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🗓️Routine cheat sheet
Pool Maintenance Schedule Checklist
Daily, weekly, monthly and seasonal jobs, with the target number for every test.
Updated · Reviewed by the Skimmer editorial team
This week's schedule
Pool type
Season
0 of 22 done
Daily
2 to 3 times a week
Weekly
Monthly
Seasonal and annual
Target numbers
| Test | Target | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Free chlorine | About 7.5% of CYA minimum (4 to 6 ppm at CYA 40) | 2 to 3x a week |
| pH | 7.4 to 7.6 | 2 to 3x a week |
| Total alkalinity | 80 to 120 ppm | Weekly |
| Calcium hardness | 200 to 400 ppm | Monthly |
| CYA | 30 to 50 ppm (60 to 80 salt) | Monthly |
| Salt | 2,700 to 3,400 ppm | Monthly |
| Filter pressure | Clean at baseline plus 8 to 10 psi | Weekly |
| Water balance (LSI) | -0.3 to +0.3 | Monthly |
Weekly log
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FC | |||||||
| pH | |||||||
| Dose added | |||||||
| Notes |
Print this page and fill in one column a day.
Time and cost
Doing it yourself takes about 1 to 2 hours a week in season plus chemicals. A weekly pro service typically runs $20 to $50 a visit, more where labor is expensive.
Free from skimmerpoolcare.com. Log today's test in Skimmer: Pool Care Log on the App Store.
General reference for residential pools. Product labels and local guidance override any figure here. See our methodology and editorial policy. Skimmer · skimmer pool care.
Frequently asked
Maintenance schedule: questions
How often should I test pool water?
Free chlorine and pH 2 to 3 times a week (daily in heat or heavy use), alkalinity weekly, and calcium hardness, CYA and salt monthly.
How long should the pump run?
Long enough to turn the whole pool over once a day, usually 8 to 12 hours. Variable-speed pumps can run longer at low speed for less power.
How often should I shock the pool?
Shock when combined chlorine is over 0.5 ppm, after heavy use or a storm, or when you open the pool. Keeping FC in range by CYA means many pools rarely need it.
How often should I clean the filter?
When the pressure gauge reads 8 to 10 psi above its clean baseline, not on a fixed calendar. Cleaning too often actually filters worse.
What can I skip in winter?
If the pool keeps running, you can test less often (weekly) and cut pump hours, but keep chlorine up and run the pump during freezes. If it is closed, check the cover and water level monthly.