Image Courtesy of: Kelly Parish Photography

Concrete pools provide a gateway to relaxation and fun, but like any cherished possession, it thrives with consistent care. With over 30 years of trusted pool design, build and maintenance, our team understands how to keep your oasis at its peak. This in-depth guide will help you maintain your pool to our standard of excellence in order to keep your concrete pool sparkling.

A Comprehensive Guide to Concrete Pool Maintenance

Some aspects of pool care are universal, such as skimming and testing. However, concrete pools require unique maintenance to ensure their longevity and performance.

Regular Cleaning

Adopting a regular cleaning schedule is the first and simplest step to keeping your waters shining. Routine debris removal – above and below the surface – elevates your overall pool area and creates an inviting and envious environment for all who see it.

Skimming: Invest a few minutes daily to skim leaves, insects and debris from the pool’s surface. This prevents contaminants from sinking and clouding the water.
Vacuuming: Weekly vacuuming eliminates finer particles from the pool floor, walls and steps, maintaining water clarity and preventing residue buildup.
Brushing: Brush the pool’s surfaces to prevent algae growth and scaling. Regular brushing ensures a polished appearance and prevents unsightly stains.
Shock Treatment: If algae growth occurs, administer a shock treatment with a higher dose of chlorine to eradicate the infestation.
Filtration: Run the pool’s filtration system until water clarity is restored, ensuring the treated water circulates adequately.

Water Chemistry

Pool chemicals do more than clean your waters. They help elevate its feel, creating a silky-smooth swimming experience. Maintaining balanced water chemistry is vital to optimizing swimmer comfort, preventing algae build-up and protecting pool surfaces and equipment.

Testing: Regularly test the pool water’s pH, chlorine levels, alkalinity and calcium hardness using a reliable testing kit.
Chemical Adjustment: Based on test results, adjust chemical levels as needed to ensure the water remains safe and inviting.

Equipment Maintenance

Your Aqua Blue oasis is constructed with state-of-the-art equipment to simplify pool maintenance. However, these quality pieces still require care. Our maintenance team is available to assist with your devices, but knowing what to look for can also help you identify issues before they happen.

Skimmer and Pump Strainer Baskets: Check and clean skimmers and pump baskets at least once a week to prevent debris build-up.
Pump and Filter: Inspect your pump and filter weekly during swim season. Ensure the pump is working and backwash/rinse the filter as needed for clear water.
Automatic Pool Cleaner: Check your automatic pool cleaner’s operation and clean as needed.
Heater: Check that the heater works properly at least once per month. Schedule a professional maintenance call if you notice any issues.
Chemical Feeder: Regularly inspect and refill your chemical feeder if used for chlorine or chemicals. This maintains water balance and clarity.

Regular Inspections

Regular and thorough inspections play a pivotal role in ensuring your concrete pool’s longevity, safety and enjoyment. These proactive measures not only prevent minor issues from escalating into major problems but also contribute to the overall health of your swimming environment.

Prompt Attention: Perform your own regular inspections to catch cracks, chips or any signs of damage early on. Address minor issues promptly to prevent them from worsening.
As-Needed Consultations: Engage a professional pool company for repairs, especially if you notice significant cracks or structural concerns.
Annual Checkup: Schedule an annual professional inspection to assess the pool’s condition and identify potential issues that require expert attention.

Resurfacing

With the proper care, custom concrete pools can last a lifetime. However, it is not unusual to see cosmetic signs of aging appear. If your pool displays rough surfaces, staining or extensive cracking, it may be time to consider resurfacing to restore its beauty and integrity.

Timing: As a rule of thumb, concrete pools may need resurfacing every 10-15 years, depending on usage, maintenance and environmental factors. Your Aqua Blue Pools representative will help you determine the ideal schedule for your oasis.
Signs to Watch: Rough surfaces, staining and significant cracks are indicators that resurfacing may be necessary to restore the pool’s vibrance and vigor.
Aesthetic Enhancements: Consider incorporating aesthetic upgrades during resurfacing, such as new tiles, mosaics or decorative elements, to rejuvenate your pool’s overall look.

Concrete Solutions for Stunning Pool Designs

As the Lowcountry’s premier custom pool builder, Aqua Blue Pools is ready to help you realize the pool of your dreams. Since 1991, our team has designed and built pools in a range of styles for residential and commercial clients from South Carolina’s Lowcountry to Savannah. We are proud to work closely with our clients to create and execute impressive custom projects built to last. Contact us today to begin planning your oasis!