Pool Maintenance & Care: Your Complete FAQ Guide

Maintenance and Water Chemistry

  • Testing and balancing your pool water regularly is essential for maintaining clean, safe, and healthy swimming conditions. During peak swimming season, most pool professionals recommend testing pool water 2–3 times per week, especially when pools are used frequently or during periods of extreme heat.

    Every swimming pool has unique water chemistry influenced by factors such as pool size, usage, weather, water source, and surrounding environment. Because of these variables, maintaining proper chemical balance requires experience and consistency.

    A skilled professional pool technician understands how your specific pool behaves over time. In many cases, once your pool’s chemistry is stable and healthy, weekly professional testing and balancing is all that’s needed. Experienced technicians can often predict how your chlorine, pH, and other chemical levels will change from week to week and make proactive adjustments.

    However, some situations require more frequent testing, including:

    • Water leaks or significant water loss

    • Heavy pool use or pool parties

    • Extreme temperatures or storms

    • Equipment or filtration issues

    When variables like these are present, balancing pool chemicals becomes more challenging and may require testing multiple times per week to prevent algae, cloudy water, or chemical imbalances.

    If you’re located in Charlottesville and Albemarle County, Virginia, our local pool maintenance experts can evaluate your pool’s unique needs and create a testing and balancing schedule that keeps your water crystal clear all season long—without the stress of constant monitoring.

  • Cloudy, green, or hazy pool water is a common problem and is usually caused by improper chemical balance, algae growth, or filtration issues. Clear, healthy pool water depends on several key factors working together consistently.

    First, proper pool water chemistry must be maintained. Imbalanced chlorine, pH, alkalinity, or calcium levels can reduce sanitizer effectiveness, allowing bacteria and algae to grow. Even small chemical fluctuations can cause water to lose clarity.

    Second, the water level needs to be adequate for proper circulation. If the water level is too low, the skimmer cannot operate efficiently, which limits circulation and prevents debris from being filtered out of the pool.

    Third, your pool filtration system must be clean and functioning correctly. Dirty filters, clogged pump baskets, worn filter media, or insufficient run times can all prevent the pool from removing fine particles and contaminants, resulting in cloudy or discolored water.

    Even when chemistry, water level, and filtration appear to be within normal ranges, unique conditions such as heavy swimmer load, storms, extreme heat, pollen, landscaping debris, or nearby construction can still cause cloudy or green pool water.

    If your pool water isn’t clearing up, a professional local pool service can quickly diagnose the issue, rebalance the water, inspect the filtration system, and restore crystal-clear conditions.

    If you’re in Charlottesville and Albemarle County, Virginia, our experienced pool technicians can identify the cause of cloudy or green water and get your pool back to swim-ready condition quickly and safely.

  • Maintaining proper chlorine and pH levels is essential for keeping your swimming pool safe, clean, and comfortable. Regular testing and timely adjustments help prevent algae growth, cloudy water, strong chemical odors, skin and eye irritation, and damage to pool surfaces and equipment.

    There are several reliable ways to keep pool chemicals stable and properly balanced, depending on your pool setup, usage, and budget:

    Manual pool water testing and chemical adjustments
    This traditional method involves testing your pool water with test strips or liquid test kits and manually adding chlorine and pH-balancing chemicals as needed. While this approach is affordable and effective, it requires consistent monitoring and experience to avoid over- or under-treating the water.

    Automatic chemical dispensing systems
    Automatic chlorine and pH dispensers release chemicals at controlled rates, helping maintain more consistent water chemistry with less hands-on effort. These systems are ideal for busy pool owners who want dependable results without frequent manual adjustments.

    Smart pool sensing and monitoring systems
    Advanced pool sensing systems continuously measure chlorine and pH levels in real time and alert you when adjustments are needed. Although these systems have higher upfront costs, they offer precision, convenience, and peace of mind.

    Each method comes with its own advantages, disadvantages, and costs, and many pool owners use a combination of approaches. For the most reliable results, many homeowners choose a professional local pool service to handle regular water testing, chemical balancing, and system checks.

