For many families in Australia, owning a swimming pool is a dream come true. Whether you’re cooling off during the scorching summer months or enjoying a twilight dip in spring, a well-maintained pool adds value and relaxation to your home. However, pool ownership comes with responsibility—and making common maintenance mistakes can turn your backyard oasis into a breeding ground for bacteria, algae, or costly repairs.
At Glamour Pools and Spas, we’re passionate about helping Australians enjoy clean, safe, and stunning pools year-round. To help you avoid expensive errors and maintain a sparkling pool through every season, we’ve outlined the top five pool maintenance mistakes—and how to steer clear of them.
1. Neglecting Water Chemistry
The Mistake:
Many pool owners assume that once the water looks clear, it’s clean. But looks can be deceiving. Water that is not properly balanced can cause corrosion of equipment, algae growth, and irritation of the skin and eyes.
The Solution:
Stay on top of your water chemistry by testing it at least once a week—more frequently during heavy use or after storms. Keep a tight eye on calcium hardness, alkalinity, pH levels, and chlorine. A pH of 7.2 to 7.6 is the optimal range.
Regular water testing helps prevent bacteria build-up and extends the life of your pool surface and filtration system. At Glamour Pools and Spas, we offer professional water testing and expert advice to help you maintain the perfect balance.
2. Not Running the Pool Pump Long Enough
The Mistake:
Trying to save on electricity bills, many pool owners cut corners by reducing the run-time of their pool pump. Unfortunately, this can lead to unfiltered, contaminated water and uneven chemical distribution.
The Solution:
Aim to run your pool pump for 8–12 hours a day during the warmer months when algae thrive and the pool is in frequent use. In winter, this can be reduced to around 4–6 hours a day.
Investing in a high-efficiency pump or installing a timer can help manage energy use while ensuring your pool water remains properly circulated and filtered.
3. Skipping Regular Cleaning
The Mistake:
A common oversight is assuming the filter and chemicals will do all the work. Without manual cleaning, debris builds up on pool surfaces, creating the perfect conditions for algae and bacteria.
The Solution:
Incorporate weekly cleaning into your routine. This should include:
- Skimming leaves and debris off the surface
- Brushing the walls and floor to prevent algae build-up
- Vacuuming to remove dirt and sediment
Don’t forget to regularly clean your skimmer basket and check for any blockages in the filtration system. Or, if you’d prefer to leave it to the experts, Glamour Pools and Spas offers professional cleaning services tailored to your pool’s unique needs.
4. Failing to Maintain the Pool Equipment
The Mistake:
It’s easy to set and forget your pool equipment—until something goes wrong. Worn-out filters, clogged pumps, or malfunctioning chlorinators can quickly affect water quality and safety.
The Solution:
Conduct a monthly inspection of your pool equipment. Look for leaks, unusual noises, or worn parts. Clean out your filter according to the manufacturer’s guidelines and replace it when needed.
Booking an annual service check with a professional, like our team at Glamour Pools and Spas, ensures your pump, filter, and other systems are running at peak performance.
5. Overlooking Seasonal Maintenance
The Mistake:
In Australia, our seasons can be extreme—from scorching summers to cool, windy winters. Many pool owners overlook how seasonal changes impact water quality and equipment performance.
The Solution:
- Summer: Increase filtration hours, test water more frequently, and monitor chemical levels due to higher usage and evaporation.
- Autumn: Clear fallen leaves quickly to prevent staining and clogged filters.
- Winter: Reduce pump run-time, cover the pool if not in use, and adjust chemical levels to maintain water quality.
- Spring: Get ahead of algae growth with a deep clean and chemical check before the swim season kicks off.
For peace of mind, consider seasonal pool servicing packages from Glamour Pools and Spas. We tailor our maintenance plans to the Australian climate and your individual pool needs.
Avoid the Pitfalls and Swim Smarter
Avoiding these common pool maintenance mistakes can save you time, money, and frustration. More importantly, it ensures that your pool remains a healthy, inviting retreat for family and friends all year long.
Whether you’re a first-time pool owner or a seasoned pro, Glamour Pools and Spas is here to support your pool care journey. From professional water testing and cleaning to equipment servicing and seasonal maintenance, our team is ready to help you enjoy a beautiful, sparkling pool—every season of the year.
Ready to Dive into Worry-Free Pool Ownership?
Let Glamour Pools and Spas take the hassle out of pool maintenance. Contact us today for expert advice, servicing options, or to book your next professional pool check-up.
Call us or fill in our online form—we’re here to help your pool look its best, year-round.
