Weekly Pool Maintenance Checklist for Central Florida Homeowners

Consistent weekly maintenance is the secret to a beautiful, trouble-free pool. This comprehensive checklist, designed specifically for Central Florida's unique climate, helps you keep your pool in perfect condition year-round.

Why Weekly Maintenance Matters

The Cost of Neglect

Skipping weekly maintenance leads to:

• Algae growth and green water
• Equipment damage and failure
• Surface staining and deterioration
• Expensive emergency repairs
• Unsafe swimming conditions
• Lower property value

The Benefits of Consistency

Regular maintenance provides:

• Crystal-clear water always
• Extended equipment life
• Lower chemical costs
• Fewer repairs
• Safe swimming environment
• Higher property value

Time investment: 1-2 hours weekly for DIY, or hire professional service for $100-$200 monthly.

Your Complete Weekly Checklist

Monday: Surface Skimming and Brushing

Time Required: 20-30 minutes

Surface Skimming

What to Do:

• Use pole and leaf skimmer
• Remove floating debris (leaves, insects, pollen)
• Skim entire surface systematically
• Empty skimmer into trash (not landscaping)

Why It Matters:

• Prevents debris from sinking and staining
• Reduces filter load
• Improves water circulation
• Keeps pool inviting

Central Florida Tip: Pollen season (spring) and love bug season (spring and fall) require extra skimming—sometimes twice daily.

Brushing Walls and Floor

What to Do:

• Use appropriate brush for your pool surface:
  • Nylon brush: Vinyl, fiberglass, painted surfaces
  • Stainless steel brush: Concrete, plaster (not vinyl!)
• Brush all walls, steps, and benches
• Brush behind ladders and in corners
• Brush floor toward main drain
• Pay special attention to shaded areas

Why It Matters:

• Prevents algae attachment
• Removes biofilm
• Prevents staining
• Keeps surfaces smooth

Brushing Pattern:

• Start at shallow end
• Work systematically to deep end
• Overlap strokes for complete coverage
• Brush waterline especially well

Tuesday: Water Chemistry Testing

Time Required: 15-20 minutes

Test Parameters

Must Test:

• pH
• Free chlorine
• Total alkalinity

Should Test:

• Calcium hardness (weekly or monthly)
• Cyanuric acid (monthly)
• Phosphates (monthly)

Testing Process

Steps:

1. Collect water sample at elbow depth
2. Use fresh test kit or strips
3. Follow kit instructions exactly
4. Record results in maintenance log
5. Compare to ideal ranges

Ideal Chemistry Ranges

• pH: 7.2-7.6
• Free Chlorine: 2-3 ppm
• Total Alkalinity: 80-120 ppm
• Calcium Hardness: 200-400 ppm
• Cyanuric Acid: 30-50 ppm
• Phosphates: Below 200 ppb

Record Keeping

Maintain Log With:

• Date of test
• All chemical readings
• Adjustments made
• Pool conditions (clear, cloudy, etc.)
• Weather conditions
• Usage level

Why Logging Matters:

• Track trends over time
• Identify recurring problems
• Guide future adjustments
• Help professionals diagnose issues

Wednesday: Chemical Balancing

Time Required: 15-30 minutes

Adjustment Order

Follow This Sequence:

1. Total alkalinity (if needed)
2. pH (if needed)
3. Calcium hardness (if needed)
4. Chlorine (always)

Safety First

Before Handling Chemicals:

• Wear safety glasses
• Use chemical-resistant gloves
• Never mix chemicals
• Add chemicals to water, not vice versa
• Store chemicals safely
• Keep children and pets away

Common Adjustments

Lower pH (if above 7.6):

• Add muriatic acid or dry acid
• Amount: Follow product instructions for your pool size
• Pour slowly around pool perimeter
• Wait 4 hours before retesting

Raise pH (if below 7.2):

• Add soda ash (sodium carbonate)
• Amount: Follow product instructions
• Pre-dissolve in bucket
• Pour around perimeter
• Wait 4 hours before retesting

Raise Alkalinity (if below 80 ppm):

• Add sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
• Amount: 1.5 lbs per 10,000 gallons raises by 10 ppm
• Pre-dissolve and add slowly
• Will also raise pH slightly
• Wait 4 hours before retesting

Adjust Chlorine:

