Owning a concrete swimming pool is a dream for many Kiwi homeowners, and if you want yours to go the distance there are a few hot tips you’ll want to keep up your sleeve.
Here at Auckland Inground Pools we’ve been around long enough to see the good, the bad, and the green. So we have put together a few tips of what we have learnt, and what we wish every pool owner knew to keep their pool humming, year-round (in no particular order of importance!)
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Run Your LED Lights Weekly
Turn your pool lights on at least once a week for 30 minutes. Set a timer to turn them on if you are likely to forget.
Why? Because LED lights can build up condensation behind the lens if left off too long. That moisture can lead to corrosion and fizzing the lights out. The light will need replacement, and it isn’t likely to be covered under warranty. A simple flick of the switch once a week could save you a lot of money.
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Stick to Fortnightly Maintenance, even in Winter
Year-round servicing is the secret sauce to a long-lasting pool. Even in winter, a well-maintained pool means:
- No build-up of algae, phosphates, or metals
- Balanced water ensures the longevity of your pool surface
- Pool plant, including heat pumps and chlorinators, will last longer
- Fewer issues come summer so you can just jump right in and enjoy!
Whether you DIY or get help from the experts (HI !!), a fortnightly test and dose is the sweet spot.
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Pool Covers Are for retaining heat, not leaves
A common misconception: thermal pool covers stop leaves. Not really.
Covers are designed to retain heat, not block the debris. In fact, using a thermal pool blanket to catch leaves could backfire.
Leaves will fall, but they don’t disappear. They will sit on top of the cover, slowly breaking down. If left too long, they often slip down the edges or stick to the blanket, and when it’s finally rolled back, you might discover a swampy surprise underneath. It’s not just unsightly, but it can stain your plaster, unbalance your water chemistry, and cause a hefty clean-up job.
Use your cover only when actively heating the pool. If it’s not doing its main job (heat retention), you’re often better off leaving it off and keeping an eye on what’s happening beneath the surface. Out of sight should not mean out of mind.
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Service Your Pool Automation at least Annually – but 6-monthly is better!
Smart pools are brilliant, until something stops talking to something else. And with today’s systems doing everything from dosing chemicals to the timing of heating your spa, keeping your automation running smoothly is a wise.
It is like a It’s like a warrant of fitness, and a typical service might look like:
- Recalibrating pH & ORP sensors
- Cleaning the salt cell to maintain chlorination efficiency
- Replacing acid feeder tubing and mixing chamber tubing
- Swapping out worn rubber components
- Running a full system check-over, including actuators and valve syncs
- Installing firmware updates if needed
Some manufacturers may recommend 6-monthly servicing to meet warranty requirements. A service will keep everything humming and avoid chemical overdosing, inconsistent readings, or those annoying “why isn’t it working” moments.
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Give Your Robotic Pool Cleaner a Tune-Up
Robotic pool cleaners do the hard work (so you don’t have to) but they’re not invincible. Every 6–12 months, give yours a bit of love, especially if your robot gets a lot of use.
- Thorough clean of the internal filters, impellers and casing
- Inspection of the brushes, drive belts, and tracks, these parts wear out over time and will need replacing
- Check the cable for kinks, fraying, or damage from chemical exposure (a common issue with older units)
- Test the motor performance to ensure it’s running efficiently and no errors
- Firmware updates if applicable, depending on your model
It’s a lot cheaper than replacing one after it’s been chewed out by neglect.
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Upgrade Your Filter Media to Glass, especially if it has been a while!
If your pool filter media hasn’t been changed in years (or ever!), it’s probably doing a lot less than you think.
Over time, media like sand or older glass becomes clogged with oils, fine debris, and grime, causing your filtration system to work harder while doing less.
What does old media look like? Clumpy, slimy, discoloured, and definitely not something you want filtering your pool.
Swapping out your media (we recommend glass for its superior filtration and durability) means:
- Cleaner, clearer water
- Improved hygiene and swimmer safety
- Reduced strain on your pump
- Fewer chemicals needed to balance water
- Less frequent backwashing and better water efficiency
It’s one of the most overlooked maintenance routines, and it can instantly lift your pool’s performance and appearance. If you can’t remember the last time it was changed, it’s probably time to change it now!
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Replace Cartridge Filters if They’re Old
If your pool set up has a Cartridge type filter – these cartridges do not last forever, even if they look alright.
Over time, the cartridges will become clogged with fine debris and oils, reducing their ability to trap particles effectively. As they lose efficiency, your pump has to work harder, circulation slows down, and your water quality suffers.
If you’re noticing cloudy water, reduced flow, or if it’s been a few seasons since your last replacement, it’s time to swap them out.
A fresh filter means better performance, healthier water, and a longer life for your pool equipment. Small change, big result.
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Backwash After Heavy Rain
After big rain events, pool levels can rise and dilute your chemistry, making filtration harder and circulation less effective.
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Don’t Store Chlorine and Acid Together
This one’s a safety must.
Never store chlorine and hydrochloric acid drums in the same plant room.
Acid fumes can corrode terminals, damage your pool equipment, and (much) worse, could create hazardous fumes if mixed. Keep them apart, well ventilated, and secure. No exceptions.
Final Words to Round Up:
A well-built pool adds serious value to your home and lifestyle. But the best ones aren’t the newest or flashiest, they’re the ones that are well looked after.
Put a little love into your pool, and it’ll pay you back with sparkling water, stress-free summers, and plenty of good times and save those “I wish we had been told that” moments.
Set a weekly reminder to check your pool and plant room, even if you’re not using it. A quick look can help you catch small issues before they turn into big headaches.
Get familiar with your gear. Know what “normal” looks and sounds like. If something’s humming differently, the water’s not moving right, or things just feel off, please don’t ignore it. Reach out to your valet or service team.
Understand your warranty obligations. Many pool surface and equipment warranties require documented, consistent water testing and proof of water balance records. Skip this, and you might find yourself out of pocket down the track.
Book a professional valet company. Especially in the first year, having the pros keep an eye on things can save you time, money, and stress.
Owning a pool should feel like a treat and most certainly not a chore. With the right habits and support, you’ll have crystal clear, healthy water balance all year-round.
Contact Auckland Inground Pools for your pool building and pool renovation needs www.aucklandpools.co.nz
Contact The Pool Smith for your service and maintenance needs www.thepoolsmith.co.nz
