Not much, and that's the point of having a service. But a few small habits make a big difference: keep the water level at the middle of the skimmer opening, empty the skimmer basket when it fills up, run the pump long enough each day, and keep some shock on hand for after heavy swim days. That's about ten minutes a week, and it prevents most of the expensive problems we see.
We clean pools all over the Sacramento area. We're in your yard once a week, and the pool is yours the rest of the time. Here's what we'd tell every pool owner if we had the time at the gate.
How high should the water be?
Halfway up the skimmer opening, which is usually the middle tile grout line. The skimmer is the rectangular slot in the tile line where the water gets pulled in.
If the water drops below that slot, the pump starts sucking air. A pump that runs dry overheats, and that's how seals and motors die. We've replaced pumps that had nothing wrong with them except a low water line in July. If you want to know what that mistake costs, we wrote it up here:
what it costs to replace a pool pump in Sacramento.
In a Sacramento summer, a pool can lose around a quarter inch of water a day to evaporation, more during a windy week of 100 degree days. That's normal. Put a hose in it once a week, and set a timer on your phone so you don't flood the yard. If you're losing a lot more than that, tell us. It could be a leak, and it's cheaper to find out early.
Too high is a problem too. If the water is above the skimmer opening, the skimmer can't pull leaves off the surface and they sink to the floor.
Do I need to empty the skimmer basket if I have a service?
Yes, when it fills up. We empty it every visit, but one windy afternoon can pack it full the day after we leave.
A packed basket chokes off water to the pump. Flow drops, the filter stops doing its job, and the pump works harder for nothing. This matters most from September through November, when the oaks and elms around here let go. During leaf season, check the basket every couple of days. It takes one minute. Pull the lid, dump the basket, put it back.
If your pool has an automatic cleaner with a leaf bag or canister, same idea. When it's full, it stops picking things up and puts a lot of added stress on your motor and equipment.
How long should I run the pool pump?
Long enough to move all the water through the filter at least once a day. For most pools here that's about 10 hours in summer and 6 to 8 in winter. If you have a variable speed pump, you can run it longer at a low speed and still spend less on power than an old single speed pump running a short day.
The mistake we see most is people cutting the run time to save on the electric bill right when the pool needs it most. Hot water, strong sun, and a short pump schedule is how a clear pool turns green in a week. If yours already has, here's
how to clear a green pool in Sacramento.
If you're not sure what kind of pump you have or what California requires when it's time to replace one, this covers it:
California variable speed pool pump rules explained.
What do dogs, sunscreen, and parties do to a pool?
They use up chlorine and load up the filter. None of it is a reason not to enjoy your pool. It's just good to know.
One big dog in the water is about the same as several people, and the hair goes straight to the baskets and the filter. Sunscreen and body oils leave a film at the tile line and clog filter cartridges faster. A party with a dozen swimmers can eat through a week's worth of chlorine in one afternoon. Have the pool parties, but keep a bucket of shock. A scoop or 2 after parties will help keep the chlorine up and the algae growth down.
Two easy habits help. Have people rinse off before they get in when you can. And after a heavy swim day, empty the skimmer basket and let the pump run a few extra hours.
How do I know when the filter needs cleaning?
Look at the pressure gauge on top of the filter. After a filter clean, note the number. When the gauge reads 8 to 10 PSI above that clean number, the filter is dirty and it's time.
You don't have to clean it yourself. Just know what normal looks like on your gauge so you can spot a change. A filter that never gets cleaned means weak flow, cloudy water, and a pump working too hard. Most pools here need it about twice a year, more if you have a lot of trees or a dog that swims. If the pressure stays high right after a clean, or the gauge never moves at all, that's a
pool repair call.
How can I make my tech's visit count?
Make it easy for us to get in and get to work. Keep the gate unlocked on service day, or give us the code. Keep dogs inside while we're there. We text before we arrive, so you'll know when that is. Move pool toys and floats out of the water if you think of it.
And check the photo and chemistry report we send after every visit. That's what your pool looked like when we left. If it looks different two days later, that tells both of us something useful.
The short version
Keep the water at mid skimmer. Empty the basket when it's full. Let the pump run. Have some shock handy to add after heavier swim days. Do those things and your pool will stay clear, your equipment will last longer, and we'll handle the rest.
If you'd like us to take care of your pool, weekly service starts at $135 a month plus chemicals, with no contracts. You can see the plans on our
pool service page or call us at (916) 313-8754 and we'll get you taken care of.
