Owning an inground pool can feel like a dream come true—until it starts turning into a maintenance nightmare. Maybe you’ve looked out your window and seen cloudy water, mysterious algae, or even cracks in your pool liner. The truth is, without year-round care, your pool can quickly become more of a headache than a retreat.
Whether you’re trying to extend the life of your pool or just want to make sure it’s always ready for a swim, here are some simple tips to help you maintain your inground pool all year long.
Keep the Water Balanced at All Times
One of the biggest mistakes pool owners make is ignoring water chemistry during the off-season. If you only test your water in the summer, you’re inviting bacteria, algae, and other issues that can get expensive fast. Pool water doesn’t just “pause” in the winter—it still needs balance.
You should be testing your pool water regularly, even in colder months. Keep an eye on chlorine levels, pH, and alkalinity. This helps prevent scale buildup, liner stains, and cloudy water.
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Inspect and Replace Pool Liners When Needed
Your liner plays a huge role in how your pool looks and how it functions. Over time, pool liners wear out—they fade, stretch, wrinkle, or even tear. These problems aren’t just cosmetic. A damaged liner can lead to leaks, which may mess with the structure of your pool.
If you notice signs of aging like bubbling or slipping, it might be time to explore replacement liners for inground pool systems. A fresh liner not only makes your pool look brand new but also helps prevent more serious repairs down the line.
Don’t Forget to Clean in the Off-Season
It’s easy to assume that if no one’s swimming, there’s no reason to clean the pool. But dirt, debris, and algae don’t take breaks just because it’s winter. Even with a cover, leaves and bugs can sneak in, and they can stain your pool or clog up your filtration system.
Use a pool vacuum or skimmer to keep the surface clean. Brush the walls and floor to stop algae before it spreads. If it snows where you live, remove excess snow from the pool cover so it doesn’t weigh it down or rip it. Taking just a little time each week to check in can save you hours of work when swim season comes back.
Run Your Pool Pump Year-Round
You might be tempted to turn off your pump in the winter to save on your energy bill. But that move could end up costing you more in the long run. When water isn’t circulating, it becomes the perfect environment for algae and bacteria.
Even during the off-season, it’s important to run your pump for a few hours each day. This keeps the water moving and helps your filter trap small particles that would otherwise sit and grow into bigger problems.
Cover Your Pool the Right Way
A pool cover isn’t just there to keep leaves out—it protects the water from weather and helps maintain chemical balance. But not all covers are the same. A loose or damaged cover can do more harm than good.
You want a strong, tight-fitting cover that stays in place through wind, rain, and even snow. Make sure it’s designed for winter use if you’re covering the pool long-term. Check it regularly for holes or areas where water might be collecting.
