Owning a backyard pool is a dream come true for many families, especially those with energetic kids who love spending hours in the water. But as most pool owners quickly realise, the fun comes with a catch—keeping the pool clean can be a regular chore.

For busy parents juggling work, school runs, and everything in between, the idea of spending weekends scrubbing pool walls or fiddling with water chemistry isn't exactly appealing. The good news? Pool care doesn’t need to be an overwhelming, time-consuming task.

With a few smart habits and time-saving tools, you can keep your pool swim-ready without adding more stress to your week. These tips focus on keeping things safe, hygienic and hassle-free, even with little ones running around.

1. Set a Simple Weekly Routine

A consistent, easy-to-follow routine will save you time in the long run. Rather than waiting for issues to appear (like murky water or algae), a basic weekly checklist can help prevent problems before they start.

Here’s a quick example:

• Skim the surface (5 minutes)
  
  
• Empty skimmer and pump baskets (5 minutes)
  
  
• Quick brush of pool steps and corners (5–10 minutes)
  
  
• Test water with simple strips (2 minutes)
  
  
• Top up chlorine or adjust pH if needed
  
  

Total time? Under 30 minutes—easily manageable during nap time or after dinner.

Tip: Assign a specific day of the week (e.g. Sunday afternoons) so it becomes part of the family rhythm, like bin night or meal planning.

2. Invest in a Pool Cover

A high-quality pool cover can cut your cleaning time in half. It keeps out leaves, insects and other debris while also reducing evaporation and chemical loss. For families with trees nearby or pets that love sniffing around the pool, a cover is a game-changer.

There are different styles available—from manual roller covers to automatic retractables—but even a simple solar blanket will help reduce surface mess.

Bonus: Covers also act as a safety barrier, which adds peace of mind when toddlers are around.

3. Make the Skimmer Your Best Friend

Most fibreglass pools in adelaide have a built-in skimmer box that filters out surface debris. Keeping it clean makes a noticeable difference in water clarity.

Get into the habit of checking and emptying the skimmer basket every few days, especially during windy weather or after storms. It’s a small task that only takes a minute but helps prevent blockages and overworked filters.

Tip: Involve older kids by turning it into a mini game—“Skimmer Scoop Patrol” anyone?

4. Use a Robotic Pool Cleaner

While it's an upfront investment, a robotic cleaner can save you countless hours over time. These devices crawl along the pool floor (and often walls), vacuuming up dirt, sand and leaves on their own schedule.

Look for models with programmable timers so they can run during quiet times—like early morning or while you’re at work. You’ll come home to a clean pool without lifting a finger.

They’re especially useful for families with toddlers, where time is tight and energy is limited.

5. Keep Chemicals Simple

Pool chemistry doesn’t have to feel like a science experiment. Test strips are the quickest and easiest option for most families. Just dip one in the water and compare the colours to a chart—done in seconds.

Maintain basic levels for:

• Chlorine (for sanitation)
  
  
• pH (between 7.2 and 7.6)
  
  
• Alkalinity (helps stabilise pH)
  
  

You don’t need to be a water expert. If numbers seem off, your local pool shop can usually provide advice, or you can adjust with easy-to-use balancing products.

Tip: Store chemicals safely out of reach in a weatherproof container with a childproof latch.

6. Rinse Before Swimming

This one’s simple but effective. Encourage family members (especially kids) to do a quick rinse in an outdoor shower or hose-off before jumping in. Sunscreen, dirt, body oils and grass all end up in the water, affecting clarity and chemistry.

By keeping contaminants out, you reduce the demand on your filter and chlorine—meaning less work for you.

7. Schedule a Monthly Deep Clean

Even with daily or weekly habits, your pool will benefit from a more thorough monthly tidy-up. This doesn’t need to be overwhelming—just a few extra tasks to stay ahead of long-term buildup.

Include things like:

• Brushing down all pool walls and corners
  
  
• Vacuuming (if not using a robot cleaner)
  
  
• Checking filter cartridges or backwashing a sand filter
  
  
• Inspecting your pump and chlorinator for blockages or wear
  
  

This is a good time to get a second adult involved or use it as a teaching moment for older kids to learn basic maintenance skills.

8. Keep Toys and Floats Organised

Scattered pool toys can attract insects, create clutter, and even cause safety hazards. Create a designated “pool toy zone” where everything lives—like a mesh bin, deck box, or hanging bag.

Drying items off before storing them will also help reduce algae and mould in the pool water.

If your kids are old enough, get them involved in pack-up time with a reward system or simple checklist on the wall.

9. Use Pool-Friendly Landscaping

The right plants around your pool can significantly cut down on debris. Steer clear of anything with small leaves, berries or sharp thorns. Opt for low-maintenance options like:

• Grasses
  
  
• Succulents
  
  
• Clumping bamboo (non-invasive varieties)
  
  
• Native species suited to your climate
  
  

Mulch garden beds with gravel or bark to stop dirt from washing into the pool after rain.

10. Know When To Call In Help

Sometimes the best time-saving strategy is knowing when not to DIY. If the pool turns green, the filter breaks, or something seems off, calling in a professional can stop the problem from getting worse.

A seasonal service or once-off deep clean before summer kicks off can help reset everything and take pressure off during peak swimming season.

You don’t need to do it all alone—outsourcing the occasional job is just smart parenting.

Final Thoughts

Keeping a backyard pool clean doesn’t have to become another chore on an already full to-do list. With a few clever habits and tools, you can streamline your routine and still enjoy a sparkling, safe pool—even with kids underfoot.

It’s not about perfection—it’s about consistency. A little regular attention will go much further than big, time-consuming clean-ups down the track.

And at the end of the day, a well-maintained pool isn’t just easier on you—it’s safer and more enjoyable for your whole family.