Pool Care Tips for Lafayette, Louisiana Homeowners
Owning a pool in Louisiana means enjoying warm weather, outdoor living, and plenty of swimming days. But the same climate that makes pools enjoyable can also create challenges with algae, debris, heavy rain, and chemical imbalance. At Acadiana Pools & Spas, we want to help homeowners keep their water clean and equipment protected with simple, effective pool maintenance tips designed specifically for Lafayette and the Acadiana region.
Maintain Proper Water Circulation
Proper circulation is the foundation of a healthy pool, especially in Louisiana’s warm climate where algae can grow quickly. To maintain good circulation, your pool pump should run 8–12 hours per day during the hottest months to keep water moving and chemicals evenly distributed. Make sure your skimmer and pump baskets are emptied regularly, as debris can restrict flow. Also ensure that your pool returns are angled slightly downward to push water across the bottom of the pool, where stagnation is most common. Strong circulation helps prevent cloudy water, algae growth, and chemical imbalance—keeping your pool clear and comfortable.
Clean Your Pool Filter Regularly
Your filter is responsible for removing dirt, pollen, and fine debris from the water, and in Lafayette, that debris builds up fast due to humidity, rain, and high pollen counts. Cleaning your filter regularly keeps your pool operating efficiently and prevents cloudy water. Cartridge filters should be cleaned every three to six weeks, while sand and DE filters should be backwashed when the pressure gauge rises 8–10 psi above normal. Make it a habit to check your filter monthly, especially during the summer. A clean filter reduces strain on your equipment and helps keep your water crystal clear.
Brush & Vacuum Your Pool Weekly
Brushing and vacuuming your pool each week is essential to prevent buildup on the walls, floor, and tile line. Even with strong circulation, algae and dirt can cling to surfaces, especially around steps, corners, and shaded areas. Weekly brushing helps remove early algae growth before it becomes a visible problem, while vacuuming eliminates debris that settles on the bottom. Automatic vacuums help, but manual brushing is still important to reach areas where robots or suction vacuums can’t. Staying consistent keeps your water clean and your surfaces looking their best.
Test and Balance Your Pool Water Frequently
In Louisiana, chemical levels can swing rapidly due to heavy rain, high temperatures, and intense sunlight. Regular water testing—ideally one to two times per week—ensures your chlorine, pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and stabilizer (CYA) levels stay in the correct range. Properly balanced water prevents irritation, protects your pool’s surface, and keeps your equipment running efficiently. It also stops algae from forming and prevents scaling or corrosion. Keeping up with water chemistry is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid costly repairs down the road.
Prevent Algae Before It Starts
Algae can take over a pool extremely fast in Lafayette’s heat and humidity, often turning water green within 24 hours when chlorine levels drop. Preventing algae starts with keeping your pump running long enough, maintaining balanced chemistry, and brushing the walls weekly. Shock your pool after heavy rainfall, periods of high usage, or whenever the water begins to look dull. Cleaning your filter and keeping circulation strong also help stop algae from gaining a foothold. Prevention is always easier—and cheaper—than trying to fix a major algae bloom.
Skim Debris Daily
Daily skimming removes leaves, bugs, pollen, and grass before they sink and begin decomposing in your pool. This simple habit improves water clarity and reduces the amount of organic matter your chlorine must fight against. It also prevents clogging in your skimmer and pump baskets, helping your system maintain proper circulation. With Louisiana’s constant flow of yard debris, daily skimming is one of the easiest and most effective ways to cut down on maintenance issues and keep your pool looking clean.
Keep Your Water Level Consistent
Your pool’s water level plays a major role in how well your filtration system works. If the water level is too low, your pump may suck in air, which can cause damage. If it’s too high, your skimmer can’t pull in debris effectively. The ideal water level is halfway up your skimmer opening. Because Louisiana weather includes both high evaporation and sudden downpours, it’s important to check your water level frequently and adjust it as needed.
Schedule Professional Pool Maintenance
Even with great habits, pool care can be time-consuming and sometimes overwhelming. Professional maintenance ensures your chemicals stay balanced, your equipment runs properly, and your pool remains clean and ready for use. At Acadiana Pools & Spas, we provide weekly cleaning, water testing, equipment inspections, and algae prevention tailored to Lafayette’s climate. Professional service saves you time, reduces stress, and helps avoid expensive repairs by catching problems early. With experts taking care of your pool, you can relax and enjoy a clean, healthy swimming environment year-round.
Pool Maintenance FAQs
How often should I test my pool water?
Test your pool water at least twice a week to maintain balanced pH and chlorine levels, preventing algae growth and equipment damage.What is the best way to remove debris from the pool?
Use a skimmer net daily to clear leaves and insects. Regular brushing of pool walls and vacuuming helps keep surfaces clean and prevents buildup.How can I prevent algae growth between cleanings?
Maintain proper sanitizer levels and circulate water daily. Shock the pool weekly during hot weather or heavy use to control algae effectively.What should I do if my pool water looks cloudy?
Check filtration system operation and clean filters regularly. Adjust chemical levels and consider using a clarifier to restore water clarity.