We’re well into summer now, and if you’re anything like our clients here at Hydrocare, you want your luxury pool to be more than just beautiful. You want it performing at its best: clear, clean, and ready to cool you down at a moment’s notice. Whether you opened your pool at the first sign of sunshine or waited for warmer days, there’s no better time than now for a quick mid-season check-up.
At Hydrocare, we maintain and service hundreds of pools every summer. Below, we’ve compiled some practical advice based on what we’ve seen works best.
Pool Care Starts with the Basics
Your pool might look calm and still, but beneath the surface, it’s a complex system that needs attention to stay in peak condition. At Hydrocare, we always start by making sure the three core areas are looked after: Circulation, Cleaning, and Chemistry.
That’s true whether you’re working with chlorine or saltwater, and no matter the pool’s size or shape. Our approach? Keep things simple but consistent. You don’t need to overdo it, you just need a plan that fits your pool and your lifestyle.
Proper swimming pool maintenance is essential not only for a clean and inviting pool, but also for maintaining a safe and healthy swimming environment throughout the summer. In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to maintain your pool, so you can focus on relaxing and making the most of the summer season.
Know Your Pool Inside and Out
Every pool is different, and understanding how yours works is key to keeping it healthy.
Your pump and filtration system are the heart of it all. Without good circulation, water gets stale and problems start to creep in. We see this all the time during service calls: debris piling up, filters clogged, or water that’s not moving like it should.
At Hydrocare, we check the filter type (cartridge, sand, or otherwise), ensure the skimmer baskets are doing their job, and make sure no part of the system is overloaded. Regular maintenance here saves big headaches later.
And don’t forget your pool surfaces: liners, tiles, walls. A slick patch of algae or staining indicates that something is out of balance. Trust us, a little brushing goes a long way.
Our Mid-Summer Essentials Checklist
1. Skim Daily, Clean Weekly
Skimming might feel like a small job, but it makes a big difference. Leaves, bugs, and other bits build up fast in summer. At Hydrocare, we recommend quick daily skims, and a more thorough vacuum once a week.
It keeps your filter from overworking and keeps the water crystal clear.
2. Top Up Water Levels Regularly
Evaporation, splashing, and backwashing all lower your water level. If the level dips below the skimmer, your circulation system won’t work properly.
We often top up water during our mid-season maintenance visits, especially in hot spells. Always aim to keep it halfway up the skimmer opening.
3. Give Pool Equipment a Once-Over
Mid-season is the sweet spot to check pumps, filters, heaters, chlorinators—anything that’s doing the heavy lifting behind the scenes.
At Hydrocare, we do a full inspection and clear out any scale, grime, or early signs of wear. We also make sure everything is running at optimal efficiency, which means 8–12 hours of pump time per day.
4. Brush and Vacuum Those Walls and Floors
You’d be surprised how quickly fine dust and algae settle on pool surfaces, even in pools that look clean. A weekly scrub keeps buildup in check and avoids stains that can damage liners.
We often recommend robotic cleaners for our clients who prefer low effort, but even then, we still advise a manual sweep every now and then.
5. Stay on Top of Your Chemistry
Summer brings more swimmers, more sunscreen, and more heat. All of it affects your pool’s chemical balance.
We test pH, chlorine, alkalinity, and calcium hardness weekly, and advise our clients to do the same. If anything feels off (cloudiness, skin irritation, strong smell), it usually points back to chemistry.
Not sure what to adjust? Hydrocare offers in-person or lab water testing, and we’ll sort out any imbalances before they become a problem.
6. Shock As Needed, Don’t Skip It
We always recommend giving your pool a shock treatment every couple of weeks, or after a party, a storm, or heavy use. It’s a deep clean for your water, killing bacteria and oxidising anything that normal chlorine levels miss.
Just remember to follow it up with a test to rebalance your chlorine levels.
7. Double-Check Safety Measures
Even if your pool’s been open for a while, mid-season is a good time to check fencing, covers, gates, and alarms. Whatever you have in place to keep your family and guests safe.
Safety is a big part of our service at Hydrocare, and we never consider a job complete unless those systems are checked.
8. Give Your Poolside Some Love
It’s not just about the water. Clean furniture, tidy decking, and a well-kept garden can transform the feel of your pool area.
During our visits, we often help clients reposition furniture, clean tiles, or advise on keeping the surrounding area as polished as the pool itself. That’s the Hydrocare touch. We care about the whole experience.
Final Thoughts
Your pool should be a source of joy and escape, not stress. That’s what we’re here for. At Hydrocare, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all advice. Every pool, every client, every summer is different.
If you want a professional eye on your setup or help with anything we’ve mentioned above, just give us a ring or drop us a message. The Hydrocare team is always here to help you make the most of your luxury pool this summer and beyond.
