The following is a basic guide to key concepts in swimming pool maintenance. In adhering to the general guidelines listed, owning and operating a home pool is easy, leaving you with plenty of time to relax and enjoy the benefits of a cared-for swimming pool.

The two main areas covered in this article will be structural maintenance of the pool — the filters and pumps; and secondly, water — addressing the frequent problems with algae and appropriate chemistry.

Think about the pump and filter as the heart of swimming pool maintenance. To insure the cleanliness of a home pool, careful attention should be paid to the workings and proper management of the pump. Closely follow the instructions on the specific pump installed in your pool. Don’t hesitate to contact the manufacturer for trouble-shooting tips. The pump moves the water in the pool through a set of filters; these are often basket-shaped and installed at the periphery of the pool. The filters in turn trap all debris — leaves, water bugs, etc. As the debris can build up quickly, it is imperative the filters be emptied often. During the summer months when the pool is used most often, this is crucial. A rule-of-thumb for easy swimming pool maintenance is to stop any problem before it has a chance to develop. Emptying the filter is the first of these rules. Consider making this a part of a daily routine. As the filter fills with debris, the pressure in the pump increases, this could ultimately lead to a non-working pump. There are various types of filters — cartridge filters, which have filament in them to catch small particles; sand filters, here sand collects the debris; another filter type is diatomaceous earth, this is a more complex system which requires special attention. In addition to caring for the filter in swimming pool maintenance remember to insure the skimmer is working properly, and doesn’t become clogged.

Looking after the water pH balance is also a key step in swimming pool maintenance. This is not as complicated as one thinks, simply keep the water enjoyable. The cosmetics, dirt or natural oils on skin can rapidly change the over all pH balance of a swimming pool, which you want to remain alkaline — this will wards off algae and keeps the water safe. Simple test kits are available that measure the pH of the water instantly. By following the directions, a suitable mixture can be formulated and this easily sprinkled into the pool.