A skimmer and some chemicals are not enough to keep a pool clean. Modern pools also rely on pumps, filters, lighting and controls that need looking after. Regular maintenance and professional pool cleaning services also go a long way toward making your pool last.
Looking after a pool protects your investment and keeps it working. But do most owners really know what they are doing?
For many, the honest answer is no. Keeping the pool clean, balancing the chemistry and doing preventive maintenance can be tricky, time-consuming and tiring, and mistakes can lead to equipment and surface problems. Most people simply do not have the expertise.
Here are a few common myths that set pool owners up for disappointment:
Myth vs. Reality
Myth: “I need to drain the pool every 6 months.”
Reality: most pools only need to be partly drained and refilled every few years, often around every five to seven, when tests show dissolved solids or stabilizer are too high. Every pool is different, so test the water rather than following a calendar.
Myth: “I only need my pool cleaned once a month.”
Reality: a pool that is not looked after regularly can cause illness and infections. Professional service includes balancing pH and cleaning the pool at least once a week to keep it free of contaminants.
Myth: “Chlorine tablets take care of everything.”
Reality: there are no shortcuts. Chlorine tablets sanitize the water, but they do not adjust pH or alkalinity, and many tablets slowly lower pH. If you do not test pH and calcium hardness, you can still end up with scale and cloudy water.
Myth: “Pool cleaning takes a lot of time.”
Reality: with a routine, keeping the water balanced takes only a little time each week. Opening and closing the pool for the season takes longer, but those are once-a-year jobs, like cleaning the grill or the garage.
Myth: “It’s always cheaper to clean the pool yourself.”
Reality: doing it yourself can save money, but often less than you would think. You need to buy cleaning tools, a test kit and chemicals at retail prices before you start.
For many owners, professional weekly pool service ends up the better value once time and avoided repairs are counted.
Myth: “Saltwater pools don’t need other chemicals.”
Reality: many owners switch to salt expecting to stop buying chemicals. But every pool still needs the right pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness and stabilizer to be safe for swimmers, and salt pools still need shocking from time to time.
In a salt pool, the salt cell uses electricity to turn dissolved salt into chlorine, which sanitizes the water. See our saltwater pool maintenance guide.
Myth: “Baking soda and soda ash do the same job.”
Reality: they are related but different. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) mainly raises total alkalinity and only nudges pH. Soda ash (sodium carbonate) raises pH much more. Use the right one for the reading you need to fix; see our guide on how to raise pool pH.
Not sure? Ask a pool professional like Clear Tec Pools, take a water sample to a pool store, or hire a pool company to handle it for you.
Conclusion
There are no shortcuts with a pool. Understanding how your pool works, how to clean and maintain it, and how to plan ahead lets you enjoy it more and spend less over time.
Why Hire Us for Weekly Pool Cleaning in Georgia?
Our team is trained, certified and experienced, and we take pride in doing the job right. Our pool water balancing and weekly service are thorough and accurate, and we go to great lengths to keep your pool in top shape.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does pool cleaning cost in Georgia?
Local pool companies that publish prices list weekly service at about $100 to $250 a month, or roughly $1,200 to $3,000 a year, before repairs and supplies. See our full guide: how much pool service costs in Georgia.
How much shock does a pool need?
Follow the label on your shock product. A common rule of thumb for calcium hypochlorite is about one pound per 10,000 gallons of water, with more needed to clear algae.
Need help with your pool in Hoschton or nearby? Call Clear Tec Pools at 678-679-0165 or book online.