I know how much of a pain it can be to keep a pool clean can be. Older pools built in skimmers do not always do a good job keeping a cool clean. Bottom pull filters can get clogged if the pool is not cleaned right after a big storm. Don't even get me started on automatic pool cleaners. Not only does the dog thing it is his mortal enemy, but there always seems to be one spot that it misses.
So before the kids jump in for hours of fun, you break out the pool vacuum and net. At the end of the day it is not really that much work. In fact, I find it relaxing. It is that last peaceful moment before the chaos of swim time begins.
Chemicals are a different story. I am conflicted on how to advice people. If you have the time, keeping leafs and bugs out the pool is not really that hard. But if you mess up the chemical balance of a pool, it can ruin a whole summer.
Here is what I do: At the beginning of the summer I have the pool professionally opened. Part of the opening process is having the water tested and the initial round of chemicals. At that point, I will work with my pool maintenance company figure out what I will need for the summer. I will add the chemicals and do at home testing. If something gets off, I will get the have it professionally test. Otherwise, I will have it tested halfway through the season.
This does not work for everyone. People in the midwest or in urban areas have a harder time keeping their pools balanced and safe. Even the lightest rain can through the whole thing off. If this is the case, it might be best to have a professional check chemical levels more often and fine tune the balance.
