Caring for your inground pool takes a bit of attention, but these few simple steps make all the difference. Proper maintenance preserves water quality, protects the structure and equipment, and helps prevent costly repairs. Here are the best maintenance practices for inground pools in Quebec, so you can enjoy a clean, safe and worry-free swimming season year after years.
Why Is Proper Inground Pool Maintenance So Important?
An inground pool is a major investment. You want it to stay beautiful and functional for as many years as possible. The secret? Proper maintenance!
Regular care, including cleaning, water testing and filtration, helps prevent premature wear caused by pool chemicals, sun exposure and freezing temperatures in winter. These simple habits protect the pool structure, liner and equipment season after season, while also preventing the costly repairs that can result from neglect.
Consistent maintenance is also what keeps your water clear, balanced and inviting to swim in. In Quebec, the swimming season is short, so you want to make the most of it!
Inground Pool Maintenance Routine
To keep your inground pool in great condition all season long, it’s important to establish the right routine. Cleaning, testing, filtering: these small, consistent actions are what keeps the water sparkling and your pool in top shape.
Here are the key steps to include in your maintenance routine to prevent common issues and keep your pool running smoothly.
Inground Pool Maintenance Products
The right products make all the difference. When properly measured and used at the right time, they keep the water clear and healthy. On the other hand, poor water balance can damage the liner, irritate skin and shorten the lifespan of your equipment. Here are the essential products to keep on hand for your inground pool maintenance:
- Chlorine: Disinfects the water and kills bacteria.
- Algaecide: Prevents algae growth, especially during heat waves or after heavy rain.
- pH and alkalinity adjusters: Maintain proper water balance and help prevent corrosion or scale buildup.
- Shock treatment (oxidizer): deep cleans the pool after heavy use or when the water balance is off.
- Clarifier or flocculant: Keeps the water crystal-clear by removing fine particles.
- Stabilizer (cyanuric acid, for chlorine pools): Protects chlorine from UV rays and extends its effectiveness.
For personalized advice, visit your Trévi Châteauguay professional to find the right products and dosage for your pool.
Weekly Cleaning
Removing debris from the surface and brushing the pool walls helps prevent algae and stains from forming. This is also the right time to check the pump and skimmer baskets to make sure they’re not clogged. Forgetting this step can restrict water circulation and put unnecessary strain on the pump.
Water Chemistry: pH, Chlorine and Alkalinity
Balanced water is at the heart of proper pool maintenance. When the chemistry is right, swimming is more enjoyable and your equipment stays protected.
A pH that’s too low can corrode metal parts, while a pH that’s too high promotes scale buildup and reduces the effectiveness of chlorine.
Take advantage of our in-store water testing service by bringing in a sample once a month. It’s the best way to maintain a proper water balance and prevent costly problems.
Water Filtration
The filter is like the lungs of your pool: it removes impurities and keeps the water clear. It should be running at all times. A poorly maintained filter traps debris, puts extra strain on the pump and eventually affects water quality.
Be sure to clean or backwash it regularly, depending on the type of system you have (sand, cartridge or diatomaceous earth).
Algae Treatment
Even a well-maintained pool can develop algae after a thunderstorm or during a heat wave. A weekly preventive treatment helps stop algae growth before it starts. Once algae take hold, the water turns green, and cleaning requires much more time and products.
Inground Pool Liner Replacement
The liner of an inground pool typically lasts between 8 and 12 years, depending on the quality of the material and how well the pool is maintained. Sun exposure, pool chemicals, freezing temperatures and abrasive objects are the main causes of premature wear.
Here are a few signs that your liner may need to be replaced:
- Noticeable fading or stubborn stains that no longer come off with cleaning.
- Wrinkles or sagging in the liner, often caused by aging vinyl.
- Water leaks around fittings or at the bottom of the pool.
- Small tears that gradually get larger over time.
- A rough or sticky texture to the touch.
At Trévi Châteauguay, our team can assess the condition of your liner, recommend the right material and carry out the replacement of your inground pool liner so you benefit from a professional installation.
Maintenance and Replacement of Mechanical Components
Beyond your weekly routine, certain inspections should be done every season or once a year. These preventive maintenance steps extend your pool’s lifespan and help prevent major breakdowns.
Annual Inspection
Once a year, take the time to inspect the pump, filter, heater and valves. Detecting a leak or a worn seal early can prevent more serious damage during the season.
Replacement Based on Component Lifespan
Each part has its own expected lifespan:
- Pump: about 8 to 10 years
- Filter: 5 to 7 years, depending on the type
- Heater: around 10 years
- Seals, valves and plumbing: regularly monitor for wear or leaks
Scheduling these replacements at the right time helps avoid mid-season breakdowns and reduces energy consumption.
Upgrades and Preventive Maintenance
Adding newer equipment such as a variable-speed pump, a robotic cleaner or a solar cover can make pool maintenance easier while improving your inground pool’s energy efficiency.
Need help maintaining your inground pool?
Feel free to visit us at 115 St-Jean-Baptiste Boulevard in Châteauguay.
