Regular maintenance is essential if you have a backyard pool in Northwest Arkansas. Keeping the water clean and balanced helps ensure swimmers’ safety, protects pool equipment, and prevents costly repairs. Taking care of your pool not only extends its lifespan but also keeps it looking great, allowing you to enjoy it with family and friends all year round. Pool maintenance includes cleaning debris, checking and adjusting chemical levels, and inspecting pumps and filters to ensure everything works properly.
The changing seasons in Northwest Arkansas mean your pool needs different care throughout the year. Hot summers require frequent cleaning and water testing, while cooler months require winterizing steps to protect your pool from damage. A good maintenance routine helps prevent unexpected problems and keeps your pool in optimal condition. You can handle some tasks and hire professionals for others, but understanding what needs to be done will help you keep your pool in top shape throughout the year.
Why Regular Pool Maintenance Matters
A well-maintained swimming pool is more than just clean water; it’s also a safe and enjoyable environment. It’s about maintaining a balanced water level, ensuring the equipment is functioning correctly, and keeping everyone safe. Problems such as algae, cloudy water, broken pumps, or health risks can arise without proper care.
Taking care of your pool regularly also saves you money in the long run. It’s easier and cheaper to prevent problems than to fix them later.
Monthly Pool Maintenance Tasks
You should check the basics every month. These tasks are quick and can help prevent bigger issues.
1. Test Water Chemistry
Use a testing kit or test strips to check:
- pH level (ideal range: 7.2–7.6)
- Chlorine or sanitizer level
- Alkalinity
- Calcium hardness
This helps keep your water clear and safe for swimming. If the water is out of balance, it can damage pool surfaces or equipment over time.
2. Clean the Pool
Skim the surface to remove leaves or bugs. Brush the walls and vacuum the floor to prevent algae buildup. Even if the pool looks clean, these steps make a big difference.
3. Empty Skimmer and Pump Baskets
Leaves and debris can clog the system. Emptying the baskets once or twice a month helps your pump work efficiently.
4. Check Water Level
The water level should be halfway up the skimmer opening. If it’s too low, it could damage your pump. If it’s too high, the skimmer won’t work well.
5. Inspect Equipment
Inspect your pump, filter, and other components. Ensure everything sounds correct and appears to be functioning correctly. Catching minor issues early can prevent bigger repairs later.
Seasonal Pool Maintenance Guide for Arkansas Homeowners
Every season brings different needs, especially in Northwest Arkansas, where temperatures vary significantly.
Spring: Get Your Pool Ready
Spring is the time to open your pool and prepare for the warmer months.
Spring Pool Opening Checklist:
- Remove the pool cover and clean it before storing.
- Reconnect and inspect the pool equipment.
- Top off the water level.
- Test and balance the water chemistry.
- Run the pump and filter for 24–48 hours before using the pool.
- Check for cracks, leaks, or damaged parts.
- Clean the pool thoroughly.
It’s also a good time to clean your pool filter.
Summer: Peak Season Maintenance
During summer, your pool is in constant use, and so is your equipment.
Summer Pool Maintenance Tips:
- Test the water chemistry twice to three times a week.
- Clean the pool at least once a week (or more frequently if necessary).
- Keep skimmer baskets clean.
- Watch for algae, especially after storms or heat waves.
- Ensure that chlorine levels remain at the proper level.
If you’re hosting pool parties or have kids swimming daily, you may need to adjust your routine slightly. Staying on top of cleaning will keep the water looking great.
Fall: Prepare to Close the Pool
As temperatures drop in Northwest Arkansas, it’s time to start thinking about winterizing.
Fall Pool Closing Tips:
- Clean the pool one last time.
- Balance the water and shock it if needed.
- Lower the water level.
- Drain the pump, filter, and heater.
- Blow out and plug the lines to avoid freezing.
- Cover the pool securely.
You can do this, or hire a local pool maintenance service to winterize everything.
Winter: Off-Season Care
Your pool might be closed, but it still requires some attention.
Winter Pool Maintenance:
- Check the cover for damage or sagging.
- Remove standing water or debris from the top.
- Make sure the area around your pool is clean and safe.
Even in the off-season, some effort goes a long way toward an easy spring opening.
Annual Pool Maintenance Checklist
Once a year, schedule a deeper inspection of your pool and equipment. This is a good time to do things you don’t need to worry about on a regular basis.
1. Professional Inspection
Consider hiring a pool pro to inspect your system, especially if your pool is older or heavily used. They can spot issues that you might miss.
2. Drain and Refill (if needed)
Most pools don’t need to be drained annually, but if your water has high dissolved solids or struggles to balance, a partial drain and refill may help.
3. Deep Clean the Filter
Whether you have a cartridge, sand, or DE filter, give it a thorough cleaning once a year for optimal performance.
4. Check Pool Lights and Safety Features
Inspect pool lights, ladders, rails, and safety covers. Ensure everything is secure and functioning correctly.
5. Review Your Pool Maintenance Schedule
Look at what worked and what didn’t over the past year. Adjust your routine as needed to ensure a smooth operation in 2025.
DIY Pool Maintenance vs. Professional Services
While many homeowners in Northwest Arkansas take care of their pools themselves, it’s okay to ask for help. Professionals should handle pool maintenance tasks more effectively, especially in winterizing, equipment repair, and deep cleaning. Hiring a local pool service may be the best choice if you’re too busy or find pool care overwhelming. It helps you protect your investment and enjoy your pool with less stress.
If you’d rather leave it to the pros, BC Pools offers expert maintenance, winterizing, and repair services tailored specifically for Northwest Arkansas pools. Our team ensures your pool stays clean, safe, and ready for use, allowing you to enjoy it more with family and friends.
Final Thoughts
Pool care doesn’t have to be a chore. With the proper monthly, seasonal, and annual pool maintenance checklist, you can keep your pool clean, safe, and ready for enjoyment throughout the year.
In Northwest Arkansas, where the seasons change, maintaining consistency with your pool maintenance routine makes a significant difference. Following this 2025 checklist will prepare you for a smooth and stress-free pool season from spring through fall.
Need help with your pool in Northwest Arkansas? Whether you’re preparing to open it in the spring or close it for winter, BC Pools provides professional pool maintenance services to keep your pool in excellent condition year-round.
Contact us today for expert pool maintenance or browse our services to discover how else we can assist you, from repairs and inspections to comprehensive pool care.
