Taking care of a pool or spa correctly will increase your enjoyment and protect your investment. Stay on track with our New England Swimming Pool Care Calendar.

January

• Typically the water in your pool will be frozen. Don’t try to lower the water level. A drop in the water level will allow the ice to drop, possibly pulling out the return plugs or damaging light fixtures.

February

• Not much can be done at this time. Check the water (ice) level to see if anything has changed.
  

March

• The ice should be melting (hopefully).  Check the water level. Lower the water to keep the safety cover dry.
  • A “wet” cover will trap debris and allow the sun to warm the water and add to the algae growth.
• When using a “tarp” cover, the leaves on the cover should be scooped out and water removed from the cover. Make your life easier by purchasing a leaf net that will catch the leaves on your cover for you. If there are any holes in the cover, be sure that you don’t drain the pool.

April

• The water is starting to warm up as the days get longer. Test the water and add liquid shock and an algaecide if needed.
• Keep the cover dry.

May

• As you get close to the opening date, allow the rain to raise the water to the operating level.
• If you are planning a later opening (late June or early July) you may want to add more liquid shock.
• Check the water level periodically so there are no surprises at the opening.
• Keep the cover as dry as possible.

June

• Open your pool.
• Add a metal remover if tap water is added.
• Perform initial cleaning to remove any debris and balance the water.
• Check for leaks. Gaskets and o-rings may need to be replaced.
• Have the pool heater serviced.
• Make a note of the starting filter pressure.
• Bring in a water sample after the pool has been circulating for 24 hours.

July

• Test the water balance at least once a week during the peak of the season.  Additional tests may be needed if water is added.
• Test and maintain the free chlorine at 1.0-3.0 ppm.
• Empty the skimmer and pump baskets as needed.
• Skim the pool surface and vacuum once a week.
• Bring in a water sample for computer testing.
• Check the filter pressure and backwash as needed.

August

• Test the water balance at least once a week during the peak of the season.  Additional tests may be needed if water is added.
• Test and maintain the free chlorine at 1.0-3.0 ppm.
• Add a metal remover if tap water is added to prevent staining.
• Empty skimmer and pump baskets as needed.
• Skim the pool surface and vacuum once a week.
• Bring in a water sample for computer testing.
• Check the filter pressure and backwash as needed.
• Remove elements or cartridges and clean with Filter Cleaner Degreaser to remove any oils and grease that may have accumulated on your filter.

September

• Turn off the equipment.
• Lower the water 12 – 18 inches below the skimmer.
• Close the pool.

October

• Maintain the water level at least 3 – 6 inches below the tile line.
• Keep safety cover dry and remove debris from “tarp” cover.

November

• Maintain the water level at least 3 – 6 inches below the tile line.
• Keep safety cover dry and remove debris from tarp cover.
• Add liquid shock and algaecide.

December

• Maintain the water level at least 3 – 6 inches below the tile line.
• Keep safety cover dry and remove debris from “tarp” cover
• Add liquid shock and algaecide.