The "Three Cs" of Pool Cleaning: Clarity, Circulation, and Chemical Balance

Owning a pool in Garland, TX, means embracing the joy of summer days spent swimming and relaxing by the water. But keeping your pool sparkling clean requires a bit more than skimming the surface. At Garland's Pool Professionals, we focus on the Three Cs of pool cleaning: Clarity, Circulation, and Chemical Balance. Understanding and maintaining these three key aspects will ensure your pool remains a healthy and inviting oasis all year round.

1. Clarity: How to Keep Your Pool Water Sparkling

The first C stands for Clarity, which is all about how clear and inviting your pool water is. A clear pool is a sign of cleanliness, and it's more fun and safer to swim in. Here's how to keep your pool looking its best:


  • Skim and Vacuum Regularly: Use a net every day to scoop out leaves and bugs before they sink. Every week, vacuum the pool floor to remove dirt that has settled. This stops algae from growing and keeps the water clear.


  • Use the Right Filter: The filter is key to keeping your pool water clean. It should run about 8-12 hours a day to work well. Make sure the filter you have is right for the size of your pool and how much you use it.


  • Backwash Your Filter: It's important to clean your filter regularly. If you have a sand, cartridge, or diatomaceous earth filter, you should backwash it. This means you reverse the water flow to push out trapped dirt.


  • Check Filter Pressure Often: Keep an eye on the pressure gauge on your filter. If the pressure is high, it might mean something is blocking the filter, and you need to clean or replace it. A well-maintained filter helps keep the water clear and the pool in good shape.


By sticking to these steps, you'll keep your pool water crystal clear. Clear water is not only more inviting but also a sign that your pool is well taken care of. Regular care means your pool stays beautiful and ready for fun at any time.

A boy underwater in his pool, swimming with thumbs up

2. Circulation: Keeping Your Pool Water Moving

The second C is Circulation, which is super important for keeping your pool healthy. Good water movement stops algae and bacteria from taking over. Here's how to make sure your pool's water keeps moving well:


  • Check Your Pump and Filter: It's crucial that your pump and filter are the right size for your pool and that they're working correctly. They help keep the water clean and moving.


  • Run Your Pump Enough: Your pump should work long enough each day to move all the pool's water through the filter system. Usually, this means running the pump for about 8 hours every day.


  • Point Your Jets Right: The water jets send water back into your pool. Make sure they point in a way that spreads the water out evenly. This helps avoid any spots where algae can grow.


  • Clean Skimmer and Pump Baskets Regularly: Every week, check and clean the baskets in your skimmer and pump. This helps keep the water flow strong and steady.


  • Think About a Pool Circulation System: If your pool doesn't have a good circulation system, getting one might be a smart move. These systems help water move more smoothly and can even cut down on your energy bills.


  • Shock Your Pool Sometimes: Every so often, give your pool a shock treatment. This keeps the water clean and helps the chemicals stay balanced. It also makes your circulation system work better.


By keeping up with these steps, you'll make sure your pool water moves like it should. This means less algae and bacteria and a cleaner, more enjoyable pool for everyone.

A pool pump picture

3. Chemical Balance: Making Your Pool Safe

The third C stands for Chemical Balance, which is super important for keeping your pool safe and looking great. Here’s how you can keep the chemicals in your pool just right:


  • Test the Water Weekly: It's important to regularly check your pool’s pH, chlorine, alkalinity, and calcium hardness. You can use test kits at home or take a water sample to a pool store.


  • Adjust Chemicals as Needed: If your tests show that the levels are off, you'll need to add chemicals to balance them. Keeping the pH between 7.2 and 7.8 makes sure the chlorine works well and keeps the water comfy for swimming.


  • Shock the Pool Regularly: Add a big dose of chlorine (this is called "shocking") to kill bacteria and make the water clear. Make sure to do this after lots of people use the pool or after it rains.


  • Keep an Eye on Chlorine: Chlorine is very important because it cleans the water. Make sure there’s always enough to keep the pool clean and safe.


  • Use Algaecide: To stop algae from growing, use algaecide. Algae can make the pool slippery and block the filters.


  • Stabilize Your Pool: Add stabilizers to help your chlorine last longer, especially when it’s sunny.


  • Handle Chemicals Safely: Always be careful when you use pool chemicals. Wear safety gear and keep chemicals in a cool, dry place away from the sun.


By taking these steps, your pool will stay safe and fun for everyone. Managing the chemicals right helps your pool last longer and makes swimming better.

Pool maintenance chemicals
A person with yellow gloves on, pouring pool maintenance chemicals into a measuring cup

By keeping up with the Three Cs of pool cleaning—Clarity, Circulation, and Chemical Balance—you can make sure your pool stays clean, safe, and fun at your home in Garland. Staying on top of these aspects not only helps your pool last longer but also makes swimming more enjoyable. If you ever need help or some advice on taking care of your pool, don't hesitate to contact Garland's Pool Professionals.


This blog has given you the tips you need to handle pool cleaning like a pro. Now, you can make sure your pool stays a perfect spot for your family and friends to relax and have fun.

Contact Us at Garland's Pool Professionals

Share by: