Splash-Ready All Holidays: Simple Pool Care for Family Fun

School holidays are all about extra family time, sunshine, and plenty of splashing around — and for many homes, the backyard pool becomes the holiday hotspot! 😎💦 But with all that extra fun comes extra wear and tear on your pool. More swimmers mean more debris, more chemicals used, and a little more effort to keep everything looking crystal clear.

The good news? With a few simple habits, you can keep your pool clean, safe, and ready for action all holidays long. Let’s dive in! 🏊‍♀️✨

Skim, Vacuum & Brush – Your Pool’s Best Friends

When the pool’s getting a workout, leaves, insects, and general debris can build up fast. A quick daily skim keeps floating debris from sinking and causing cloudy water. Using a fine mesh skimmer helps catch even the smallest bits before they become a problem.

Vacuuming the pool floor once or twice a week helps stop dirt and algae from settling in. Automatic cleaners are great time-savers, but manual vacuuming lets you tackle trouble spots more precisely. Don’t forget to brush the walls and steps — algae loves to hide there!

Balanced Water = Happy Swimmers

Keeping your pool chemicals balanced is key to clear, safe water (and happy eyes and skin!). During busy holiday periods, test your water at least twice a week. Pay close attention to:

• pH levels: Aim for 7.2–7.6 to avoid irritation and protect your equipment

• Chlorine: Keep between 2–4 ppm to fight bacteria and algae

• Alkalinity: Maintain 80–120 ppm to help stabilise pH

Make small adjustments as needed using pool-grade chemicals, and avoid overdoing the chlorine — more isn’t always better!

Show Your Filter Some Love

Your filter works overtime during school holidays, trapping all the extra dirt and contaminants. Check the pressure gauge weekly — if it rises 8–10 psi above normal, it’s time for a clean.

• Sand filters need regular backwashing

• Cartridge filters should be removed and hosed down

A clean filter means better circulation, clearer water, and a longer lifespan for your equipment.

Keep Water Levels Just Right

Between evaporation and energetic splash-outs, water levels can drop quickly. Low water can strain pumps and filters, so keep an eye on it daily. The water should sit about halfway up the skimmer opening.

Top up using a garden hose when needed, ideally early morning or evening to reduce evaporation.

Safety & Hygiene = Stress-Free Swimming

With kids and guests in and out of the pool all day, a few ground rules go a long way. Encourage no running around the pool, always supervise children, and ask swimmers to rinse off before jumping in — it helps keep contaminants out of the water.

Clean pool toys and floats regularly and store them properly when not in use. Don’t forget to empty skimmer baskets often to keep water flowing freely.

Be Holiday-Ready with Extra Supplies

More swimming means more maintenance, so it pays to be prepared. Stock up on essentials like chlorine, pH balancers, and cleaning tools before the holidays hit. Having everything on hand means less stress and more time enjoying the pool.

Find Your Local The Pool Shop Group Store Here!

With just a little extra care, your pool can stay sparkling, safe, and ready for every cannonball, float session, and family BBQ. Here’s to a fun-filled, splash-tastic school holiday season! 🌊☀️