Nothing complements a Mediterranean home like a clean, sparkling pool—especially in the Costa Blanca, where sunshine is plentiful. But if you want your pool to stay crystal clear 365 days a year, it takes more than a few chlorine tablets and a skimmer net.
The secret to year-round clarity is a consistent, well-structured maintenance routine that covers water chemistry, circulation, cleaning, and equipment care. Below, we break down the most effective pool care strategies—with expert input from the team at 100% Plumbing.
Master the basics of pool chemistry
Maintaining perfect water chemistry is the foundation of all effective pool maintenance. If the pH is too high or too low, or chlorine levels drop too far, even the cleanest pool can quickly become cloudy or green.
Your ideal water chemistry targets should be:
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pH: 7.2 to 7.6
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Free chlorine: 1 to 3 ppm
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Total alkalinity: 80 to 120 ppm
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Calcium hardness: 200 to 400 ppm
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Cyanuric acid: 30 to 50 ppm (if stabilizing chlorine)
We recommend testing your water weekly and after heavy pool usage. If you’re not confident adjusting these yourself, contact our Swimming Pools Repairs team to help diagnose and rebalance your water professionally.
Keep the water moving with proper circulation
Your pump and filtration system work silently in the background to remove debris and pathogens. But they must run long enough and be properly maintained.
Aim to run your pool pump for at least 8 to 12 hours per day during warm weather. Clean or backwash the filter regularly depending on its type (sand, cartridge, or DE), and empty skimmer baskets every few days. Poor circulation leads to dead zones—especially in corners or steps—where algae can start to grow unnoticed.
If you’ve added a pool heat pump, optimal water flow is critical to avoid temperature imbalances and pressure loss.
Clean the pool surfaces consistently
Manual cleaning is just as important as chemical balance. Skim the surface daily to remove leaves, bugs, and pollen. Brush the walls and floor of the pool weekly, especially in shaded areas where algae like to settle.
Vacuum the pool at least once a week to remove dirt and debris that settle to the bottom. If you’re looking for convenience, 100% Plumbing can help you choose and install automatic pool cleaning systems.
Use shock treatments strategically
Even if your chlorine levels appear normal, your pool may be overloaded with organic matter like sunscreen, sweat, body oils, and rainwater contaminants. These reduce the effectiveness of sanitizers and can lead to cloudy water or unpleasant odors.
Perform a shock treatment:
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After heavy use or pool parties
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Following intense rain or windstorms
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At least once every 1–2 weeks during summer
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Anytime water becomes hazy or irritating
Apply shock after sunset and run the pump overnight. This lets the chemicals circulate fully and oxidize built-up contaminants. For long-term sanitation, ask us about saline chlorination systems that reduce chemical handling.
Clarify or floc when needed
When your water stays cloudy even after balancing and filtering, it likely contains fine particles that the filter can’t catch.
A clarifier helps these particles bond into larger clusters, which the filter can remove. Flocculants, on the other hand, bind particles together and drop them to the pool floor so you can vacuum them out.
Only use flocculant if you can vacuum to waste—otherwise, you risk recirculating the debris. If in doubt, our About Us team can recommend the right approach based on your system.
Cover your pool when not in use
Prevention is always better than cure. A quality pool cover keeps leaves, insects, and dust from contaminating the water—especially in windy or off-season periods.
It also minimizes evaporation, preserves heat (especially useful if you’re using solar or electric heating), and reduces chlorine loss from sunlight.
Before removing the cover, hose it off so you don’t reintroduce debris. We can supply and fit custom pool covers through our Swimming Pools Installations services.
Prevent algae before it becomes a problem
Algae thrive in warm, stagnant water with poor sanitation. It’s easier to prevent them than to remove them.
Use preventative algaecide treatments weekly, and brush corners and shaded spots to disrupt biofilm. At the first signs of a green tint or slippery surface, shock the pool and clean thoroughly before algae spreads.
Adjust your maintenance by season
Pools need different care at different times of year.
In spring, inspect equipment, clean filters, and rebalance water before use. In summer, increase filtration hours, test water more often, and shock regularly.
In autumn, prepare for leaf fall and install the cover early. In winter, even if the pool isn’t in use, check water balance monthly to prevent corrosion or algae growth under the cover.
Our team provides year-round pool care across the Costa Blanca to adjust your maintenance plan seasonally.
Monitor and maintain your equipment
Your pump, filter, heater, chlorinator, and control systems all need routine inspection.
Watch for:
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Leaks, rust, or unusual vibrations
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Loss of suction or reduced return pressure
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Noise changes or overheating
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Seal wear or cracked lids
Delaying small repairs often leads to larger system failures. That’s why we offer reliable Swimming Pools Repairs for pumps, pipework, electricals, and more.
Upgrade to smart pool monitoring
Technology can reduce manual testing and maintenance.
Modern systems allow:
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Remote monitoring of pH, chlorine, and temperature
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Automatic dosing systems for sanitizer and pH adjusters
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Programmable pump timers for energy savings
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Notifications when chemical levels shift outside safe zones
Our team can integrate smart tech into your pool system or upgrade your existing controls as part of a Swimming Pool Installation package.
Recognize problems early
If your water turns green, becomes cloudy, or starts irritating swimmers, something is off.
Check:
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Is the chlorine level low or chloramines high?
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Is the filter dirty or circulation poor?
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Has the weather changed significantly?
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Has the pool seen more usage recently?
Responding quickly prevents the need for large doses of chemicals or days of downtime. For urgent help, our Emergency Callouts team is available 24/7.
Follow Trusted Guidelines
For homeowners looking for in-depth information about residential pool hygiene and safety, the CDC’s Healthy Swimming guide is a valuable and authoritative resource.
Let’s Keep Your Pool Crystal Clear
With the right habits, tools, and support, you can enjoy perfect pool water every day of the year. Whether you need routine care, equipment upgrades, or emergency repairs, 100% Plumbing is your go-to team on the Costa Blanca.
Contact us today and take the stress out of swimming pool maintenance—so all that’s left is to dive in.
