Pool care, water and running costs

Looking after a pool doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. Most of the work comes down to keeping a sanitiser working, keeping the water balanced, circulating and filtering properly, and avoiding waste of water, chemicals and energy. Get those right and you'll spend more time swimming and less time battling green water.

This section explains pool water chemistry in plain English, compares saltwater chlorinators with manual chlorine, and shows how covers, pumps and heating choices affect running costs. It doesn't recommend brands or publish typical bills, which vary widely. Instead, it gives you the principles and the questions to ask.

Guides in this section

• Pool water chemistry basics Sanitising with chlorine, pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, stabiliser, testing, common problems and safe chemical storage.
• Saltwater vs chlorine pools How chlorinators work, salt levels, pros and cons, cell maintenance, mineral systems, corrosion and draining rules.
• Pool heating, pumps and running costs Covers, pump types and energy ratings, run times, solar, heat pump and gas heating, and saving water.

The weekly routine

A simple weekly routine keeps most pools in good shape:

1. Skim and empty baskets in the skimmer and pump.
2. Brush walls and floor to stop algae taking hold.
3. Test sanitiser and pH, and adjust as the product labels direct.
4. Check the filter pressure or condition and clean when needed.
5. Check the water level and top up if needed.
6. Look over equipment for leaks, noises or error lights.

In summer, during heavy use or after storms, you may need to test and adjust more often.

Know your pool's volume

Almost every chemical dose depends on how many litres your pool holds. Use the pool calculator on our home page to estimate the volume of rectangle, oval and round pools, and to see how long your pump takes to turn the water over. Write the figure down and keep it with your test kit.

Equipment basics

Saving money and resources

• Use a pool cover to reduce evaporation, heat loss and debris.
• Run the pump efficiently, adjusting run times by season and considering a variable-speed pump when replacing.
• Keep water balanced so chemicals work properly and equipment lasts.
• Fix leaks quickly.
• Don't drain to stormwater; check local rules for draining and backwashing.

When to call a professional

Call a qualified pool technician or service if water problems persist after testing and adjusting, if equipment is leaking, noisy or failing, if you suspect a leak in the shell or plumbing, or if electrical or gas equipment needs work. Use licensed electricians, plumbers and gas fitters for any installation or repair.

Seasonal tips

• Spring: service equipment, clean the filter, rebalance water and check the barrier before the season starts.
• Summer: test more often, run the pump longer and use a cover to retain heat and reduce evaporation.
• Autumn: clear falling leaves regularly and adjust run times as the weather cools.
• Winter: keep circulating and sanitising at lower levels as advised, and keep the cover on.

Common mistakes

• Dosing chemicals without knowing the pool volume.
• Adjusting several readings at once instead of one at a time.
• Neglecting pH in salt pools.
• Running the pump for the same hours all year.
• Leaving the pool uncovered when it's heated.

Questions to ask a pool shop or technician

1. What does my water test show, and what should I adjust first?
2. Is my pump the right size for my pool and filter?
3. How often should I clean or backwash my filter?
4. Is my chlorinator cell scaled or worn?
5. What are the local rules for draining or backwashing?

Write down the advice and record the results in a logbook so you can track changes over time.

Pool care for renters and holiday homes

If you rent a home with a pool, check your lease to see who is responsible for chemicals, cleaning and equipment repairs, and report any faults in writing. For holiday homes and pools that sit unused for weeks, a cover, an automatic chlorinator and a timer help keep the water stable, but arrange regular checks so problems don't build up while you're away.

Key points

Keep a sanitiser working, keep the water balanced and test regularly. Salt pools are chlorine pools that need pH and cell care. Know your pool's volume for accurate dosing. Covers, efficient pumps and sensible heating choices cut running costs. Handle chemicals safely and call a professional when problems persist.