Pool Care Tips
We've Got You!
We're committed to maintaining your pool to the highest standards, and we're here to ensure you can always enjoy a clean, safe, and healthy swimming environment.
While our team handles the technical side of pool care, there are simple steps you can take that make a real difference. Think of it as a partnership - your small actions help us maintain the perfect balance, keep the water crystal clear, and extend the life of your facilities.
In this guide, we'll share practical tips that empower you to be part of the solution and help us keep your pool the amazing place it is for the whole family.
Contents
This page is being constantly updated, check back for new article releases
POOL WATER
Pool advice from the (CDC) World Centres for Disease Control:
https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-swimming/safety/what-you-can-do-to-stay-healthy-in-swimming-pools.html
To maintain a healthy pool, swimmers should always take a 1-minute soap shower and wash their entire bodies before entering the water. This crucial step removes millions of microbes, sweat, and body oils, which prevents the build-up of irritating chloramines and helps keep sanitiser levels balanced.
Pre-Swim Checklist for a Healthy Pool
Follow these quick actions to do your part in keeping the pool water clean, safe, and balanced:
-
Take a Soap Shower: Rinse thoroughly with soap. The average person carries millions of microbes and cosmetic products on their skin; washing this away ensures fresh, clean water for everyone.
-
Use the Restroom: Empty your bladder and bowels before getting in to prevent bodily waste from interacting with and neutralising pool chlorine.
-
Check Your Health: Never swim if you are experiencing diarrhoea or have had it in the past 14 days. Your body can continue to shed germs (like Cryptosporidium) even after symptoms stop.
-
Apply Sunscreen Properly: Apply water-resistant sun protection 15–30 minutes before getting in so it has time to absorb into your skin instead of washing off and clouding the water.
-
Manage Swim Diapers: Change diapers only in designated bathroom facilities—never by the poolside. Take young children on frequent bathroom breaks to avoid accidental contamination and encourage older ones to get out regularly for toilet breaks.
For more official hygiene guidelines, you can review the full CDC Healthy Swimming Guidelines or check the Better Health Channel Swimming Advice.
PUMP RUN TIMES
Why Running Pool Pumps for the Right Amount of Time Matters
Your pool pump is the heart of your filtration system. It circulates water through the filter, removes debris, and helps distribute chemicals evenly throughout the pool. Running your pump for the correct duration ensures that all the water in the pool is being cleaned and treated properly - this is called the "turnover rate".
The Negative Effects of Under-Running Your Pumps
When pumps don't run long enough, several problems can develop:
-
Poor water clarity – Debris, algae spores, and contaminants aren't adequately removed, leading to cloudy or discoloured water
-
Algae growth – Stagnant water is a breeding ground for algae, which can turn your pool green and unsafe
-
Chemical imbalance – Chemicals aren't distributed evenly, creating dead zones where pH and chlorine levels are inconsistent
-
Bacterial growth – Without proper circulation, harmful bacteria can thrive in untreated areas
-
Increased maintenance costs – Problems that develop from poor circulation are expensive to fix and may require shocking the pool or draining it completely
How Long Should Pumps Run?
A general guideline is that all pool water should be filtered and circulated at least once every 6-8 hours (this is called one complete "turnover"). However, the exact pump runtime depends on several factors:
-
Pool size – Larger pools may need longer run times to achieve a complete turnover
-
Pump capacity – Higher GPM (gallons per minute) pumps can complete turnovers faster
-
Usage – Heavily used pools should run pumps longer or more frequently
-
Climate – Hotter climates and pools in direct sunlight may need longer run times
-
Bather load – More swimmers mean more contamination, requiring longer circulation
-
Recommended Runtime:
-
Standard residential/public pools: 8-10 hours per day minimum
-
High-use pools: 12+ hours per day
-
Summer months: Run longer due to increased usage and algae risk
-
Winter months: May reduce slightly if usage drops, but never skip daily filtration
Most facilities benefit from running pumps during peak use hours plus additional time during cooler parts of the day to ensure thorough cleaning.
WARNING SIGNS
What to Report to Your Maintenance Provider Immediately
Your pool depends on proper chemical balance, equipment function, and water clarity to remain safe and enjoyable. If you notice any of the following abnormalities, contact your maintenance provider right away—these issues can worsen quickly and may indicate safety concerns:
Water Clarity and Discolouration
-
Cloudy or milky water – Indicates poor filtration or chemical imbalance
-
Green, yellow, or brown water – Signs of algae bloom or metal contamination
-
Pink or red tint – May indicate bacterial growth
-
Visible debris or particles – Suggests filter failure or circulation problems
-
Unusual odour – Strong chemical smell, musty odours, or foul smells warrant immediate attention
Remember, a strong chlorine smell doesn't always mean you have too much chlorine in the pool, in fact, quite the contrary! It usually indicates that the chlorine is reacting with a contaminant and you probably need more chlorine.
Equipment Problems
-
Pump not running or making unusual noises – Could indicate mechanical failure or damage
-
Broken or malfunctioning filter – Water won't circulate properly without it
-
Visible cracks in the pool structure – May lead to leaks or water loss
-
Leaking pipes, hoses, or connections – Results in water loss and circulation issues
-
Damaged or missing drain covers – Creates a safety hazard
-
Non-functioning pool lights – Safety concern, especially for evening use
There are no normal scenarios in which water should be discharging out of the pool to waste when our personnel are not there performing a backwash or rinse.
Chemical and Safety Concerns
-
Difficulty maintaining chlorine levels – May indicate a dosing system malfunction or hidden leak
-
pH fluctuations – Causes skin irritation and ineffective sanitisation
-
Visible algae on walls or floor – Even small patches can spread rapidly
-
Stains on pool surfaces – Could indicate metal staining or chemical issues
-
Slippery surfaces or algae buildup on deck – Safety hazard for swimmers
If you have an automation water top up system (ballcock in the balance tank), not only is this illegal in TRNC but it can hide leaks. We recommend testing pools for leaks over the winter months when the pools are not in use.
Structural and Environmental Issues
-
Excessive water loss – Indicates a possible leak
-
Cracks in the pool walls or floor – Structural damage that requires professional repair
-
Rust or corrosion on equipment – Can damage the system and contaminate water
-
Debris accumulation that won't clear – Suggests circulation or skimmer problems
-
Unusual water temperature – May indicate heater malfunction
The Bottom Line
When in doubt, report it! Early detection of these issues prevents small problems from becoming expensive repairs and keeps your pool safe for everyone. Your maintenance provider would much rather address minor concerns proactively than deal with serious damage or safety hazards later.