Your pool is built to last. Here’s how to keep the water clear, the finish beautiful, and the equipment running for years to come.
A well-kept pool is mostly about rhythm — a little attention each week keeps small things from becoming big ones. This guide covers the essentials in plain terms. It isn’t a substitute for the instructions that came with your equipment or your sanitizer products, and exact chemical amounts always depend on your pool’s size and conditions. If Sonoran Landesign services your pool, we handle all of this for you — consider this a look behind the curtain.
1Your Weekly Rhythm
Most pools stay healthy with a short, consistent routine. Aim for these each week (more often in monsoon season or heavy use):
Skim the surface and empty the skimmer and pump baskets so water keeps circulating freely.
Brush the walls, steps, and floor — especially shaded corners and behind ladders where algae likes to start.
Check the water level — it should sit around the middle of the skimmer opening. In summer, evaporation drops it fast.
Empty and rinse the cleaner (robotic or suction) and confirm it’s moving across the whole pool.
Glance at the equipment pad — the pump should run quietly with no leaks, and the filter pressure should sit in its normal range.
2Water Balance, in Plain Terms
Balanced water is what keeps a pool clear, comfortable, and easy on the finish and equipment. You don’t need to be a chemist — you need to keep a few things in their normal ranges:
Sanitizer (chlorine or your salt system’s output) keeps the water clean. Keep it within the range on your test kit so it never drops to zero.
pH affects comfort and how well the sanitizer works. Arizona’s climate and fill water tend to push pH upward, so it’s the number to watch most.
Total alkalinity acts as a buffer that keeps pH steady.
Calcium hardness protects plaster and tile when it’s in range.
Test weekly with a quality kit or test strips and follow the product directions for any adjustments — add small amounts, circulate, and re-test rather than over-correcting. Because the right dose depends entirely on your pool’s volume and current readings, we don’t publish fixed amounts here. When in doubt, a quick water test at a local pool store — or a call to us — takes the guesswork out.
3Caring for a Pebble Tec® Finish
Many of our pools feature a Pebble Tec® finish for its depth of color and durability. A few habits keep it looking its best:
Brush often, especially early. During the startup period right after a new finish is applied, frequent brushing is essential — follow the startup schedule we provide.
Keep water balanced. Stable pH and proper calcium are the single biggest factor in protecting any pebble or plaster surface over time.
Mind the water line. Consistent water level and regular tile cleaning help prevent build-up and staining at the surface.
Avoid leaving metal objects (toys, tools, furniture) in the pool, which can stain the finish.
For finish-specific care and warranty details, see our Trade Partners page, which links to Pebble Technology’s official owner resources.
4Equipment & Circulation
Clean, moving water is the foundation of an easy-care pool. Your pump and filter do most of the work:
Run the pump enough to turn the water over daily — longer in summer, shorter in winter. If you have a variable-speed Pentair pump, your programmed schedule handles this automatically.
Keep baskets empty so the pump never runs starved for water.
Clean or backwash the filter when the pressure gauge climbs noticeably above its clean reading.
Listen and look. New noises, reduced flow, or any drip at the pad are worth a closer look before they grow.
Pentair owner manuals, warranty registration, and support are linked on our Trade Partners page.
5Through the Arizona Seasons
Monsoon (summer): storms blow in dust and debris fast — skim, empty baskets, and re-check balance after a big blow. Heat also raises evaporation and sanitizer demand.
Winter freeze nights: on the rare hard freeze, keeping water circulating helps protect plumbing and equipment. If you ever lose power in a freeze, call us before restarting.
Spring & fall: the easy seasons — steady balance and your normal weekly rhythm are usually all it takes.
6When to Call Us
Some things are worth a professional set of eyes. Reach out if you notice:
Water that turns green or cloudy and won’t clear with normal care
A persistent leak, a drop in water level you can’t explain, or equipment that won’t prime
Unusual equipment noise, error codes, or a heater that won’t fire
New cracks, hollow-sounding spots, or staining on the finish or deck
A note on safety. Barriers, gates, alarms, and covers are part of responsible pool ownership — and requirements vary by city. See our Pool Barrier & City Requirements reference, and always confirm current rules with your local municipality.
This guide offers general maintenance information for Sonoran Landesign clients. It is not a substitute for your equipment and product manufacturers’ instructions. Always handle pool chemicals according to their label directions and keep them safely stored away from children and pets.
