The Ultimate Guide to Taking Care of Your Inground Pool

Owning an inground pool in Winter Park, FL, is a rewarding luxury. It’s the perfect spot to cool down during Florida's hot summers, entertain friends, or just unwind after a long week. However, keeping your pool in pristine condition requires more than just a quick skim of the surface. Proper pool care not only protects your investment but also ensures a safe and enjoyable swimming environment for you and your loved ones.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps for maintaining an inground pool and outline why enlisting professional pool service in Winter Park, FL, can make all the difference.
 

Why Pool Maintenance Is Crucial

A well-maintained pool ensures both aesthetics and functionality. Neglecting routine care can lead to murky water, damaged equipment, and health risks for swimmers. Here's why consistent maintenance matters:

• Protects Your Investment: Repairs caused by neglect can cost thousands of dollars.
• Enhances Water Safety: Clean, balanced water prevents harmful bacteria and algae growth.
• Prolongs Equipment Life: Proper maintenance helps pumps, filters, and heaters run efficiently.
• Saves Time and Stress: Staying ahead of problems keeps the enjoyment hassle-free.

Now that we understand the importance of upkeep, let’s explore the core steps of inground pool care.
 

Essential Steps to Take Care of Your Pool

1. Skimming, Brushing, and Vacuuming

Leaves, dirt, and debris are your pool’s worst enemies. Over time, they can cause unbalanced water and clog your filtration system.

• Skimming: Use a pool net to remove floating debris from the water daily.
• Brushing: Brush the pool walls and floor to prevent algae growth. Don’t forget areas like corners and steps.
• Vacuuming: Invest in an automatic cleaner or manually vacuum weekly to pick up debris that sinks to the bottom.

2. Maintaining Proper Water Chemistry

Balancing your pool's water chemistry is key to avoiding irritation and damage.

• Test Regularly: Use a pool testing kit or digital tester to check pH levels, alkalinity, and chlorine levels at least twice a week.
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  • Ideal pH range: 7.2–7.6
  • Free chlorine level: 1-3 ppm
  • Total alkalinity: 80–120 ppm
• Shock Your Pool: Shock your pool weekly or after heavy use to eliminate contaminants and return water to its optimal condition.

Maintaining proper water chemistry can be tricky, but professional pool services in Winter Park, FL, like Pure & Simple Poolcare, specialize in water balancing to ensure your pool stays safe and crystal-clear.

3. Cleaning the Pool Filter

Your filter works tirelessly to remove impurities from the water. To keep it functioning efficiently:

• Backwash a sand or DE filter when the pressure gauge rises 8–10 PSI above normal.
• Clean cartridge filters every two weeks or as needed.
• Replace filters according to manufacturer recommendations.

4. Monitoring Water Levels

Low water levels can damage your pool pump, while high water levels can throw off your skimmer’s balance. Check the waterline weekly and adjust as needed:

• Use a garden hose to fill the pool if water levels are low.
• If there’s been heavy rain, use a submersible pump to remove excess water.

5. Inspecting Pool Equipment

Your pool’s pump, heater, and filter keep everything running smoothly. Regularly inspect your equipment for:

• Leaks or unusual noises.
• Proper function of valves and seals.
• Signs of wear and tear on hoses and fittings.

Hiring a professional pool service in Winter Park, FL, ensures your equipment is regularly inspected and serviced, extending its life and saving you costly repairs.

6. Preparing for Seasonal Changes

Although Florida’s climate is warm year-round, minimal seasonal prep is still necessary. Here’s what to do:

• For Winter:
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  • Reduce pump runtime to 4–6 hours daily to save energy.
  • Maintain water chemistry even if the pool isn’t in frequent use.
• For Summer:
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  • Increase filtration time during peak usage.
  • Monitor for algae growth due to higher water temperatures.

7. Managing Pool Repairs

Wear and tear on your pool is inevitable. Regular maintenance inspections can identify small problems, like cracked tiles or worn seals, before they become costly fixes.

Pro Tip: Address any cracks, broken tiles, or leaks immediately to avoid further damage.
 

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Pool Service in Winter Park, FL

Maintaining an inground pool is a time-consuming process that requires attention to detail. That’s where professional pool services come in. Here’s why hiring a pool expert can make all the difference:

• Saves Time: Life is busy, and a professional can handle the heavy lifting, leaving you more time to enjoy your pool.
• Consistent Expertise: From water chemistry to equipment maintenance, pool care specialists ensure nothing is overlooked.
• Advanced Tools: Pros have access to tools and technology that provide a deeper clean and more accurate water testing.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing your pool is in expert hands means no stress over unexpected problems.

At Pure & Simple Poolcare, we offer comprehensive pool services in Winter Park, FL. Whether it’s regular maintenance, equipment repairs, or expert water balancing, our team ensures your pool stays safe, sparkling, and ready for use year-round.
 

Common Pool Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid

Even the most diligent pool owners can make some common mistakes. Here’s what not to do:

• Ignoring Small Leaks: Even the smallest leaks can waste significant water and increase utility bills.
• Adding Chemicals Incorrectly: Always follow instructions carefully. Adding too much or too little can lead to imbalances.
• Overlooking Cleaning: Regularly cleaning skimmers, filters, and pool covers is essential for optimal performance.
• Not Scheduling Routine Inspections: Taking a reactive approach instead of a proactive one leads to higher repair costs.

Avoiding these mistakes will keep your pool looking and functioning its best.
 

Keep Your Pool Sparkling with Professional Help

Proper inground pool maintenance doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following this guide and paying attention to key maintenance tasks, you can keep your pool safe, beautiful, and ready for endless fun.

However, if you’re looking to save time and maximize results, hiring professionals is the way to go. At Pure & Simple Poolcare, we offer top-notch pool services in Winter Park, FL, tailored to your specific needs. Whether you need a one-time clean-up or year-round maintenance, we’ve got you covered.

Contact us today for a free estimate and discover why we’re Winter Park’s trusted partner in pool care. Your dream pool awaits!