    If you’re located in Charlottesville and Albemarle County, Virginia, our experienced pool technicians can ensure your chlorine and pH levels remain perfectly balanced year-round—saving you time and protecting your pool investment.

Cleaning and Equipment

  • Regular pool cleaning is essential for maintaining clear, healthy, and safe swimming water. For most residential pools, a well-maintained and balanced pool typically requires professional cleaning once per week, along with weekly chemical balancing to keep water conditions stable.

    The frequency of pool cleaning can vary depending on several factors, including pool usage, climate, surrounding landscaping, and swimmer load. Pools with heavy use, such as commercial or high-bather-load pools, often require multiple service visits per week to maintain proper sanitation and cleanliness.

    A comprehensive professional pool service typically includes:

    • Cleaning debris from the pool deck and surrounding area

    • Skimming leaves and debris from the water surface

    • Emptying skimmer and pump baskets

    • Vacuuming the pool floor

    • Backwashing and adjusting the filtration system as needed

    • Testing and balancing pool chemicals

    • Brushing pool walls, steps, and tile to prevent algae buildup

    In addition to routine cleaning, a skilled pool technician will also monitor your pool for early signs of leaks, equipment wear, or potential repair issues, helping prevent costly problems down the road.

    If you’re located in Charlottesville and Albemarle County, Virginia, our local pool maintenance professionals provide reliable weekly pool cleaning services tailored to your pool’s specific needs—keeping your pool clean, balanced, and swim-ready year-round.

  • Your pool filter plays a critical role in keeping your water clean, clear, and safe. Common signs that a pool filter needs attention include poor water clarity, reduced water flow, increased pressure on the filter gauge, or frequent algae problems. When a filter is dirty or worn out, it cannot properly remove debris and contaminants from the water.

    There are three main types of swimming pool filters, and each has its own maintenance requirements:

    DE (Diatomaceous Earth) filters
    DE filters provide excellent water clarity but require regular maintenance. The internal grids typically need to be replaced every 3 to 5 years, depending on usage and water conditions. Routine backwashing and recharging with DE powder are also necessary.

    Sand filters
    Sand filters are durable and low maintenance. The filter sand usually needs to be replaced every 4 to 6 years, while the entire filter tank typically lasts 10 to 15 years. Over time, worn sand becomes less effective at trapping fine particles, leading to cloudy water.

    Cartridge filters
    Cartridge filters require frequent cleaning and periodic replacement. In most cases, cartridges need to be replaced twice per season. Many pool professionals recommend keeping multiple cartridges on hand, which allows for quick swaps and reduces downtime while dirty cartridges are being cleaned.

    The frequency of cartridge cleaning or replacement depends on the amount of debris and particulate matter in your pool. Some pools may require cartridge changes as often as once per week, while others can go four to six weeks between cleanings.

    If you’re unsure whether your filter needs cleaning or replacement, a local professional pool service can inspect your system, recommend the correct maintenance schedule, and ensure your filtration system is operating efficiently.

    If you’re in Charlottesville and Albemarle County, Virginia, our experienced pool technicians can help extend the life of your filter and keep your pool water crystal clear year-round.

  • Properly cleaning and storing your pool cover is essential for extending its lifespan and ensuring it performs well season after season. Pool covers that are not cleaned, repaired, or stored correctly can develop mold, mildew, tears, and premature wear.

    The best practice is to repair any small tears or damage promptly, as minor issues can quickly worsen if left unaddressed. Before storing your pool cover, it should be thoroughly cleaned to remove leaves, dirt, algae, and standing water.

    We strongly recommend that homeowners use a professional pool closing service to ensure their pool cover is properly handled. While some experienced DIY pool owners may successfully open their pool themselves, professional pool closing helps prevent damage to both the cover and the pool.

    During a professional pool opening and closing service, your pool technician will:

    • Brush and clean debris from the pool cover

    • Inspect the cover for damage or wear

    • Properly fold and store the cover to prevent creasing and tearing

    • Store the cover in a clean, dry area to prevent mold and mildew

    Proper handling during opening and closing plays a major role in extending the life of your pool cover and protecting your investment.

