Customer Education Series – Ep 4 : How to Care for a New Pool After Installation

A Friendly Guide to Taking Care of Your Backyard Oasis

Let’s Start with This: Owning a Pool Is a Gift… and a Responsibility

You’ve just wrapped up your pool installation. The dust has settled, the workers have packed up, and now your backyard feels like a five-star resort. It’s exciting, isn’t it? There’s something magical about seeing sunlight bounce off that brand-new water for the first time.

But let’s be honest—alongside the excitement comes a bit of anxiety. If you’re like most first-time pool owners, you’re probably asking yourself: How do I take care of this thing? What if I mess it up? Do I really need to test the water that often?

If that sounds like you (or your clients), take a deep breath. You’re not alone. This guide is here to walk you through what pool care really looks like, without the jargon or the overwhelm.

Whether you’re a pool contractor sharing this with a homeowner, or someone new to the world of skimmers and chlorine, the goal is the same: let’s keep your pool clear, clean, and safe, without making it your full-time job.

Step One: Getting Through the First Week Like a Pro

Alright, so your pool is filled. That doesn’t mean you can throw on your goggles and jump in just yet.

Right after installation, the water is raw. It’s untreated, unbalanced, and not quite ready for swimmers. This first week is all about getting things stabilized.

Here’s what typically happens:

• The pump and filter get fired up and start circulating water.

• Your contractor (or service tech) might add the first round of chemicals.

• If it’s a plaster pool, you’ll need to brush the walls daily to remove dust and help the surface cure properly.

• The water chemistry will need adjusting over a few days as it “settles in.”

Think of it like seasoning a new cast-iron pan. It takes a little attention upfront, but that investment pays off later.

Pro tip for contractors: Leave your clients a printed or emailed checklist for Week One. It’s a simple touch that can make a huge difference.

Understanding Pool Water (aka: The Chemistry That Keeps You Swimming)

Okay, let’s clear something up. Pool chemistry doesn’t have to be intimidating.

Yes, it sounds technical. But at its core, it’s just about balance—like making coffee that’s not too bitter or a soup that’s not too salty.

Here are the key ingredients of healthy pool water:

• pH Level (7.2–7.6): Think of this as the water’s mood. Too low, and it’s angry—corrosive to your equipment. Too high, and it’s lazy—letting algae and scale creep in.

• Chlorine (1–3 ppm): This is your germ-killer. Keeps the water safe. But too much will make your eyes burn, and too little? Well… let’s not go there.

• Alkalinity (80–120 ppm): Acts like a cushion for your ph. Keeps it from swinging too wildly.

• Calcium Hardness (200–400 ppm): Prevents the water from trying to “steal” minerals from your plaster or tile.

• Cyanuric Acid (30–50 ppm): Helps chlorine last longer under the sun. It’s like sunscreen, but for sanitizers.

You don’t need to become a chemist overnight. Just invest in a good test kit (or test strips at the very least) and get into the habit of checking your water 2–3 times a week.

Not sure what to do with the numbers? Take a water sample to your local pool store. Most will test it for free and explain exactly what to add, and how much.

Daily and Weekly Habits That Make Pool Life Easier

You don’t need to babysit your pool every hour. But like brushing your teeth, a little daily attention prevents bigger issues down the road.

Here’s a simple rhythm most new pool owners can follow:

Daily or Every Other Day:

• Skim leaves and debris off the surface.

• Empty skimmer baskets.

• Glance at your pump—make sure it’s running and not making weird noises.

Once a Week:

• Brush the walls and steps (yes, even with a robotic cleaner).

• Vacuum or run your automatic cleaner.

• Test and adjust chemicals.

• Rinse your cartridge filter or backwash your sand filter (as needed).

• Check the water level—top it off if it’s dropped too low.

If that sounds like a lot, don’t worry. Once you’ve done it a couple of times, it’ll feel like second nature. And honestly? Most of it can be done in the time it takes to drink your morning coffee.

Let’s Talk Equipment (Don’t Worry, You’ve Got This)

Your pool equipment might look intimidating at first—pumps, valves, filters, timers—but you don’t need to memorize how everything works. You just need to know the basics.

The Big Three:

1. Pump – Moves water through the system. Run it 8–12 hours a day in warm weather. Shorter in winter.

2. Filter – Cleans the water by removing fine particles. It could be sand, cartridge, or DE.

3. Sanitizer Delivery – Could be a chlorine floater, an automatic chlorinator, or a salt system.

Bonus Add-Ons You Might Have:

• Heater or Heat Pump

• UV/Ozone System

• Smart Timer or Automation Control Panel

If anything seems off (low pressure, strange noises, cloudy water), don’t panic. Turn everything off and call your pool pro. It’s always better to catch a small problem early.

How the Seasons Change Pool Care

Summer (High Use, High Attention):

• Test chemicals more often (every other day is smart).

• Expect more evaporation—top off the water as needed.

• Watch for algae during heat waves or after big storms.

• Clean the filter more often—especially if you’re hosting pool parties or have heavy use.

Fall (Leaves, Leaves, and More Leaves):

• Skim daily if you’re under trees.

• Clean the skimmer baskets often—leaves can clog the circulation.

• Consider using a leaf net or mesh cover if it gets bad.

Winter (Closing Time, Depending on Where You Live):

• In colder climates, your contractor should help you winterize: lower the water level, blow out lines, add antifreeze, and cover the pool.

• In warmer areas, just reduce pump run time and chemical use—but don’t neglect it completely.

Spring (Reopening Joy and Surprises):

• Clean and remove the cover.

• Top off the water, test everything.

• Run the filter continuously for 24–48 hours to clear cloudy water.

• Balance chemistry before you jump in.

  
  

The Most Common Mistakes—and How to Avoid Them

Here’s what most new pool owners get wrong (and how to stay ahead of the game):

• Waiting until the water looks “off” to test it. Pool water can look clear but still be out of balance. Make testing a habit, not a reaction.

• Overcorrecting. Dumping a bunch of chemicals without measuring is a recipe for trouble. Always follow instructions, and less is often more.

• Neglecting the filter. A dirty filter = dirty water. Set reminders on your phone if that helps.

• Not brushing. Even with a robotic cleaner, brushing helps prevent algae in corners and steps.

  
  

Smart Tools That Make Pool Life Smoother

Want to make your life easier? These tools are worth the investment:

• Robotic Pool Cleaner: Expensive upfront, but it’s like having a little underwater Roomba. Worth every penny.

• Good Test Kit: Digital or drop-based kits are more accurate than strips.

• Pool Brush with Telescoping Pole: You’ll use it a lot more than you think.

• Floating Chlorine Dispenser: Helps maintain levels if you’re not using automation.

  
  

Contractors: Why Educating Your Customers Pays Off

If you’re a builder or service tech, here’s why sharing this matters:

• Fewer emergency calls about cloudy water or green pools.

• Fewer complaints because someone wasn’t told what “normal” startup looks like.

• More referrals and repeat customers who appreciate that you took the time to educate them.

At the end of the day, no one wants to feel lost when it comes to something they just spent $40K–$100K on. A little guidance makes all the difference.

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This

Pool ownership shouldn’t be stressful—it should be a joy. With a bit of routine, the right tools, and a general understanding of what’s happening under the surface, you’ll get the hang of it in no time.

And if you’re ever unsure? Call your pool pro. They’ve seen it all, and they’d rather help you early than fix a disaster later.

Here’s to long swims, cannonballs, and crystal-clear water. Happy pool season.

Stay tuned: Next week, Episode 5 of the Customer Education Series -  Your Landscaping Timeline - Start to Finish - goes live!