Living in Naples means enjoying your pool nearly year-round. But our subtropical climate creates unique challenges for pool maintenance. Here’s how to keep your water sparkling between professional cleanings.
Daily Essentials (5 Minutes)
Skim the Surface Remove leaves, insects, and debris before they sink to the bottom. Naples’ abundant trees and plants make this a daily necessity, especially during spring when pollen is heavy.
Check Water Level Our hot climate accelerates evaporation. Keep water at mid-skimmer level to protect your equipment and ensure proper circulation.
Run Your Pump Your pool pump needs to run 8-10 hours daily during regular swimming season, and 10-12 hours during the hottest summer months. This keeps water properly filtered and chemicals evenly distributed.
Weekly Must-Dos (30 Minutes)
Brush Pool Surfaces Brush walls and floors twice weekly, focusing on corners, steps, and areas with less circulation. This prevents algae growth and calcium deposits.
Vacuum the Pool Remove settled debris from the bottom at least once a week to maintain clarity and prevent staining.
Test Water Chemistry Use reliable test strips to check:
- pH (ideal: 7.2-7.8)
- Chlorine (ideal: 1.0-3.0 ppm)
- Alkalinity (ideal: 80-120 ppm)
Clean Filters and Baskets Empty skimmer and pump baskets weekly. Clean filters according to manufacturer recommendations, typically twice monthly during swimming season.
Naples-Specific Challenges
Managing Pollen That yellow film on your water surface during spring is pollen. Combat it with:
- Fine mesh skimmer nets
- Increased filter run time (10-12 hours)
- Pool clarifier products
- Regular brushing of tile lines
After Storms Our frequent summer thunderstorms bring debris and can dilute chemicals. After storms:
- Remove large debris immediately
- Empty skimmer and pump baskets
- Brush and vacuum thoroughly
- Test and adjust chemistry
Heat Management Naples’ high temperatures increase chlorine consumption and evaporation. Consider:
- More frequent chemical testing during hot periods
- Using a pool cover when not in use
- Installing an automatic chlorinator
Essential Tools for Easy Maintenance
Keep these items on hand:
- Fine mesh skimmer net
- Telescopic pole with attachments
- Pool brush
- Manual or automatic vacuum
- Reliable test kit
- Pool clarifier
- Algaecide
When to Use a Pool Cover
A quality pool cover can:
- Reduce water and chemical evaporation
- Minimize debris
- Lower maintenance time
- Decrease heating costs
Consider using your cover overnight, during pollen season, when storms are forecasted, or during extended periods of non-use.
Know When to Call the Professionals
While these steps will maintain your pool between service visits, contact your pool service provider if you encounter:
- Persistent cloudy water
- Stubborn algae growth
- Equipment issues
- Significant chemical imbalances
Following these simple maintenance practices will help you enjoy your Naples pool year-round while protecting your investment and reducing the need for emergency service calls.