    If you’re located in Charlottesville and Albemarle County, Virginia, our local pool service experts offer professional pool opening and closing services that include proper pool cover care—giving you peace of mind and helping your cover last for years to come.

Repairs and Troubleshooting

  • Detecting a pool leak early is important to prevent water loss, structural damage, and higher utility costs. One of the first signs of a possible leak is unexplained water loss, but it’s important to distinguish between normal evaporation and an actual leak.

    A simple way to start is by marking your pool’s water level and checking it again after several days. In most areas, losing more than about one inch of water per week is a strong indicator of a potential leak. In extremely hot, dry, or windy climates, some pools may experience evaporation of up to an inch to an inch and a quarter per week, which can make leak detection less obvious.

    If water loss seems excessive or unclear, the bucket test is a reliable DIY method for confirmation:

    1. Fill a bucket with pool water and place it on a pool step so the water levels inside and outside the bucket are similar.

    2. Mark the water level inside the bucket and the pool water level.

    3. After 24–48 hours, compare the two levels.

    Because both the bucket and the pool are exposed to the same conditions, they should lose water at roughly the same rate due to evaporation. If the pool water level drops more than the bucket, this usually indicates a leak.

    When results are inconclusive—or if water loss continues—professional pool leak detection may be necessary. A trained pool technician can pinpoint leaks in plumbing lines, fittings, lights, or the pool structure itself.

    If you’re located in Charlottesville and Albemarle County, Virginia, our local pool service professionals can perform accurate leak detection and recommend the best solution to protect your pool and prevent costly repairs.

  • If your pool pump or pool heater isn’t working properly, it’s important to address the issue quickly to avoid further damage, water quality problems and costly repairs. Regular inspection and routine maintenance can often prevent many common pump and heater issues before they become major failures.

    Common signs of pool pump or heater issues include:

    • Reduced or no water circulation

    • Unusual noises coming from the pump

    • Heater not turning on or failing to reach set temperature

    • Error codes or frequent system shutdowns

    First, check for obvious signs such as unusual noises, low or no water flow, error codes, tripped breakers, or leaks around the equipment pad. In some cases, clogged baskets, dirty filters, or air in the system can cause pumps or heaters to stop working efficiently.

    Pool heaters may stop functioning due to water flow issues, dirty filters, sensor problems, ignition failures, or electrical concerns.

    If your pool heater stops working, the safest and most effective step is to contact a professional pool service technician. Pool heaters and pumps involve electrical, gas, and mechanical components that should not be serviced without proper training.

    Routine professional maintenance can:

    • Identify worn or failing parts early

    • Improve energy efficiency

    • Extend the lifespan of your pool pump and heater

    • Prevent unexpected breakdowns during peak swimming season

    If you’re located in Charlottesville and Albemarle County, Virginia, our local pool service experts provide reliable pool pump and heater inspections, repairs, and ongoing maintenance. If your pool heater isn’t working, please feel free to give us a call, and we’ll be happy to help get your pool equipment back up and running quickly.

  • Proper pool winterization is essential for protecting your pool and equipment during colder months and preventing freeze damage, costly repairs, and spring start-up problems. Common winterization steps include adding winterizing chemicals, lowering the water level, blowing out plumbing lines, adding pool antifreeze, and securely installing a pool cover.

    While these steps may sound straightforward, correctly winterizing a pool requires training, experience, and specialized equipment. In fact, professional pool technicians typically complete national standardization testing and spend at least one full season gaining hands-on experience before they are qualified to properly open and close swimming pools.

    Because of this complexity, we generally do not teach homeowners how to open or close their pools unless they request a specialized maintenance class. Attempting to learn proper winterization in just one or two hours is often not enough to prevent mistakes that can lead to cracked pipes, damaged equipment, or water chemistry issues.

    Professional pool winterization ensures:

    • Plumbing lines are fully cleared and protected from freezing

    • Water levels are set correctly for your pool type

    • Winter chemicals are balanced for long-term protection

    • Pool covers are installed and stored properly

    If you’re located in Charlottesville and Albemarle County, Virginia, our local pool service technicians provide professional pool closing and winterization services designed to protect your pool throughout the winter and ensure a smooth, stress-free opening in the spring.

