The Ultimate Pool Upkeep Guide for Huntsville Homeowners

Jacob Hicks
Jul 17, 2025
2 min read

Updated: Aug 8, 2025

Proven Tips to Extend Your Pool’s Life (and Your Sanity)

Pool ownership doesn’t have to mean endless scrubbing and chemical guesswork. With the right routine, you can spend less than 30 minutes weekly on upkeep. Here’s your step-by-step guide, backed by industry research.

Daily/Weekly Tasks (5–10 Minutes)

Skim Debris – Leaves and bugs decompose fast, raising chlorine demand.
Check Water Level – Keep it mid-skimmer for optimal filtration.
Test Water – Use strips or a digital tester. Ideal ranges:
- Free Chlorine: 1–3 ppm
- pH: 7.4–7.6
- Total Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm

Pro Tip: Huntsville’s tap water has high alkalinity (100–150 ppm). Use muriatic acid to lower it if needed.

Monthly Tasks (30–60 Minutes)

Brush Walls & Floor – Prevents algae anchors (especially in shaded areas).
Vacuum – Manual or robotic (robots reduce cleaning time by 75%, per Pool Research).
Inspect Equipment – Listen for pump grinding (a sign of $200–$500 bearing repairs).

Seasonal Must-Dos

Spring Opening:
- Shock with 2–3x normal chlorine dose to kill winter bacteria.
- Remove & clean the cover fully—trapped moisture breeds mold.
Fall Prep:
- Balance water before closing to prevent corrosion.
- Use a mesh cover to reduce debris while allowing rain drainage.

When to Call a Pro

Cloudy water persists after shocking (could indicate filter issues or TDS buildup).
Pump loses pressure (likely a clogged impeller or filter).
Visible scale or etching (hard water damage requires professional descaling).