Keeping Water Clear Without Doing It Yourself

Regular pool cleaning and maintenance plans in Phenix City that handle skimming, chemical balancing, and equipment checks so your pool stays ready to use.

You notice the water starting to cloud up, algae forming along the shaded side of the pool, or leaves and debris piling up faster than you can skim them out, and suddenly keeping the pool clean feels like a second job. Homeowners in Phenix City deal with pollen in spring, falling leaves in autumn, and heat that accelerates algae growth during summer, all of which require consistent attention to water chemistry and surface cleaning.

Summer Pools by Ray Carden offers routine maintenance plans that include weekly skimming and debris removal, brushing walls and steps to prevent algae buildup, vacuuming the floor to remove settled dirt and organic matter, testing and adjusting water chemistry to keep chlorine, pH, and alkalinity balanced, and cleaning or backwashing the filter to maintain proper flow and filtration. Each visit also includes a visual inspection of the pump, filter, and other equipment to catch small issues before they turn into expensive repairs.

Reach out to talk about what a maintenance plan would look like for your pool in Phenix City and how often service visits should happen.

What Happens During Each Service Visit

The service begins with skimming the surface and emptying baskets to remove floating debris, then brushing the walls, steps, and floor to loosen algae and dirt that has settled or attached. Vacuuming follows, pulling debris and sediment into the filtration system or waste line depending on the amount present. In Phenix City, pollen buildup during spring often requires more frequent skimming and basket emptying to keep the pump from clogging.

After cleaning, water testing determines what chemicals need adjustment, and you will see clearer water within a few hours once chlorine and pH levels stabilize. Regular brushing prevents algae from taking hold, so the water stays clear between visits without needing shock treatments or algaecide every week.

Filter maintenance involves backwashing sand or DE filters to remove trapped debris or rinsing cartridge filters with a hose to restore flow. Equipment checks look for leaks around the pump, unusual noises, or pressure changes that signal a blockage or worn part. Plans can be adjusted seasonally, with more frequent visits during heavy use months and reduced service during cooler periods when the pool is used less often.

Common Concerns About Ongoing Maintenance

Most homeowners want to know how often service is needed, what gets done during each visit, and whether they still need to do anything between appointments.

What does water balancing actually prevent?
Balanced water prevents chlorine from dissipating too quickly, stops algae from growing, and protects pool surfaces and equipment from corrosion or scaling caused by improper pH or alkalinity. You avoid green water, cloudy conditions, and damage to the plaster or metal fittings.
How often should the pool be brushed?
Brushing once a week prevents algae from attaching to walls and steps, especially in shaded areas where sunlight does not reach. In Phenix City, pools surrounded by trees or with poor circulation may need more frequent brushing to stay ahead of buildup.
When does the filter need more than a rinse?
Cartridge filters should be deep-cleaned with a filter cleaner solution every few months to remove oils and minerals that plain rinsing does not remove. Sand and DE filters need media replacement every few years when backwashing no longer restores proper flow.
Why do baskets fill up so fast?
Skimmer and pump baskets collect leaves, pollen, insects, and other debris before it reaches the filter, and they fill quickly during high pollen or leaf drop seasons. Emptying them regularly prevents reduced water flow and keeps the pump from running dry or overheating.
What should you do between service visits?
Skim floating debris daily if possible, check that the pump is running and water is circulating, and keep an eye on water clarity. If the water starts looking cloudy or green before the next visit, contact your service provider rather than adding chemicals without testing first.

Summer Pools by Ray Carden tailors each maintenance plan to match your pool size, usage, and seasonal conditions in Phenix City, so the service fits what you actually need. Contact us to set up a plan and get your pool on a routine cleaning schedule.