The 7‑Month Pool‑Care Calendar: What to Do Every Season
By NorTech Services
Your month‑by‑month checklist for crystal‑clear water, happy swimmers, and trouble‑free equipment
Why a Pool‑Care Calendar Matters
A swimming pool is a fantastic backyard amenity, but it’s also a mini‑ecosystem that needs regular attention. Skipping even a single maintenance task can set off a chain reaction—algae blooms, clogged filters, pump burnout, and costly repairs.
Creating a simple, repeatable calendar turns pool upkeep from a chore into a habit. The schedule below is built around the typical climate patterns of Southern California (Mediterranean‑type weather) but can be adapted to any region by shifting the “warm‑season” months earlier or later.
The 7‑Month Cycle
April – Spring Start‑Up
April is the month you bring the pool back to life after the winter lull. Begin by removing the winter cover and storing it in a dry place; a pool‑cover reel makes this quick and painless. Inspect the cover for any tears or holes—repair or replace it now so it’s ready for the next season. Open all return and suction valves, then re‑prime the pump by filling the pump basket and priming the suction line. Run the pump for about 30 minutes to flush out stagnant water. Test the water chemistry and adjust to the ideal ranges: pH 7.2‑7.6, alkalinity 80‑120 ppm, and chlorine 1‑3 ppm. Give the pool a shock treatment—chlorine or non‑chlorine shock—to destroy any organic matter that built up over the winter. Finally, clean the skimmer baskets and pump strainer so the filtration system starts the season with a clean slate.
May – Balance & Filter Tune‑Up
With the pool now circulating, May focuses on fine‑tuning chemistry and the filtration system. Retest the water and adjust pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness (target 200‑400 ppm). If you run a chlorine‑based system in sunny conditions, add cyanuric acid (30‑50 ppm) to stabilize the sanitizer. After eight to ten hours of pump run‑time, backwash or clean the sand/DE filter to remove trapped debris. Vacuum the floor—either manually or with an automatic cleaner—to pick up anything that settled under the cover. Brush the walls and steps to dislodge early algae growth, then inspect the pump seals and motor for any leaks or unusual noises.
Pro tip: Run the pump 8‑10 hours per day during the peak summer heat to maintain a high turnover rate and keep the water pristine.
June – Peak Summer Performance
June is when the pool sees the most use, so daily vigilance is key. Check the water level each day and keep it at the midpoint of the skimmer opening. Add an enzyme cleaner to the water; enzymes break down oils, lotions, and other organics that cause cloudiness. Spot‑treat any algae patches with a quick‑kill algaecide. If you have a cartridge filter, clean or replace the cartridges as needed. Inspect and tighten all pool‑ladder bolts and handrails to ensure safety. At dusk, run a chlorine residual test and adjust the sanitizer to maintain 1‑3 ppm overnight.
Pro tip: Deploy a solar blanket during the hottest afternoon hours—this can lower the water temperature by 5‑10 °F and slash energy costs.
July – Mid‑Season Deep Clean
By mid‑summer, a partial drain may be necessary if the water hardness is high or the water remains persistently cloudy. Drain 10‑15 % of the pool volume, then refill with fresh water and rebalance the chemistry. Clean the heater (if you have one) by removing debris from the intake screen and verifying the thermostat’s operation. Examine the hoses on any automatic pool cleaner for cracks and replace them if needed. Finally, lubricate the O‑rings on the pump and filter unions with silicone grease to keep seals airtight.
Pro tip: Schedule a professional water‑balance service now; a chemist can fine‑tune calcium hardness to prevent scale buildup on the heater.
August – Late‑Summer Maintenance
In August, continue daily water‑level checks, paying special attention to evaporation spikes during heat waves. Run the pump overnight for 6‑8 hours; this keeps the water circulating while the sun is down and helps prevent stagnation. Apply a protective UV‑blocking pool cover in the evenings to curb algae growth. Clean the pool light fixtures—turn off power, remove the lenses, and wipe them with a non‑abrasive cloth. Inspect the pool’s electrical panel for any signs of corrosion or loose breakers.
Pro tip: If you notice a “green ring” around the waterline, add a clarifier and run the filter continuously for 24 hours to clear the discoloration.
