Owning a pool in Orlando is a dream—until you wake up to cloudy water, algae blooms, or surprise repair costs. The good news? Most pool problems are totally preventable. In this article, we’ll walk you through five of the most common pool care mistakes Orlando owners make (we see them all the time!) and how to keep your pool in great shape without the stress.
✅ Mistake #1: Not Skimming and Cleaning Regularly
Why it matters:
Leaves, bugs, and debris might not seem like a big deal, but they break down fast in Florida’s heat—using up your chlorine and clogging your filter.
How to avoid it:
Skim your pool daily (or every other day) and brush the walls once a week. This 5-minute habit keeps things clean and saves you money on chemicals.
✅ Mistake #2: Ignoring Water Balance—Especially CYA
Why it matters:
Keeping your pool water balanced isn’t just about making it look clean—it’s about protecting your health, your pool equipment, and your wallet.
When the chemical levels are off, your chlorine can’t do its job properly. For example, if your pH is too high or too low, chlorine becomes far less effective, leaving your pool vulnerable to bacteria and algae. Imbalanced water can also cause eye and skin irritation, damage your pool surfaces, and even corrode equipment like pumps and heaters over time. The Pooli app (not an affiliate link) is a very useful tool for testing, balancing, and keeping track of your water balance the easy way.
CYA (Cyanuric Acid) plays a key role in Orlando’s hot, sunny climate. Think of it as sunscreen for your chlorine. Without it, the sun burns off your chlorine in hours. But too much CYA, and your chlorine becomes too “lazy” to work effectively—leaving your pool water murky and potentially unsafe.
How to avoid it:
Test your pool water weekly for chlorine and pH, and test CYA monthly. Most pools should keep CYA levels between 30–50 ppm. Staying in this range helps your chlorine last longer and keeps your water clean and safe.
✅ Mistake #3: Running the Filter Too Little
Why it matters:
In hot, humid Florida weather, your pool water needs proper circulation. Running your pump for just a few hours a day isn’t enough to keep algae and bacteria away.
How to avoid it:
Run your pool filter 6–8 hours daily during the summer. You’ll keep the water moving, your chemicals effective, and your pool sparkling.
✅ Mistake #4: Delaying Maintenance After Storms
Why it matters:
Storms blow in debris, rainwater, and contaminants that throw off your water chemistry fast. Waiting too long can turn your pool green overnight.
How to avoid it:
After a storm, skim the surface, clean the filter basket, and test your water. A quick shock treatment can save you from a costly cleanup later.
✅ Mistake #5: Skipping Professional Checkups
Why it matters:
Some issues hide below the surface—literally. Small leaks, filter malfunctions, or imbalanced chemicals can lead to expensive repairs if left unchecked.
How to avoid it:
Schedule a professional inspection at least once a season. A quick check-in can catch problems early and give you peace of mind.
💧 Final Thoughts on the 5 Pool Care Mistakes Orlando Owners Make:
Owning a pool should be fun—not frustrating. Avoiding these simple pool care mistakes for Orlando owners will save you time, money, and headaches all summer long.
But hey—if you’d rather skip the guesswork and just enjoy your pool? That’s what we’re here for.
👉 Let Poolest handle the maintenance so you can dive into summer stress-free. Contact us today for affordable, expert pool service in the West Orlando Area and surrounding locations like Kissimmee, Windermere, Winter Garden, Clermont, Ocoee, Hunters Creek, and Celebration!