Weekly Pool Services

Chlorine Weekly Pool Service Cleaning:

1. Debris Removal (Skimming and Brushing)

• Skimming the Pool Surface: One of the most important tasks for weekly pool service is removing debris from the water's surface. Pool skimmers or nets are used to collect floating debris like leaves, insects, dirt, and other debris. This helps prevent the debris from sinking to the bottom of the pool or clogging the filtration system.

• Brushing Pool Walls and Tiles: Pool walls, steps, and tiles can accumulate algae, calcium buildup, and grime. The technician will use a pool brush to scrub the walls and tiles to keep them free of algae and mineral stains. This task is particularly important in maintaining the appearance of the pool and preventing future buildup.

  • Tile Cleaning: Special attention is given to cleaning the tile line just above the water, where oils, body lotions, and dirt can accumulate, often leaving a visible residue.

2. Vacuuming the Pool

• Vacuuming the Pool Floor: Pool service technicians use a manual or automatic pool vacuum to clean the pool floor. The vacuum removes dirt, debris, and algae that may have settled at the bottom of the pool. Manual vacuums are connected to the pool’s skimmer or vacuum port, while automatic vacuums run independently, moving around the pool floor to pick up debris.

  • If your pool has an automatic cleaning system (like a robotic cleaner), the technician may inspect the system and ensure it’s functioning properly.

3. Cleaning the Skimmer and Pump Baskets

• Skimmer Basket: The technician will open the skimmer baskets and remove any debris that has been collected. This is essential to maintain the water circulation system and prevent clogging. A full skimmer basket will hinder proper filtration, so it must be cleaned regularly.

• Pump Basket: The pump basket (located in the pump housing) also collects debris, and it is important to check and clean this basket regularly. If the pump basket is clogged, it can affect the flow of water through the filtration system and potentially damage the pump.

4. Chemical Testing and Balancing

• Water Testing: The technician uses a test kit or digital tester to check the pool’s water chemistry. This involves testing for:

  • pH Levels: Ensures the water is neither too acidic nor too alkaline. The ideal pH for pool water is between 7.4 and 7.6.

  • Chlorine Levels: Ensures there is enough chlorine in the water to disinfect it. Typically, the chlorine level should be between 1.0 and 3.0 ppm.

  • Alkalinity: Ensures the pool water has proper buffering capacity. The ideal range is between 80 and 120 ppm.

  • Calcium Hardness: Measures the level of calcium in the water, which can affect the pool’s surface and plumbing. The ideal range is typically between 200 and 400 ppm.

  • Stabilizer (Cyanuric Acid): This helps protect chlorine from being broken down by sunlight. The recommended level is typically between 30 and 50 ppm.

• Adjusting Chemicals: Based on the test results, the technician will add the necessary chemicals to balance the water, including:

  • Chlorine or other sanitizers (like bromine or algaecide)

  • pH increaser (sodium carbonate) or pH decreaser (muriatic acid)

  • Alkalinity adjusters

  • Calcium hardness increaser if necessary

  • Cyanuric acid (stabilizer) if the levels are low

  • Algaecide or clarifiers may be added if necessary to prevent algae growth or improve water clarity.

5. Filter Inspection and Cleaning

• Filter Check: The pool’s filtration system is essential for maintaining clean water. The technician will check the filter’s condition and clean or backwash the filter as necessary.

  • Sand or DE Filters: These types of filters require periodic backwashing to clear out trapped debris.

  • Cartridge Filters: These may need to be removed and rinsed with a hose to clear out debris. Some systems require full cleaning or replacement every 3 to 6 months.

6. Checking Pool Equipment

• Pump and Heater Inspection: The technician will check the pool pump to ensure it’s operating smoothly and that water is circulating properly. The pump is the heart of the filtration system, so its performance is crucial.

  • If the pool has a heater, it will be inspected to ensure it functions properly.

• Check Pool Lighting and Other Equipment: The technician may also inspect any pool lights or other equipment, such as automatic pool cleaners, to ensure everything functions correctly.54

7. Water Level Check and Adjustment

• Water Level: The water level in the pool should be at the midpoint of the skimmer opening. If the water level is too low, it can cause the pump to run dry and burn out. If it’s too high, debris may flow over the skimmer. The technician will adjust the water level if necessary.

