Having a pool at home is great — until you peel back the cover to find cloudy water, leaves stuck in the filter, or the chlorine way off. You know exactly what we mean. That’s why understanding how often a pool should be serviced isn’t just useful — it’s necessary.
At Poolsmart True Blue, we look after pools all across Canberra and NSW. Some are in daily use, others are more for show, but all of them need regular care to stay safe and looking good.
How Often Should a Pool Be Maintained?
As a general rule, pools should be maintained at least once a week during peak swimming seasons. Between October and April, pools see more action, and the weather tends to push your system harder — heat, dust, and extra swimmers all play a part.
Once things cool down in winter, fortnightly or even monthly maintenance can usually keep things in check, especially if your pool’s covered and not in use.
The short answer to how often a pool should be maintained is more often than you think if you want to avoid problems.
What Gets Done in a Regular Pool Service?
There’s more to it than throwing in some chlorine and walking away. A proper service will usually include:
- Testing and balancing chemicals
- Clearing the skimmer and pump baskets
- Vacuuming or brushing the surfaces
- Checking the filter, pump and chlorinator
- Skimming off floating leaves or debris
It’s also a good time to check for early signs of wear, such as hairline cracks, loose tiles, or noisy pumps. Catching those early is one of the biggest benefits of regular pool maintenance.
Why Weekly Servicing Can Save You Money
Letting things slide for a few weeks might not seem like a big deal, but it doesn’t take much for algae to bloom or a filter to clog. Once that happens, you’re often looking at bigger repair costs and more downtime.
Weekly pool servicing keeps the water chemistry stable, protects your equipment, and gives you peace of mind. No surprises, no last-minute panics before guests come over.
We’ve had plenty of clients try the DIY approach, only to call us when something goes sideways. There’s no shame in needing backup — it’s your pool, not your full-time job.
What About Using a Pool Robot Cleaner?
A pool robot cleaner is a great bit of kit, especially if you’re dealing with a lot of leaf litter or dirt. It takes care of the grunt work, like cleaning the floor and walls, and can save you a heap of time.
But robots can’t replace a proper full service. They can’t balance water, clean the filter system, or check for equipment faults. Think of them as a solid helper, but not a complete solution.
Different Pools, Different Needs
Concrete, fibreglass, vinyl — they’ve all got their quirks.
Concrete pools can need more brushing and cleaning to stop algae from taking hold, which might affect your maintenance schedule. It’s worth keeping in mind when thinking about long-term concrete pool cost.
Fibreglass pools are smoother and usually easier to clean, but still need chemical checks and regular filter maintenance. Saltwater systems, while lower effort on the day-to-day, still need eyes on the salt cell and pH levels.
No matter the type, a consistent routine will always cost less than fixing something that’s been left too long.
So, How Often Should You Be Servicing Your Pool?
Here’s a rough guide:
- Weekly in summer and peak use months
- Fortnightly or monthly in winter, depending on conditions
- More often during high-use periods like holidays
- Straight away, if something looks off or smells weird
And remember — you don’t have to go it alone. If you’d rather not think about test kits and pump cycles, we’re happy to handle it for you. Our team works across Canberra, Yass, Goulburn, Jindabyne, and beyond.
Whether you’re after occasional help or a regular schedule, we’re ready to keep your pool clean, balanced and ready to enjoy.
