By Swim World Pools (Danielle)

We get it — owning a pool is a blast, but it’s also a commitment. Whether you’re a first-time pool owner or a seasoned DIYer, there are a few common habits that can throw your water out of balance or put extra strain on your system. At Swim World Pools, we’re all about helping you avoid the frustration and get back to what matters: enjoying your pool!

Here are five pool mistakes we see all the time — and how to fix them fast.

💧 1. Topping Off with Hose Water… Then Forgetting to Balance It

It seems harmless: your pool is a little low, so you grab the garden hose and fill it up. The problem? Tap water (even city water) contains unbalanced minerals and chemicals that can throw off your pH, calcium hardness, and total alkalinity.

Fix it:
Always test your water after adding fresh hose water. Even a small top-off can impact your chemical balance. If you’re unsure, bring a water sample to our store — we’ll test it for free and give you an exact game plan.

🔄 2. Backwashing Too Often (Or Not Enough)

Backwashing is necessary to clean out your filter, but many people either overdo it or forget entirely. Over-backwashing wastes water and reduces filtration efficiency. Under-backwashing leaves dirt and debris circulating through your system.

Fix it:
Check your pressure gauge regularly. When your filter pressure is 8–10 PSI above your normal “clean” pressure, it’s time to backwash. If your pressure stays high even after backwashing, your filter media might need cleaning or replacing.

⏱️ 3. Not Running the Pump Long Enough

Your pump is the heart of your pool’s circulation system. If it’s not running long enough, your water isn’t being properly filtered or sanitized. This often leads to cloudy water or algae blooms.

Fix it:
A good rule of thumb: run your pump 1 hour for every 10 degrees of air temperature. So, if it’s 90°F outside, you should run your pump for 9 hours a day. If you’re not sure your pump is the right size or efficiency, we can help you assess your setup.

🧺 4. Ignoring the Skimmer Basket

If your skimmer basket is clogged with leaves, bugs, and debris, water flow slows down — and that puts extra stress on your pump. This one’s easy to overlook but makes a big difference.

Fix it:
Check and empty your skimmer basket every few days, especially during heavy pollen seasons or after storms. Clean baskets = better flow = happier pool.

🧪 5. “Eyeballing” Your Chemicals

We admire your confidence — but pool chemistry isn’t something you want to guess at. Too much chlorine? Your eyes sting. Too little? Algae loves that. Off-balance pH or alkalinity? Get ready for cloudy water and scaling.

Fix it:
Use a reliable test kit, or even better — bring us a water sample. We’ll run a full analysis and explain exactly what your pool needs. You can even download our free water test log sheet to track your levels over time (ask for one in-store!).

Bonus Mistake: Waiting Too Long to Ask for Help

We all like to be independent, but if something seems off — cloudy water, strange noises, or green creeping in — it’s better to ask early than wait for a bigger problem.

✔️ Final Thought:

Pool ownership should be fun, not frustrating. A little routine attention goes a long way in keeping your water crystal-clear and equipment running strong.

Have a question? Need a part? Ready for an upgrade?
Swim World Pools is here for you — with expert advice, friendly service, and everything you need to keep your pool in top shape.

📍 Visit us in-store or online at swimworldpool.com — and don’t forget, we offer FREE water testing!