Top 7 Pool Maintenance Mistakes Homeowners Make (And How to Avoid Them)

At Nova Pool Care, we’ve seen it all—from cloudy green water to cracked filters and pH nightmares. And we get it: owning a pool is a luxury, but maintaining it? That’s a whole different story. As professionals who’ve helped hundreds of pool owners across [your location], we know the most common pitfalls that even the most well-intentioned homeowners fall into.

So today, we’re sharing the top 7 pool maintenance mistakes people make—plus how to avoid them. Why? Because a clean, safe, sparkling pool isn’t just about comfort. It’s about health, longevity, and protecting your investment.

1. Ignoring Water Chemistry

You can’t see bacteria or imbalance with the naked eye. But it’s there—and it’s doing damage.
Mistake: Skipping regular testing or relying on guesswork.
What to do instead: Test water weekly. Keep chlorine, pH, and alkalinity levels in range. Or better yet, let a certified pro handle it for peace of mind.

2. Not Running the Pump Long Enough

That pump isn’t just decoration—it’s your pool’s lifeline.
Mistake: Only running the pump for a few hours a day to save on electricity.
What to do instead: Run it 8–12 hours daily, especially in hot weather. Good circulation = clean water and fewer problems.

3. Over-Chlorinating (Yes, It Happens!)

More chemicals don’t always mean cleaner water.
Mistake: Dumping chlorine in when the water looks dirty, without testing first.
What to do instead: Balance is key. Over-chlorination damages liners, irritates skin, and corrodes equipment. Trust science, not guesswork.

4. Neglecting Filters

If your filter's clogged, your pool’s in trouble.
Mistake: Forgetting to clean or backwash regularly.
What to do instead: Clean cartridge filters every 2–4 weeks; backwash sand or DE filters when the pressure gauge rises 8–10 PSI above normal.

5. Brushing and Skimming? What’s That?

We’ve had clients call in with clear water—but with algae blooming underneath the surface.
Mistake: Skipping physical cleaning, especially brushing walls and tile lines.
What to do instead: Weekly skimming and brushing removes debris and stops algae before it grows.

6. Shocking at the Wrong Time

Timing is everything—especially when it comes to shocking.
Mistake: Shocking during the day. UV rays burn off the chlorine before it can work.
What to do instead: Shock your pool in the evening for maximum effectiveness.

7. Delaying Professional Service

Let’s face it: most people call us after something’s gone wrong.
Mistake: Only hiring a pool care service when there's a problem.
What to do instead: Regular professional maintenance prevents costly damage and gives you more time to enjoy your pool, not stress over it.

Leave It to the Experts

Pool care isn’t just a weekend chore—it’s a science. And at Nova Pool Care, our trained technicians bring years of hands-on experience, industry certifications, and a real passion for what we do.

When you hire us, you're not just getting someone to scoop leaves. You’re getting a trusted partner, someone who watches over your pool like it’s our own. That’s the kind of care that keeps your pool looking flawless, season after season.

Want a hassle-free, healthy pool all year long?
Let Nova Pool Care handle the hard stuff so you can get back to what matters—relaxing, swimming, and making memories.