Owning a pool in Orlando sounds like a dream, but did you know that poorly maintained pools can be a breeding ground for bacteria? In fact, according to the CDC, around 12% of pool inspections lead to closures due to improper chemical levels or health risks. For a place like Florida, where pool season seems endless, knowing the basics of pool care is key to keeping your backyard oasis safe and inviting.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything a new pool owner in Orlando needs to know. We’ll cover the basics, answer common questions, and share tips that go beyond the obvious.

Why Pool Maintenance in Orlando is Unique

Owning a pool anywhere takes effort, but in Orlando, specific factors make pool maintenance a bit different. The climate, humidity, and even the local vegetation all impact how you care for your pool.

Florida’s Humidity and Heat

Orlando’s tropical weather may be great for year-round swimming, but it can lead to faster algae growth and higher evaporation rates. The warmth can also break down chlorine faster, which means you’ll need to monitor your water more often. But don’t worry—once you understand how the climate affects your pool, you’ll be able to maintain it easily.

Rain and Storms

Orlando is known for its summer thunderstorms. Heavy rains can dilute your pool’s chemicals and cause debris to collect in the water. After a storm, you’ll need to take steps to clean up the pool and rebalance the chemicals quickly.

The Basics of Pool Maintenance

Before diving into the more unique aspects of pool care in Orlando, it’s important to understand the basic elements that keep any pool running smoothly.

1. Keep Your Filter Clean

Your pool’s filter is the heart of your cleaning system. It works to remove dirt, leaves, and other debris that get into the water. If your filter isn’t clean, your water can quickly turn murky or unsafe.

How often to clean it:

For most pools, you should clean or backwash your filter every week or two. In Orlando, with all the extra pollen and plant debris, you might need to do this more frequently.

Types of filters:

There are three common types: sand, cartridge, and diatomaceous earth (DE). Make sure to check which type your pool uses and follow the right cleaning process.

2. Skimming and Brushing

It’s not glamorous, but skimming your pool and brushing its walls should be a regular habit.

Skimming:

Remove leaves, bugs, and debris floating on the surface daily or every other day. If you don’t, it can lead to clogs or even damage your pump.

Brushing:

Algae and dirt can cling to your pool’s walls, steps, and floor. Brushing the pool once a week keeps those spots clean and reduces algae growth.

3. Chemical Balance is Key

Maintaining the right chemical levels in your pool is essential for safety and cleanliness.

pH levels:

Aim to keep your pool’s pH between 7.4 and 7.6. Anything higher can lead to scaling, while lower levels make the water more acidic, which can irritate skin and eyes.

Chlorine:

Chlorine is your pool’s main sanitizer. The right level is between 1-3 ppm (parts per million). Too little, and bacteria can thrive. Too much, and it can irritate swimmers’ eyes.

Alkalinity:

Keeping the alkalinity between 100-150 ppm helps stabilize your pH levels.

Test Kits:

Use a pool test kit at least twice a week to ensure all levels are in the safe range.

Orlando-Specific Pool Tips

While the basic pool care principles apply everywhere, Orlando presents some unique challenges due to its subtropical climate.

1. Watch Out for Algae

Algae thrive in the warm, humid conditions of Orlando. Even the most well-maintained pools can have algae problems if they’re not monitored carefully.

Shock your pool regularly:

Shocking involves adding a large dose of chlorine to your pool to kill bacteria or algae. In Orlando, it’s a good idea to shock your pool after every storm, or at least once a month during the hottest parts of the year.

Use algaecides:

These chemicals specifically target algae and can be an extra layer of protection during peak summer months.

2. Deal with Debris

Orlando’s natural beauty means plenty of leaves, pollen, and insects finding their way into your pool. Regular skimming will help, but there are other things you can do.

Invest in a pool cover:

A cover will keep debris out, especially during stormy seasons.

Trim nearby trees:

Keeping trees and plants around your pool trimmed can reduce the amount of leaves and debris that end up in your pool.

3. Handle Orlando’s Hard Water

Florida’s water is known for being “hard,” meaning it contains high levels of calcium and other minerals. Over time, this can lead to scaling in your pool.

How to prevent scaling:

Test your pool water for calcium hardness levels and aim for a range between 200-400 ppm. If it’s too high, you may need to drain and refill your pool with fresh water to dilute the minerals.

Descaling treatments:

If you notice white or gray build-up along the tiles or pool walls, you may need to use a descaling treatment to clean it up.

Monthly Pool Care Checklist

To keep your pool sparkling, use this simple monthly checklist tailored for Orlando’s unique environment:

• Test and Adjust Chemicals – Test pH, chlorine, and alkalinity twice a week.
• Skim and Brush – Skim surface debris daily and brush walls weekly.
• Clean the Filter – Backwash or clean your filter every 1-2 weeks, depending on pool use and the weather.
• Shock the Pool – Shock the pool after heavy rain, storms, or every few weeks in the summer.
• Check Calcium Levels – Test and adjust calcium hardness once a month to avoid scaling.
• Check Pool Equipment – Inspect pumps, filters, and heaters to ensure everything is running smoothly.

Preventing Common Pool Problems

Regular maintenance can help prevent most issues, but sometimes things still go wrong. Here are a few common problems Orlando pool owners face and how to prevent them:

Cloudy Water:

This can happen due to poor filtration, incorrect chemical levels, or after heavy rain. Clean the filter, test chemical levels, and run the pump longer to clear it up.

Green Water:

If your pool turns green, it’s usually because of an algae bloom. Shock the pool and make sure your filter is working properly.

Skin or Eye Irritation:

If swimmers experience skin or eye irritation, your pool’s pH might be off. Adjust it and test again before swimming.

Conclusion

Owning a pool in Orlando doesn’t have to feel like a chore. With a little know-how and regular maintenance, you’ll have crystal clear water and a safe environment to enjoy. Keep an eye on the unique challenges Orlando brings, like algae growth and hard water, and you’ll be set.

And when you need expert advice or a little extra help, Orlando Pool Crew is always ready to step in, offering reliable and friendly pool maintenance services you can trust. Whether you’re just getting started or need ongoing support, they’ve got you covered.