General and Seasonal Care

  • Yes, ongoing pool supervision during the winter is highly recommended to help prevent leaks, algae growth, and costly equipment damage. While many homeowners choose not to actively maintain their pools during the colder months, unattended pools can still develop problems that are expensive to fix in the spring.

    Even when a pool is closed, issues such as undetected water loss, cover damage, algae growth, freezing-related equipment stress, and plumbing leaks can occur without regular monitoring. A small winter issue can quickly turn into a major repair if left unnoticed for months.

    For homeowners who prefer added protection, we offer professional winter pool maintenance options, including:

    • Weekly winter pool service for pools that remain open or require close monitoring

    • Monthly winter inspections for closed pools, providing an extra set of experienced eyes on your pool and equipment

    These services help protect your pool structure, plumbing, and equipment while preserving water quality and preventing unpleasant surprises when warmer weather returns.

    If you’re located in Charlottesville and Albemarle County, Virginia, our local pool maintenance professionals can tailor a winter service plan that fits your needs—giving you peace of mind and protecting your pool as the valuable investment it is.

  • The cost of regular pool maintenance can vary depending on several factors, including pool size, pool type, equipment, and frequency of service. Additional considerations such as water chemistry needs, seasonal conditions, and overall pool usage can also affect pricing.

    Our regular pool maintenance pricing is currently below the local market average, although rates may gradually adjust as we continue to balance workload, staffing levels, and service demand. That said, our focus has never been solely on offering the lowest price—it’s on delivering the highest level of quality, reliability, and professional care for our clients.

    Professional pool maintenance typically includes:

    • Routine pool cleaning and debris removal

    • Water testing and chemical balancing

    • Equipment inspections and system adjustments

    • Early detection of leaks or potential repair issues

    While low-cost services may seem appealing, consistent and high-quality pool maintenance helps prevent costly repairs, extend equipment life, and protect your investment over time.

    If you’re located in Charlottesville and Albemarle County, Virginia, our local pool service professionals are happy to provide transparent pricing and help you choose a maintenance plan that fits your pool, your budget, and your expectations—without compromising on service quality.

  • The cost of pool supervision varies depending on your pool’s size, type, and the frequency of service you choose. We understand that every pool—and every budget—is unique, which is why we offer flexible options to meet your needs.

    Our Pricing Philosophy

    While our regular pool maintenance rates are currently below market average, we are gradually adjusting our pricing to reflect the increased workload per technician and the high level of service we provide. Our focus has always been on delivering the highest quality care rather than simply offering the lowest price.

    We believe in:

    • Fair pricing that reflects the expertise, time, and effort our technicians invest.

    • Transparency—no hidden fees or unexpected charges.

    • Value for your investment, ensuring your pool remains in top condition year-round.

    What Influences Cost?

    1. Pool Size and Type:

      • Larger pools or those with complex features (e.g., spas, waterfalls) require more time and resources.

    2. Frequency of Service:

      • Weekly service (for open pools) involves more hands-on tasks, such as chemical balancing and equipment checks.

      • Monthly service (for closed pools) focuses on inspections and preventative maintenance, which may be more cost-effective.

    3. Customized Needs:

      • Additional services, such as equipment repairs, leak detection, or specialized winter treatments, may incur extra costs.

    Why Choose Us?

    • Experienced technicians who prioritize quality and attention to detail.

    • Personalized service plans tailored to your pool’s unique requirements.

    • Peace of mind knowing your pool is in expert hands, even during the off-season.

    If you’d like a customized quote for winter supervision, let us know your pool’s specifics, and we’ll provide a detailed, no-obligation estimate. Your pool’s health is

  • The best time to open or close your swimming pool depends on your local climate, surrounding environment, and usage preferences, but timing plays a major role in water quality, maintenance costs, and scheduling availability.

