Daily Tasks
- Daily Skim surface debris — leaves, bugs, and dirt
- Daily Check water level — should be mid-skimmer opening
- Daily Visually inspect water clarity and color
- Daily Verify pump is running properly (listen for unusual sounds)
💡 Dave's Tip:
In Arizona summer, skim daily — the combination of wind, dust, and insects can clog your skimmer basket in hours. A full skimmer basket makes your pump work harder and burns it out faster.
Weekly Tasks
- Weekly Test water chemistry (pH, chlorine, alkalinity)
- Weekly Adjust pH to 7.4–7.6 range
- Weekly Add chlorine or shock as needed
- Weekly Brush pool walls, steps, and corners
- Weekly Vacuum pool floor (or run robotic cleaner)
- Weekly Empty skimmer and pump baskets
- Weekly Check and backwash filter if pressure is 8–10 psi above normal
- Weekly Inspect all equipment visually for leaks or damage
Monthly Tasks
- Monthly Test calcium hardness (ideal: 200–400 ppm)
- Monthly Test cyanuric acid (stabilizer) level (ideal: 40–80 ppm)
- Monthly Check total dissolved solids (TDS) — replace water if over 2,500 ppm
- Monthly Inspect and clean pool light fixtures (exterior)
- Monthly Check for tile calcium deposits — treat early
- Monthly Lubricate o-rings on pump lid and valve fittings
- Monthly Verify pool fence, gate, and latches are secure
Annual / Seasonal Tasks
- Annual Full equipment inspection — pump, motor, filter, heater
- Annual Drain and refill pool if TDS is excessively high (common in AZ)
- Annual Professional tile and waterline cleaning
- Annual Inspect plaster or pebble surface for cracks and staining
- Annual Clean and inspect DE or cartridge filter elements
- Annual Check automation system settings and programming
- Annual Verify chemical storage is safe and products haven't expired
Ideal Water Chemistry Levels
| Parameter | Ideal Range | Notes |
|---|
| pH | 7.4 – 7.6 | Most critical — test weekly |
| Free Chlorine | 1.0 – 3.0 ppm | Higher in Arizona heat/UV |
| Total Alkalinity | 80 – 120 ppm | Stabilizes pH levels |
| Calcium Hardness | 200 – 400 ppm | Prevents plaster damage |
| Cyanuric Acid | 40 – 80 ppm | UV stabilizer — essential in AZ |
| TDS | Below 2,500 ppm | Drain/refill if too high |
🏊 Need Help?
Big Splash Pool Care handles all of the above for you. Call (480) 489-8327 or visit bigsplashpoolcare.com to schedule weekly service starting from $89/month.