• Add appropriate chlorine product
• Tablets, granular, or liquid
• Follow product dosing instructions
• Add in evening for best results

Thursday: Equipment Inspection

Time Required: 15-20 minutes

Pump Check

Inspect For:

• Unusual noises (grinding, squealing)
• Leaks around pump housing
• Proper pressure gauge reading
• Adequate water flow from returns
• Overheating

Normal Operation:

• Steady, consistent sound
• No visible leaks
• Pressure within normal range (check baseline)
• Strong flow from returns
• Pump warm but not hot

Filter System

Check:

• Filter pressure gauge reading
• Clean filter if pressure 8-10 psi above baseline
• Check for leaks
• Inspect multiport valve operation (if applicable)

Maintenance Actions:

• Backwash sand/DE filter if high pressure
• Clean cartridge filter if high pressure
• Check for damaged cartridges
• Clean filter housing area

Other Equipment

Inspect:

• Timers and automation systems
• Chlorinator or salt cell
• Heater (if applicable)
• Automatic pool cleaner
• Pool lights
• Valves and plumbing

Look For:

• Proper operation
• Unusual sounds or smells
• Visible damage
• Leaks or drips
• Error codes or warnings

Friday: Vacuum and Deep Clean

Time Required: 30-45 minutes

Vacuuming

Manual Vacuum:

1. Attach vacuum head to pole
2. Connect hose to vacuum head
3. Submerge and fill hose with water
4. Connect to skimmer
5. Vacuum systematically floor and steps
6. Overlap paths for complete coverage
7. Empty pump basket afterward

Automatic Cleaner:

1. Check hose condition
2. Ensure proper operation
3. Empty collection bag/basket
4. Check for worn parts
5. Allow to run recommended time

Robotic Cleaner:

1. Place in pool
2. Run programmed cycle
3. Remove and empty basket
4. Rinse filter
5. Store properly

Deep Cleaning Tasks

Skimmer and Pump Baskets:

• Remove and empty
• Rinse thoroughly
• Check for cracks or damage
• Reinstall securely

Tile Line:

• Scrub with tile brush
• Use tile cleaner if needed
• Remove scum and buildup
• Prevents permanent staining

Deck and Coping:

• Sweep deck
• Hose down coping
• Remove debris from drains
• Check for trip hazards

Saturday: Shock Treatment (If Needed)

Time Required: 15 minutes + overnight circulation

When to Shock

Shock Your Pool If:

• Chlorine smell present
• Cloudy water
• After heavy use/pool party
• After significant rain
• Combined chlorine above 0.5 ppm
• As part of regular weekly routine (during summer)

Shocking Process

Steps:

1. Test and balance pH to 7.2-7.4
2. Calculate pool volume
3. Determine shock amount needed
4. Dissolve shock in bucket (if granular)
5. Add slowly around pool perimeter (at dusk)
6. Run pump overnight (8-12 hours minimum)
7. Brush pool in morning
8. Test chlorine before swimming

Shock Types:

• Calcium hypochlorite: Most common
• Dichlor: Won't raise calcium
• Liquid chlorine: Convenient
• Non-chlorine: Can swim immediately

Amount:

• Regular maintenance shock: 1 lb per 10,000 gallons
• Heavy use shock: 2 lbs per 10,000 gallons
• Problem shock: 3+ lbs per 10,000 gallons

Sunday: Final Inspection and Prep

Time Required: 10-15 minutes

Final Check

Verify:

• Water is clear and inviting
• Equipment running properly
• Chemicals in acceptable ranges
• Pool ready for week ahead
• Safety equipment accessible

Weekly Planning

Prepare For Coming Week:

• Note chemical needs
• Schedule any repairs
• Plan for heavy use days
• Check weather forecast
• Review past week's log

Stock Check

Verify Adequate Supply Of:

• Chlorine tablets or liquid
• pH adjusters (acid, soda ash)
• Shock treatment
• Test kit reagents
• Cleaning supplies

Monthly Tasks (Add to Weekly Routine)

Once Per Month

Deep Filter Cleaning:

• Cartridge filter: Remove and deep clean or replace
• Sand filter: Complete backwash cycle
• DE filter: Backwash and add fresh DE

Comprehensive Water Analysis:

• Take sample to pool store for full analysis
• Test for metals, phosphates, salt (if applicable)
• Verify home test kit accuracy

