How To Take Care Of A Swimming Pool

Owning a Gold Coast swimming pool is one of life’s greatest luxuries — especially in Australia’s warm climate — but it also comes with responsibility. Proper pool care not only keeps your water sparkling but also protects your investment by maintaining the surface and structure of your pool.

For concrete swimming pools, consistent maintenance is especially important. Unlike fibreglass or vinyl options, concrete pools are porous and require a little extra care to prevent algae growth, staining, and surface wear. In this guide, we’ll explore the key steps for maintaining your concrete pool so it stays clean, safe, and enjoyable all year round.

1. Keep the Water Balanced

The foundation of good pool care is balanced water chemistry. Unbalanced water can damage the pool surface, corrode equipment, and create an unhealthy swimming environment.

Test Regularly

Test your water at least once a week using a pool testing kit or digital reader. You’re checking for:

• pH levels: 7.2–7.6
• Chlorine: 1.0–3.0 ppm
• Total Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm
• Calcium Hardness: 200–400 ppm (especially important for concrete pools)

If your pool water becomes too acidic or too alkaline, it can cause the concrete surface to deteriorate, leading to rough textures and staining.

Adjust as Needed

Use pool chemicals carefully to maintain balance. Small, frequent adjustments are best — retest after several hours before adding more.

2. Maintain Proper Chlorination

Chlorine keeps your water free from bacteria and algae. The porous surface of a concrete pool can absorb organic matter more easily than other pool types, so steady chlorination is essential.

You can use chlorine tablets, liquid chlorine, or a saltwater chlorinator. Automatic systems are ideal for concrete pools as they maintain consistent levels and reduce handling.

Shock the pool every few weeks by adding a higher chlorine dose — this kills stubborn bacteria and removes organic buildup such as sunscreen and body oils.

3. Brush and Vacuum Regularly

Concrete pools need regular brushing and vacuuming to prevent algae, scale, and stains.

Brush Walls and Floors

Use a stainless-steel bristle pool brush (designed for concrete surfaces) to scrub walls, steps, and corners weekly.

Vacuum the Pool

Vacuum manually once a week or use an automatic pool cleaner to remove debris that settles on the floor. Check your skimmer basket and pump filter regularly for leaves and dirt buildup.

4. Run the Filtration System Daily

Your filtration system circulates the water and traps debris. Run it for 6–8 hours per day in winter and 8–12 hours in summer.

Clean the Filter

• Sand filters: Backwash every few weeks; replace sand every 3–5 years.
• Cartridge filters: Rinse weekly; deep clean monthly.
• DE filters: Backwash and replace DE powder as needed.

5. Monitor Water Levels

Concrete pools can lose water through evaporation, splash-out, or minor leaks. Keep the water halfway up the skimmer opening to ensure the pump runs efficiently.

Add water when needed, and after heavy rain, remove excess water to maintain proper levels.

6. Prevent and Remove Stains

Concrete surfaces are porous and prone to staining from organic matter, minerals, or metals.

Common Stains

• Green/brown: Algae or leaves
• Red/orange: Rust or iron
• White: Calcium or scale buildup

Prevention Tips

• Remove debris quickly.
• Maintain chemical balance.
• Brush the surface weekly.

For persistent stains, use a pool stain remover or seek professional acid washing.

7. Check and Maintain Pool Equipment

Inspect your pump, filter, and chlorinator regularly for leaks or buildup.

• Empty baskets weekly.
• Clean chlorinator cells to remove calcium.
• Check pool lights and plumbing fittings for cracks or corrosion.

8. Manage Calcium Build-Up

Concrete pools are prone to calcium scaling — a white, chalky residue that forms on tiles or along the waterline.

Prevention

• Keep calcium hardness between 200–400 ppm.
• Brush waterline tiles often.
• Use scale remover when buildup appears.

Left untreated, calcium scale can roughen surfaces and cause long-term damage.

9. Renovate Your Pool if It’s Old or Rundown

Even the best-maintained concrete pools eventually show signs of wear. Over time, exposure to chemicals, sunlight, and fluctuating water balance can lead to surface degradation, cracks, and staining. Renovating your Gold Coast pool not only restores its look but can also improve efficiency and safety.

Signs Your Pool Needs Renovation

• Rough, pitted, or flaking surface
• Discoloured or stained interior
• Cracks in the concrete shell or around tiles
• Frequent leaks or water loss
• Outdated design or damaged coping and tiles

Renovation Options for Concrete Pools

Re-Surfacing
Re-surfacing involves applying a new finish over the existing concrete shell. Options include:

• Pebblecrete: Durable, textured finish with a natural look.
• Quartz: Smooth, long-lasting, and stain-resistant.
• Glass bead render: Adds a reflective sparkle and smooth feel.

A fresh surface can completely transform your pool’s appearance and extend its lifespan by 10–15 years.

Tile Replacement
Damaged or outdated tiles can be replaced to modernise your pool and prevent leaks. New waterline tiles can instantly refresh the aesthetic.

Structural Repairs
Cracks or leaks in the concrete shell should be repaired promptly to prevent further damage. Professional resurfacing and sealing ensure your pool remains watertight.

Equipment Upgrades
Older pools often have inefficient pumps or outdated filters. Upgrading to energy-efficient equipment can reduce maintenance costs and improve water circulation.

Add Modern Features
A renovation is a great time to add practical and aesthetic features like LED lighting, new coping stones, or a heating system for year-round use.

Benefits of Renovating Your Pool

• Restores your pool’s safety and visual appeal
• Improves water quality and maintenance efficiency
• Increases property value
• Extends your pool’s lifespan

If your concrete pool is looking tired or rough, renovation is often far more cost-effective than replacement — giving you the enjoyment of a brand-new pool without starting from scratch.

10. Seasonal Pool Care Tips

Concrete pools need slightly different care depending on the season.

Summer

• Test and balance water more often due to heavy use.
• Run the pump longer during hot weather.
• Keep an eye out for algae in warmer water.

Winter

• Run the pump fewer hours, but maintain weekly cleaning.
• Shock the pool monthly to prevent stagnation.
• Use a pool cover to reduce evaporation and debris buildup.

Conclusion

Proper maintenance is key to keeping your concrete swimming pool in pristine condition year after year. From water balance and chlorination to brushing and filtering, regular upkeep preserves the surface, prevents costly repairs, and ensures a safe, inviting place to swim.

And if your pool is starting to show signs of age, don’t wait until problems worsen — a professional pool renovation can give it new life, improve efficiency, and restore its original beauty.

With consistent care and timely upgrades, your concrete pool will continue to be the centrepiece of your backyard — a place to relax, cool off, and make memories for years to come.