Welcome to your unofficial Austin Pool Survival Guide—where keeping your water crystal clear is as essential as live music and a good breakfast taco. Whether you're battling algae like it's a bad band at an open mic or giving your filter some much-needed TLC after a wild weekend splash-fest, we've got your back. From testing water levels (because this ain’t your first Texas heatwave) to brushing off storm party remnants and keeping chlorine chill in the blazing sun, these tips will help you stay cool, clean, and cannonball-ready. So grab your shades, turn up the Willie Nelson, and let’s keep your pool looking as fresh as Barton Springs on a Sunday morning.

Test & Balance Your Water Weekly

High temperatures and heavy usage can throw off your chemical levels faster than a squirrel on a caffeine rush. To keep your pool sparkling clear and inviting, make sure to regularly check and maintain your chlorine, pH, and alkalinity levels. This diligent upkeep will help you avoid pesky algae blooms and those cloudy water situations that can make your oasis look more like a swamp.

Run your pool pump daily

Circulation is absolutely key to maintaining the health of your pool — aim for a solid 8 to 12 hours a day to keep that delightful water moving, effectively filtered, and sparkling clean for all your splashing adventures!

Skim, Brush, and Vacuum Regularly

Skim the debris off the shimmering surface, meticulously brush the walls and steps, and thoroughly vacuum the floor to prevent unsightly buildup — especially after those wild storms or epic pool parties that leave their mark!

Shock Your Pool as Needed

With the influx of more swimmers soaking up the sun’s radiant rays, shocking your pool regularly becomes an essential task. This practice helps eliminate pesky bacteria and keeps your water shimmering crystal clear like a summer sky. As a good rule of thumb, doing this once a week or after those particularly crowded pool parties is an excellent approach to maintaining pool perfection!

Keep an eye on water levels

Heat and splash-out can significantly lower your water level at an alarming rate, making your pool look more like a shallow puddle than a sparkling oasis. Be sure to top off the water as needed so that the skimmer can do its important job effectively and ensure your pool remains in tip-top shape!

Clean your filter

A clogged filter definitely won’t do you any favors in maintaining that sparkling oasis of yours. To keep things running smoothly, be sure to backwash that filter or clean your cartridge regularly—especially during those hot summer days of heavy use when your pool is the life of the party!

Protect with Algaecide & Stabilizer

To keep your pool sparkling clean and free from pesky green visitors, it’s essential to use algaecide to effectively prevent those unwelcome blooms. Additionally, don't forget to add a stabilizer, specifically cyanuric acid, which plays a crucial role in protecting your chlorine from burning off too quickly when it’s basking in the blazing sun. This dynamic duo will keep your pool in tip-top shape, ensuring you can dive in without a care in the world!

Watch for Wear and Tear

Check your pool equipment, sparkling tiles, and trusty seals for any pesky cracks or sneaky leaks — summer is the perfect time to catch those little issues early before they turn into a big splash!