September – Transition & Pre‑Close Prep
As the season winds down, start lowering the water level to the mid‑skimmer line; this protects the pump from freezing damage. Sweep the pool deck and remove all organic debris—leaves, insects, and anything that could decompose in the water. Perform a final filter backwash and add a filter‑preserving additive (such as a filter guard) to keep the media in good shape over the winter. Shock the pool with a double dose (twice the normal amount) to eradicate any lingering microbes. Test the water for metals like iron and copper; treat any excess to prevent staining on the surface.
Pro tip: Float a solar cover on the surface for the last few weeks; the retained warmth helps the final shock work more efficiently.
October – Winterization (or Off‑Season Storage)
October is the month you lock the pool down for the colder months. Turn off the pump, heater, and any automated equipment. Drain water from the pump, heater, and filter according to the manufacturers’ instructions—any residual water can freeze and cause cracks. Blow out the plumbing lines with a shop‑vac or compressed air to eliminate hidden moisture. Apply a protective oil to pump seals and O‑rings to keep them from drying out over winter. Cover the pool with a high‑quality winter cover, securing it tightly with straps to prevent wind uplift. Store all chemicals in a dry, temperature‑controlled area away from direct sunlight.
Pro tip: Sprinkle a few bags of silica sand on top of the cover; the added weight keeps the cover from blowing away during winter storms.
Quick Recap (Cheat Sheet)
- April: Remove cover, prime pump, shock, test water.
- May: Balance chemistry, add stabilizer, backwash filter, vacuum, brush walls.
- June: Daily level check, enzyme cleaner, spot algaecide, ladder inspection, chlorine residual test.
- July: Partial drain & refill, clean heater, check cleaner hoses, lubricate O‑rings.
- August: Overnight pump run, UV cover, clean lights, panel inspection, clarifier if green ring appears.
- September: Lower level, deck clean, final backwash, double shock, metal test.
- October: Drain & blow out lines, oil seals, secure winter cover, store chemicals.
Follow this calendar each year and your pool will stay crystal‑clear, your equipment will run longer, and you’ll avoid the costly emergency repairs that come from neglect.
When to Call a Professional (Nortech Services)
| Situation | Why a Pro Is Needed |
|---|---|
| Persistent cloudy water after a full chemical balance | May indicate filter media failure or hidden organic load; a professional can perform a water‑balance analysis and deep‑clean the system. |
| Unusual pump noises (grinding, humming) | Could be a motor bearing issue or impeller blockage; a technician can disassemble, clean, and replace parts before a total failure. |
| Leaks around the skimmer or pump | Requires pressure testing of the plumbing and possibly replacing seals or sections of pipe. |
| Heater not firing or producing low water temperature | Heater may need descaling, a faulty thermostat, or a gas‑line inspection. |
| Large algae bloom despite regular algaecide | Professional soft‑wash with EPA‑approved biocides can eradicate entrenched colonies without damaging the surface. |
| Winterizing for the first time | Proper line‑blowout, sealant application, and cover installation protect your investment and keep your insurance happy. |
Bonus: Extending Your Pool’s Lifespan
- Invest in a quality solar cover – It reduces evaporation, cuts heating costs, and protects against UV‑induced fading.
- Upgrade to a variable‑speed pump – Saves 30‑70 % on electricity and provides smoother water circulation.
- Consider a salt‑water chlorinator – Lower maintenance, softer water, and fewer chemical purchases.
- Schedule an annual professional inspection – A full system check (pump, filter, heater, electrical) can catch wear before it becomes a failure.
Final Thoughts
A well‑maintained pool rewards you with sparkling water, lower operating costs, and years of trouble‑free enjoyment. By following the 7‑month calendar above, you’ll stay ahead of algae, equipment wear, and chemical imbalances—turning what could be a dreaded chore into a predictable, manageable routine.
Ready to simplify your pool care? Let Nortech Services handle the heavy lifting. We offer:
- Seasonal start‑up and winterization packages
- Professional water‑balance testing (including calcium hardness and cyanuric acid)
- Pump, filter, and heater diagnostics
- Soft‑wash algae removal (manufacturer‑approved, warranty‑safe)
Give us a call at [Phone Number] or schedule an appointment online at [Website URL]. We’ll keep your pool crystal‑clear, your equipment humming, and your weekends worry‑free.
Enjoy the water. Leave the maintenance to the pros.
