As the dog days of summer set in—especially in the Sunbelt region, where most of the nation’s 8 million-plus residential pools are located—Leslie’s offers four simple pool water maintenance tips to help keep pools safe, clean, and clear. Additionally, with the high volumes of extreme weather many regions are experiencing, these tips are especially timely.

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“August is one of the most challenging times of year for pool owners. High temperatures, coupled with severe natural events like hurricanes, monsoons, and even wildfires, can wreak havoc on pool equipment and water quality,” said Clay Spann, SVP of Merchandising for Leslie’s, the nation’s leading pool supply retailer.  “Our store teams are called upon to troubleshoot everything from algae blooms and cloudy water to fixing equipment after a storm.”

Four pool maintenance tips for keeping water safe:

  • Test Pool Water Regularly: To prevent serious problems, test pool water at least twice a week during the summer swim season, and more frequently during hot weather, stormy conditions, or increased pool usage. Precise and comprehensive water testing is crucial to ensure the pool water is safe for swimmers.
  • Balance the Pool Water: Regularly testing pool water is only worthwhile for pool owners if it’s followed up with properly balancing the water chemistry. Each element of pool water chemistry, including pH, Total Alkalinity, Calcium Hardness, and chlorine, among others, must fall within a specific range to keep the water clean and safe. Knowing how much or little adjusting is required depends on the quality and precision of the pool water test.
  • Keep the Pool Clean: In addition to routinely testing and balancing the water chemistry, cleaning the pool’s surfaces is equally important. Vacuuming up debris, brushing the walls and floor, and emptying the skimmer basket(s) at least once a week will help maintain clean, clear, and safe pool water. Investing in an automatic pool cleaner is a great way to reduce manual cleaning, while improving water circulation and filtration.
  • Consult the Experts: Seeking professional guidance will help keep small issues from turning into major pool problems. From water chemistry concerns to equipment troubleshooting, the experts at Leslie’s are here to help with whatever pool care question you have. Find a store near you.

Beyond concerns for swimmer safety, imbalanced pool water chemistry can cause costly pool damage, such as corrosion, pitting, staining, scaling, equipment damage, and more. Regular water testing gives pool owners insight into their pool water, so they can stay ahead of challenges.