Equipment Inspection:

• Thorough pump inspection
• Check all connections and fittings
• Lubricate O-rings
• Test automation functions

Surface Inspection:

• Look for cracks or damage
• Check tile condition
• Inspect coping integrity
• Note needed repairs

Seasonal Adjustments for Central Florida

Summer (June-September)

Extra Attention Needed:

• Daily skimming (pollen, insects, debris)
• Test chemicals 3x weekly
• Shock weekly
• Run pump 10-12 hours daily
• Monitor chlorine closely (UV depletion)
• Clean filter more frequently

Why:

• Heavy use
• Intense UV exposure
• Frequent afternoon storms
• Higher temperatures
• More swimmers

Fall (October-November)

Adjustments:

• Manage falling leaves
• Reduce pump time to 8-10 hours
• Continue weekly routine
• Monitor for algae as temps cool
• Prepare for occasional cold snaps

Winter (December-February)

Modified Routine:

• Reduce circulation to 6-8 hours
• Continue weekly testing
• Maintain chlorine levels
• Reduce shock frequency
• Monitor for rare freeze events

Don't Skip:

• Weekly chemical testing
• Regular skimming
• Equipment inspection
• Circulation and filtration

Spring (April-May)

Preparation:

• Increase circulation time
• Manage pollen overload
• Shock more frequently
• Deep clean filter
• Prepare for summer season

Time-Saving Tips

Efficiency Strategies

1. Establish Routine:

• Same day/time each week
• Systematic approach
• Keep supplies organized
• Maintain log for quick reference

2. Invest in Quality Tools:

• Long-lasting equipment
• Efficient cleaners
• Reliable test kits
• Proper storage

3. Automate What You Can:

• Automatic cleaner
• Chemical feeder
• Timer for pump
• Salt chlorinator

4. Stay Ahead of Problems:

• Address issues immediately
• Don't skip weeks
• Test regularly
• Maintain equipment

When to Call a Professional

DIY vs. Professional Service

Consider Professional Service If:

• Don't have 1-2 hours weekly
• Uncomfortable with chemicals
• Recurring problems
• Equipment issues
• Water won't balance
• Time is more valuable than cost

Professional Service Includes:

• All weekly tasks
• Expert chemical management
• Equipment inspection
• Problem diagnosis
• Time savings

Cost: $100-$200 monthly vs. 50-100 hours annually for DIY

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Cloudy Water

Quick Fixes:

• Test and balance chemistry
• Shock pool
• Clean filter
• Run pump 24 hours

Green Tint

Action Plan:

• Test chlorine immediately
• Shock heavily (2-3x normal)
• Brush entire pool
• Run filter continuously
• Retest and adjust

Algae Starting

Immediate Response:

• Brush affected areas
• Shock pool
• Add algaecide
• Run pump 24 hours
• Vacuum to waste if possible

Equipment Not Working

First Steps:

• Check breaker
• Verify timer setting
• Inspect for obvious issues
• Call professional if unclear

Maintenance Log Template

Create Weekly Log

Record Each Week:

• Date and time
• Weather conditions
• Pool usage level
• Chemical test results
• Adjustments made
• Equipment status
• Issues noted
• Actions taken
• Supplies needed

Why Logging Matters:

• Track trends
• Identify patterns
• Guide adjustments
• Help professionals
• Protect investment

The Bottom Line

Consistency Is Key

Weekly maintenance prevents:

• Emergency repairs
• Expensive problems
• Green pool nightmares
• Equipment failure
• Unsafe conditions

Weekly maintenance ensures:

• Crystal-clear water
• Safe swimming
• Extended equipment life
• Lower costs
• Property value

Conclusion

Following this weekly checklist keeps your Central Florida pool perfect year-round. Whether you DIY or hire professionals, consistency is the key to pool perfection.

Prefer professional pool maintenance? Contact Central Florida Pool & Spa at (863) 353-6873. We handle all weekly maintenance tasks, so you can spend time swimming instead of cleaning. Serving Osceola, Orange, and Polk Counties with reliable, expert pool care.

Our weekly service includes:

• Complete surface cleaning
• Professional water testing
• Expert chemical balancing
• Thorough equipment inspection
• Detailed service reports

Enjoy your pool. Leave the maintenance to us.