imagine.
- Winter: Even if you close the pool, check the water level and pump equipment monthly. Freezing temperatures can crack pipes.
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- Your pool care guide for beginners
If you are new to the backyard oasis lifestyle, print this list and tape it in the equipment area.
Daily: Skim debris, check skimmer baskets, scan pump gauge.
Twice weekly: Test pH and chlorine, brush walls, vacuum floor.
Weekly: Backwash or rinse filters, shock the water, check water level.
Monthly: Test calcium and cyanuric acid, inspect seals and O rings lubricant as needed.
Quarterly: Deep clean the filter and perform a full equipment inspection.
Follow these steps, and you will have more time to float with a lemonade instead of fighting off algae growth.
- Know when to call the pros
DIY pride is admirable, yet certain repairs demand trained hands. If you notice persistent cloudy water despite perfect chemistry, visible cracks in plaster, or the pump screeching, pick up the phone. Horoizon Pools engineers troubleshoot equipment, swap worn gaskets, and complete acid washes without flooding your yard. Our regular pool servicing advice always begins with prevention, but sometimes the fastest fix is professional attention.
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Crystal clear starts here
Let’s be real. You didn’t get a pool so you could spend your Saturdays elbows deep in filters and pH charts. You got it for joy. For backyard laughs. For late-night swims and early-morning peace. And with the right care plan and a little expert help, you can keep it that way.
Whether you are figuring out how to keep your pool clean for the first time or looking for a smarter routine after years of trial and error, these swimming pool maintenance tips are here to save you time. At Horizon Pools, we believe every pool owner deserves crystal clear water and zero stress. That’s why we offer honest guidance, quick service, and pool techs who treat your backyard like their own. Call Horizon Pools (972-737-3254) today or visit our website www.horizonpools.com to schedule your service. We’ll take care of the science so you can focus on the fun.
