Common Mistakes Pool Owners Make (And How We Fix It)
Lisa had always loved her backyard pool—a sparkling blue retreat where her family spent hours during the summer. But maintaining it wasn’t her strong suit. As a busy professional, she figured she could handle the basics and called a pool company for occasional check-ups. However, when she decided to skip a regular maintenance visit one season, everything began to spiral.
First, the water started looking murky. Lisa tried adding extra chlorine, but the balance was all wrong. Her pool pump, which she’d noticed was making strange noises, finally gave out. Instead of enjoying her pool, she found herself scrambling to clean up the mess, and it wasn’t cheap. She realized that skipping regular maintenance had not only cost her more money in repairs but had also taken away her family’s enjoyment of the pool for weeks.
That’s when she called American Dream Pool & Spa Service. They quickly assessed the damage, cleaned up the mess, and got her pool running smoothly again. Their experts also set her up with a weekly service plan, ensuring her pool stayed in perfect condition year-round.
Lisa’s story is a common one—many pool owners make similar mistakes, whether it’s neglecting maintenance or trying to handle repairs themselves. At American Dream, we’ve seen it all, and we’re here to make sure your pool doesn’t suffer the same fate. Read on to learn more about the most common mistakes pool owners make and how we fix them.
1. Skipping Regular Maintenance
One of the most common mistakes pool owners make is skipping or delaying regular maintenance. Regular pool maintenance, like cleaning the filter, checking chemical levels, and skimming debris from the water, is essential for keeping the pool clean and safe for swimming.
How We Fix It: We offer weekly maintenance services that cover all the essential tasks—testing and balancing water chemistry, cleaning out skimmer baskets, brushing the pool walls, and ensuring that your filtration system is operating efficiently. For more insights on proper maintenance, check out our blog on Why Keeping Your Pool Filter Clean is Essential.
2. Ignoring Chemical Balance
Chemical balance is crucial for the health of your pool water, yet many pool owners either overuse or underuse chemicals like chlorine, pH balancers, and algaecides. Incorrect chemical levels can result in cloudy water, algae growth, or irritation for swimmers.
How We Fix It: Our team regularly tests your pool water to ensure that the chemical levels are perfectly balanced. This keeps your water clean and safe while protecting your pool equipment from damage. If you're unsure about maintaining your water chemistry, visit our detailed guide on Understanding Pool Water Chemistry.
3. Running the Pump for the Wrong Amount of Time
Many pool owners either run their pool pump for too little or too much time, leading to energy waste or poor water circulation. Improper pump runtime can result in dirty water and higher energy bills.
How We Fix It: We’ll set your pool pump on the correct schedule based on your pool size and needs, ensuring optimal water circulation without wasting energy. Learn more about proper pump operation in our post All About Your Pool Pump and Filter.
4. Delaying Repairs on Pool Equipment
Another common mistake is delaying necessary repairs. Whether it’s a leak in the pool, a malfunctioning pump, or a broken filter, waiting too long to repair damaged pool equipment can lead to bigger, costlier problems.
How We Fix It: At American Dream Pool & Spa Service, we offer prompt repair services to address any issues quickly before they worsen. We cover everything from green-to-clean services to equipment replacements. Check out our post on 5 Things Our Pool Repair Service Does to see how we can help.
5. Overlooking Pool Leaks
Even minor pool leaks can lead to water loss and, over time, higher water bills or structural damage. Many pool owners overlook or misdiagnose leaks, leading to more severe issues down the road.
How We Fix It: Our expert technicians can help identify and fix leaks, saving you money and protecting your pool from further damage. If you suspect a leak, refer to our blog on How to Spot a Leak in Your Pool for tips.
6. Incorrect Winterization
Failing to properly winterize your pool at the end of the swimming season can cause significant damage to your plumbing, pump, and filtration systems. Freezing temperatures can crack pipes and cause equipment to break down.
How We Fix It: We provide professional winterization services to ensure your pool is fully protected during the colder months. This includes draining water to the correct level, adding antifreeze, and covering the pool to keep out debris.
7. Not Using a Pool Cover
Many pool owners skip using a pool cover, especially during the off-season or after a quick swim. This allows leaves, dirt, and other debris to fall into the pool, leading to more work in the long run.
How We Fix It: We recommend installing a high-quality pool cover to keep your pool clean and reduce the amount of debris that enters the water. A good pool cover can also prevent accidents and help retain heat in the pool, extending your swimming season. Check out more fall maintenance tips in Preparing Your Sheridan Pool for Fall: Essential Maintenance Tips.
8. Trying DIY Repairs
Some pool owners try to handle repairs themselves, but without the right tools and knowledge, DIY fixes often lead to more damage. Pool equipment and systems are complex, and it’s easy to make mistakes that cost more to fix than if a professional had handled it from the start.
How We Fix It: We always recommend leaving repairs to the professionals. Our team has the expertise and equipment to handle repairs correctly the first time. If you’re thinking of attempting a DIY fix, consider reading our blog The Dangers of DIY Pool Repair: Why Hiring a Professional is Important before you begin.
9. Using the Wrong Filter Type
Choosing the wrong type of filter or not maintaining the one you have can reduce your pool’s efficiency. Pool owners may not be aware of how different filter types—sand, cartridge, and diatomaceous earth—affect the cleanliness of their water.
How We Fix It: We’ll help you choose the best filter for your pool and provide regular cleaning services to keep it functioning at its best. If you’re not sure which filter is right for your pool, refer to our blog on Common Questions Pool Owners Ask About Professional Pool Maintenance.
Avoid These Mistakes with American Dream Pool & Spa Service
Owning a pool doesn’t have to be stressful. By avoiding these common mistakes and working with a professional pool service, you can keep your pool in great condition year-round. Whether it’s regular maintenance, repairs, or troubleshooting, American Dream Pool & Spa Service is here to ensure your pool stays clean, safe, and efficient.
Contact us today to schedule a service and avoid these costly mistakes. We're here to make your pool ownership experience hassle-free!