    Best time to open your pool

    We highly recommend being an early bird when it comes to pool openings. In the pool service industry, demand can shift very quickly—from slow to extremely busy in a matter of weeks. It’s not uncommon for hundreds of pools to need opening within a short two-week window.

    For most homeowners, the ideal time to open a pool is late March through April. Opening early offers several advantages:

    • Early-season openings are often eligible for discounted rates

    • Your pool is easier to clean before algae and debris build up

    • Any needed repairs can be addressed before peak swimming season

    • You avoid the heavy rush leading up to Memorial Day weekend, which is typically the busiest time of the year

    By May, especially approaching Memorial Day, pool opening schedules fill quickly and availability becomes limited.

    Best time to close your pool

    For pool closings, we generally recommend around Labor Day weekend or shortly after, though personal preference and property conditions can vary. Homeowners with heavy leaf fall may choose to wait until later in the season, while others prefer to close early.

    In most cases, closing later in the season reduces the chance of algae growth over the winter, which means a cleaner, healthier pool opening in the spring.

    If you’re located in Charlottesville and Albemarle County, Virginia, our local pool service professionals can help you choose the ideal opening and closing schedule based on your property, pool type, and seasonal conditions—while ensuring your pool is properly cared for during peak demand periods.

Professional Services

  • Many homeowners wonder whether professional pool maintenance is necessary or if they can handle it themselves. While basic DIY pool care can work for some, hiring a professional pool maintenance company ensures your pool stays clean, safe, and operating efficiently all season long.

    At Pure Water Pools LLC, we offer flexible pool cleaning and maintenance services designed to fit your lifestyle, schedule, and budget—whether you want full-service care or expert help when you need it most.

    Get a Free Pool Service Consultation

    DIY Pool Maintenance vs. Professional Pool Services

    DIY Pool Maintenance

    Homeowners can handle simple pool maintenance tasks such as:

    • Skimming debris

    • Testing pool water chemistry

    • Adding basic pool chemicals

    However, DIY pool care requires time, consistency, and technical knowledge. Improper chemical balance or missed maintenance can lead to algae growth, equipment damage, or costly repairs.

    Professional Pool Maintenance

    Professional pool services are ideal for busy homeowners, complex pool systems, or anyone who wants a worry-free swimming experience. Our trained technicians provide expert pool cleaning, water balancing, equipment inspections, and repairs—so your pool stays in top condition without the stress.

    Schedule Professional Pool Maintenance

    Our Pool Maintenance Service Options:

    Silver Service – Essential Pool Care Support

    Our Silver Service is perfect for homeowners who manage routine pool upkeep but want reliable professional support for key services.

    This plan includes:

    • Professional pool opening and closing services (twice per year)

    • Pool equipment and mechanical repairs on a per-call basis

    • Bulk, discounted pool chemicals for the entire swimming season

    This option is ideal if you’re comfortable with basic maintenance but want expert help for seasonal services and unexpected issues.

    Gold Service – Full-Service, Worry-Free Pool Maintenance

    Our Gold Service is designed for homeowners who want a completely hands-off pool experience. With this all-inclusive plan, we handle every aspect of your pool’s care—so all you have to do is enjoy it.

    Gold Service includes:

    • Pool opening and closing services

    • Regular water testing and professional chemical balancing

    • Ongoing inspections and minor repairs

    • Complete mechanical support, including equipment repair and rehabilitation

    • Priority scheduling for urgent pool service needs

    From pool construction and upgrades to routine cleaning and maintenance, Pure Water Pools LLC is your one-stop solution for expert pool services.

    Why Choose Professional Pool Maintenance?

    Hiring a professional pool maintenance company helps you:

    • Save time and avoid ongoing maintenance hassles

    • Prevent costly repairs through early issue detection

    • Extend the life of your pool and equipment

    • Enjoy clean, safe water all season long

    Our experienced team takes pride in delivering dependable, high-quality pool services you can trust.

    Ready to Enjoy a Stress-Free Pool?

    Not sure which pool service plan is right for you? We’re happy to help. Contact Pure Water Pools LLC today to discuss your needs and let us take the work out of pool ownership.