8. Checking for Algae Growth

• Inspecting for Algae: The technician will inspect the pool for any signs of algae growth, particularly in areas like the corners or behind ladders where water circulation is minimal. If any algae is found, the technician will treat the pool with appropriate algaecides or other chemicals.

• Preventive Measures: In addition to chemical treatments, the technician may adjust the pool’s circulation or add algaecide to prevent future growth.

9. Pool Equipment Operation Check

• Pump Operation: The technician will check that the pool’s pump is running at the correct speed and ensuring proper circulation.

• Pool Cleaner Check: If there is an automatic pool cleaner (like a suction-side cleaner, pressure-side cleaner, or robotic cleaner), the technician will inspect it to ensure its functioning properly, cleaning the pool effectively, and not clogged with debris.

10. Documentation and Customer Communication

• Service Report: After the service, the technician will provide a service report that details what was done during the visit, including any chemicals added, equipment inspected, and any repairs or maintenance recommendations.

• Client Feedback: If there are any issues that require attention (e.g., needed repairs or equipment replacements), the technician will communicate this to the pool owner, and the customer will be advised on next steps.

Saltwater Weekly Pool Service (Additional Steps):

4. Chemical Testing and Balancing

• Water Testing: The technician will test the water chemistry to ensure the pool’s water remains safe, clean, and properly balanced. The primary focus will be:

  • pH Levels: Saltwater pools typically require a pH level of 7.4 to 7.6. Imbalanced pH can cause equipment corrosion or scaling, as well as skin and eye irritation.

  • Chlorine Levels: Although saltwater pools generate their own chlorine through the salt chlorine generator, it is still important to check the chlorine levels to ensure they are within the proper range, typically 1.0 to 3.0 ppm.

  • Alkalinity: Alkalinity levels need to be in the range of 80 to 120 ppm to help stabilize pH levels and prevent fluctuations.

  • Calcium Hardness: Saltwater pools can develop calcium buildup, so maintaining a proper level of 200–400 ppm is essential to avoid scaling in the pool, heater, or filter.

  • Cyanuric Acid (Stabilizer): While the stabilizer (cyanuric acid) is typically less important in saltwater pools, it’s still important to keep it in the range of 30 to 50 ppm to protect chlorine from being broken down by UV rays from the sun.

• Adjusting Chemicals: Based on the test results, the technician will add the appropriate chemicals to adjust water chemistry, which may include:

  • Chlorine (if necessary): In some cases, the saltwater chlorinator may not produce enough chlorine, especially during periods of high pool usage or after heavy rains, requiring additional chlorine to be added.

  • pH adjusters: Chemicals like sodium carbonate (pH increaser) or muriatic acid (pH decreaser) may be used to bring the pH levels into balance.

  • Alkalinity increaser: If the alkalinity is too low, the technician will add an alkalinity increaser.

  • Calcium hardness increaser: If calcium hardness levels are too low, the technician will add a calcium increaser.

  • Cyanuric acid: If the stabilizer is too low, the technician may add cyanuric acid to protect chlorine from the sun’s UV rays.

5. Inspection and Cleaning of Salt Chlorine Generator

• Salt Chlorine Generator Check: The salt chlorine generator, which converts salt into chlorine, is an essential component in maintaining the pool’s chlorine levels. The technician will inspect the salt cell for scaling or buildup, which can reduce its efficiency. If scaling is present, the technician will clean the salt cell with a cleaning solution or vinegar to remove deposits.

• Salt Levels: The technician will check the salt level in the pool to ensure it falls within the manufacturer’s recommended range (usually between 2,500 and 4,000 ppm). If necessary, the technician will add more salt to the pool to maintain proper levels.

Do You Qualify for Bi-Weekly Service?

If your pool is in good condition and doesn’t require frequent maintenance, you may qualify for bi-weekly service, which is a cost-effective and convenient option. Pools with minimal debris—often due to being in areas with little vegetation or trees—require less cleaning and attention. Additionally, if your pool has a well-maintained filtration system and stable water chemistry, it will stay cleaner for longer, reducing the need for frequent visits. Bi-weekly service can be the perfect solution to keep your pool sparkling without the higher cost of weekly maintenance!