By: Card On Guard

Having a pool is great, but keeping it clean? Not so much! Between scooping out leaves, scrubbing algae, and balancing chemicals, it can feel like a full-time job. The good news is that pool maintenance doesn’t have to take over your weekends. Luckily, with a few smart strategies (and one potentially helpful innovation), you can keep your pool sparkling with less effort.

If you’re ready to make pool care easier, here are ten ways to keep it crystal clear with minimal hassle.

Use a Pool Cover (It Can Make a Big Difference)

Want an easy way to cut down on pool maintenance? Just cover it when you’re not using it! A well-fitted pool cover helps keep out leaves, dirt, and bugs, so you won’t have to skim as often. Plus, it may help reduce evaporation, which could help stabilize your chemical balance.

Another bonus? It can help retain heat, so if you use a pool heater, you might save on energy costs. Whether you go for a manual, solar, or automatic cover, it’s a worthwhile investment that can make pool care easier and more cost-effective!

Maintain Proper Chemical Levels (Aim for Balance, Not Overuse)

Balancing your pool’s chemical levels is essential for keeping the water clean, safe, and inviting. The pH level should stay between 7.2 and 7.6 to help prevent irritation and ensure that chlorine remains effective (Source: Europool Specialist). Maintaining a chlorine level of 1 to 4 ppm may help eliminate bacteria and algae, keeping the water sanitary (Source: NPR, 2011).

Alkalinity should be kept between 80 and 120 ppm to prevent sudden pH fluctuations, which can make water harder to balance (Source: Poolwerx, 2025). Additionally, calcium hardness levels should fall between 200 and 400 ppm to reduce the risk of corrosion and scaling on pool surfaces and equipment (Source: Prestige Pools of NC, 2024).

Testing your water at least twice a week with test strips or a digital tester could help ensure these levels stay within the right range, minimizing the need for constant adjustments. Overuse of chemicals can cause skin irritation, damage swimsuits, and lead to unnecessary maintenance issues, so it’s important to maintain a proper balance.

Invest in an Effective Filter

Think of your pool filter like your pool’s kidney—it’s working around the clock to keep the water clean by removing dirt, debris, and other contaminants. A good filter can make the water clearer and reduce the workload on your pool chemicals.

There are three main types of pool filters, each with its own benefits:

• Sand Filters – These are the heavy lifters, perfect for large pools since they handle high water volumes. They trap particles between 20–100 microns and are durable and relatively easy to maintain.
• Cartridge Filters – Want finer filtration with less maintenance? Cartridge filters catch particles as small as 10–15 microns and are easier to clean than sand filters—ideal if you prefer a low-maintenance option.
• Diatomaceous Earth (DE) Filters – If you’re aiming for the cleanest water possible, DE filters might be the way to go. They remove particles as tiny as 3–5 microns, giving you crystal-clear water, though they do require a bit more upkeep. (Source: Pool Operation Management)
• No matter which one you choose, regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to keep your filter (and your pool) in good shape!

Stick to a Regular Cleaning Routine

The secret to an effortlessly clean pool? Consistency. Instead of waiting until your pool looks dirty, set a cleaning schedule to tackle maintenance in small, manageable steps.

A simple weekly routine could include:

• Skimming the surface to remove debris
• Brushing the walls and tiles to prevent algae buildup
• Vacuuming the bottom to remove settled dirt
• Emptying skimmer and pump baskets to maintain circulation
• By keeping up with these tasks regularly, you avoid the buildup that turns into a bigger problem later.

Use Skimmers and Leaf Nets Daily

Leaves, bugs, and debris can quickly turn a clean pool into a mess. The quick fix? A skimmer net. Skimming the surface for just a few minutes daily can help prevent dirt from sinking to the bottom, where it’s harder to clean.

For pools surrounded by trees, investing in a leaf net might save you hours of work. Unlike a skimmer, which only catches floating debris, a leaf net is designed to capture large amounts of leaves before they reach the water.

Prioritize Circulation

Stagnant water is a breeding ground for bacteria and algae, which is the last thing you want in your pool. The key to keeping your water fresh and clean is good circulation.

Make sure your pump runs for at least 8 to 12 hours a day, especially when the weather is hot, so the water keeps moving. Adjusting the return jets could help push water around evenly so there are no dead spots where algae can grow. It’s also important to check and clean your filters and skimmers regularly because clogged ones can reduce circulation (Source: The Pool Butler).

When your pool’s water is flowing properly, chemicals are more likely to be distributed evenly, making it much harder for bacteria and algae to take over.

Find and Repair Leaks Early

Even a small leak can affect your pool’s water chemistry, causing you to constantly add chemicals and water (Source: Bullseye Leak Detection, 2019). If you notice your pool’s water level dropping for no clear reason, it may be a sign of a leak. Cracks or loose tiles are another potential indicator, as they can mean the pool structure is under stress. Equipment issues, like loose fittings or a faulty pump, could also cause slow leaks that add up over time (Source: Intec America).

If you suspect a leak, perform a simple bucket test. Fill a bucket with pool water, place it on a step, and mark the water levels inside and outside the bucket. After 24 hours, if the pool’s water level has dropped more than the bucket’s, you likely have a leak (Source: American Leak Detection).

Prepare for the Off-Season

Properly closing your pool for the winter or off-season can help save you from major cleanup headaches when it’s time to reopen.

Start by giving the pool a deep clean and balancing the water chemistry to prevent algae growth and staining. Lowering the water level can help prevent freezing damage while draining all equipment, including pumps, filters, and heaters, protects them from potential cracks or buildup. Finally, covering the pool keeps out debris and reduces the need for excessive cleaning later (Source: Hydro Finesse, 2023).

Taking these steps now may result in less hassle and expense when you’re ready to dive back in.

Create a Maintenance Checklist

Pool care is easier when you have a clear plan. A pool maintenance checklist ensures nothing gets overlooked. Some key tasks to include:

• Daily – Skim leaves, check water level, test chemicals
• Weekly – Vacuum, brush walls, empty skimmer baskets
• Monthly – Inspect filters, check for leaks, deep clean tiles
• Seasonal – Open/close the pool, service equipment

By sticking to a structured routine, pool maintenance becomes second nature.

Use Card On Guard for a Smarter, Healthier Pool

Want to make pool maintenance even easier? A big headache in pool care is managing chemicals, but Card On Guard offers a potential solution.

Card On Guard uses BioPhotonX™ UV Light Conversion Technology to help purify your pool using sunlight. Instead of adding more chemicals, it harnesses the power of light to break down bacteria and contaminants, potentially reducing your need for harsh treatments and lowering chlorine use by 50-80%.

Photo Courtesy: Card On Guard

That means:

• Less time spent balancing chemicals
• No risk of chlorine irritation to the skin, eyes, or lungs
• A healthier, eco-friendly pool with fewer toxins

Just drop it in your pool and let science do the work. It’s a simple upgrade you might want to make to your pool maintenance routine. So, if you’re looking for an eco-friendly, low-maintenance way to keep your pool clean, Card On Guard could be a great option.

Swim Smarter, Not Harder

Keeping your pool clean doesn’t have to be a full-time job. By following these ten simple steps, you’ll spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying the water. With Card On Guard, you can take a more straightforward approach to pool care, making every swim a clean, healthy, and chemical-light experience.

Curious to see how it works? Check out this quick clip, then take the next step toward effortless pool maintenance with Card On Guard.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for general guidance on pool maintenance and may not apply to all pool types or situations. Individual results may vary, and it’s recommended to consult with a pool professional for personalized advice.

Published by Joseph T.