Watchable guides for pool care.
Quick video guides covering pool-clearing maintenance habits, water chemistry for safety, and red flags that signal you need a professional. Written by techs maintaining hundreds of pools across San Diego each week.
Which pool maintenance tasks can you handle yourself?
Empty the skimmer and pump basket
A clogged skimmer basket cuts flow and forces your pump to work harder than it needs to.
Brush and vacuum weekly
Brushing stops algae before it appears. Vacuuming handles the corners your robot can't reach.
Watch your water level
If the water level is off, your pool pump can burn out in under an hour. This is how to check it and keep the skimmer functioning correctly.
Keep a filter cleaning schedule
A dirty filter drives up your electric bill and masks water quality issues.
Need planning numbers before you call? Check out our pool service cost calculator Budget ranges pulled from general sources covering cleaning, repairs, and resurfacing. This is not a quote or a rate from a local company.
When is it time to call a pool service professional?
Spotting these six indicators early can save you thousands. They signal a problem beyond simple chemistry adjustment.
- Pool turns green overnight, within 24 hours
Chlorine crashed and something big changed, filter failure, phosphate influx, or equipment issue. Needs diagnosis, not just shock.
- Water stays cloudy even after shock and 48 hours of running the filter
Could be a filter problem or a chemistry imbalance that test strips won't reveal. Easy to pinpoint with proper testing tools.
- Pump is grinding, screeching, or refuses to prime
Likely a shaft seal, impeller, or motor bearing failure. Continuing to run it will destroy the motor. Cut the power and call.
- Water level dropping more than 1/2 inch per day
A leak in the plumbing, shell, or a fitting. Electronic leak detection can locate it without tearing up the yard.
- Plaster, pebble, or tile with large cracks or chunks missing
Caused by settling, hydrostatic pressure, or freeze damage. An inspection is needed before the damage spreads further.
- Heater won't ignite or cuts off after a few minutes
Ignition, pressure switch, or heat exchanger problems. Gas heaters aren't a DIY job, improper repair poses real danger.
Which pool rebates and resources can you access?
Variable Speed Pump Rebate from SDG&E
Available rebates for swapping single-speed pool pumps for variable-speed models.
CDCCDC Healthy Swimming Guidelines
Official safety guidelines covering pool water pH, chlorine levels, and associated health risks.
CDCPool Chemical Safety Resources from the CDC
Safe storage and handling of pool chemicals at home.
SDCWAWater Authority of San Diego County
Water hardness reports for the area and how they affect your pool.
Rather just have someone handle it?
Weekly pool service with the same tech every visit. No setup fee, cancel anytime. Serving all of San Diego County.