If you own a swimming pool, you know that year-round upkeep is key to protecting the integrity of the structure and ensuring that the water is safe. This applies whether you’re preparing it for pool season or getting ready to shut it down for the cooler months. However, if you neglect regular pool maintenance, you could encounter the following consequences.

What Happens If You Don’t Maintain Your Pool?

1. Contaminants Accumulate in the Water

A key part of regular pool maintenance is routine disinfection. Without sanitizing the water, it can easily become overwhelmed by the presence of potentially dangerous microorganisms, including viruses and bacteria. Chlorine kills off most of these harmful pathogens to ensure a healthy environment for swimmers, but you should also make it a point to clean the pool regularly. Skim the water to minimize debris, and use a pool brush to scrub the flooring and walls and eliminate grime. Occasional vacuuming also ensures the cleanest possible surface.

It’s not just dirt that collects—even frogs, ducks, and insects can make a cover filled with water their home during the off-season. Ensure that it’s snug and tight when on, and drain the water with a cover pump as needed.

2. Chemical Levels Become Imbalanced

All pool owners should check the chlorine level, pH balance, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness at least once a week. Failure to stay on top of this step could eventually lead to pool damage.

Low chlorine levels, for example, could encourage algae to grow everywhere from the walls to the pool filters and turn the water cloudy and grimy. High levels, however, can irritate the skin. Finding the perfect balance of all chemicals produces a safe environment, both for swimmers and for the structure itself.

3. Problems Could Become Costly

It’s much easier to detect leaks when you conduct regular maintenance. You’re more likely to notice small changes, such as water loss or algae growth. Both can indicate a hidden leak somewhere in the concrete. Strange noises, corrosion around the pump, and damage to tiles could also indicate other underlying issues that require prompt repairs. By sticking to a regular maintenance schedule, you can detect those new behaviors quickly and tackle them before they become costly, challenging repairs.

Do you seek a reliable pool maintenance professional in Cincinnati, OH? Turn to the team at All-American Pools. Serving the Tri-State area since 1955, the company proudly offers a variety of services, from pool installation and repairs to pool water testing. Visit them online to find out more about how they can help, or call (513) 753-6923 to speak with a representative.