Article Summary: 

  • A well-maintained pool not only looks beautiful but also lasts longer and runs more efficiently.
  • While some maintenance tasks are simple, they can be time-consuming.
  • Complex procedures often require the expertise of a professional.
  • For the best results, choose a trusted provider with decades of experience and a proven track record, like Tortorella.

There’s nothing quite like taking a refreshing dip in your backyard pool on a hot summer day. The clean, sparkling water is the perfect reward—but keeping it that way takes effort and expertise.

Regular pool maintenance ensures your pool stays beautiful, functional, and cost-efficient for years to come. While some tasks are simple enough to handle yourself, others require a professional touch. If you’re considering DIY pool maintenance, this guide will help you determine which tasks are worth tackling and when it’s best to call in the experts.

DIY Pool Maintenance Procedures for Hamptons Pool Owners 

Routine Water Testing:

Consistent pool maintenance is essential to keeping your pool clean, safe, and in prime condition. Neglected pools are breeding grounds for mold, algae, E coli, and other harmful bacteria, which are reflected by cloudy, murky water – an eyesore. To avoid murky and cloudy water, routine water testing is necessary. 

Difficulty Level: 3/10

Water testing only takes a few minutes but requires you to be attuned to your pool in terms of how much you use it. Daily testing should be administered for free chlorine and pH levels, which will help to catch sudden changes caused by weather, heavy use, or debris and contamination. 

On a weekly basis, test for total alkalinity levels, calcium hardness, and cyanuric acid, as doing so will prevent pH fluctuations, prevent scaling on your pool’s surface, and protect chlorine from sunlight degradation. Although these processes only span a few minutes, the process as a whole requires commitment, and it is important to maintain a record of readings for reference points.
Hiring a maintenance professional ensures accurate and consistent water testing, preventing issues like murky water or harmful bacteria growth. This is especially crucial for vacation properties, where pools may sit unattended for extended periods. With specialized training, professionals can quickly diagnose and address any irregularities, keeping your pool in pristine condition year-round.


Pool Skimming:

The Hamptons’ lush landscapes and proximity to the ocean bring natural beauty—and plenty of debris. Falling leaves, sand, insects, and other contaminants can quickly accumulate in your pool, promoting algae growth and overloading your filtration system.

While pool covers offer protection, leaving them on too long can cause heat retention and circulation issues. Additionally, missed debris trapped under the cover can permanently stain pool walls.

Regular pool skimming is essential to keep your filtration system running efficiently, maintain water clarity, and ensure a clean, healthy swimming environment.

Difficulty Level: 2/10

Pool skimming can be done manually with a skimmer net or leaf rake to remove debris, focusing on problem areas where buildup is most pronounced. For pools with built-in automatic skimmers, the process is even simpler: remove the skimmer basket, empty the collected debris, and replace it.

Regular skimming is essential to prevent debris buildup, especially after windy days, storms, or during the autumn season when leaves fall more frequently. The best time to skim is in the morning, as debris tends to accumulate overnight—making it a challenge for those with a packed schedule.

For vacation homeowners, neglecting pool skimming during the offseason can lead to unpleasant surprises like murky water, stains, and clogged systems. Hiring a maintenance professional ensures consistent, thorough cleaning year-round, including hard-to-reach areas, so your pool is always ready to enjoy when you return.

Cleaning Pool Surfaces:

Your pool basin – which consists of the walls that surround the floor – must be meticulously maintained as a vital part of its hygiene. As use increases, so does the buildup of natural oils, skin cells, skin and hair care products along these surfaces. 

The build-up of organic substances, sunlight, and lack of action creates the perfect conditions for algae to thrive, leading to slimy, unhygienic, and unsafe swimming environments that worsen over time. To prevent this, it’s important to clean your pool’s surfaces regularly—ideally once a week or as needed based on usage and environmental factors.

Difficulty Level: 6/10

Your basin’s materials are also a factor in the equation. Porous surfaces, such as concrete, plaster, and natural stone, may contain cracks and crevices that make it more difficult for algae to spawn within. Cracked tiles, worn-out plaster, or damaged liners allow the same conditions. 

When cleaning your pool, pay close attention to shaded areas, corners, and waterlines—these spots are prime locations for algae buildup. Larger pools add to the challenge, requiring more time and effort to clean thoroughly. Without the right tools or expertise, it’s easy to overlook these problem areas, leaving your hard work incomplete and algae-free surfaces short-lived.

A professional has seen it all and done it all. They know how to tackle hard-to-reach cracks and crevices while using the right tools and techniques for your pool’s materials. From selecting the proper brushes to applying the correct chemical treatments, they ensure every surface is cleaned safely and effectively.

With their expertise, professionals ensure your pool surfaces stay spotless and safe. They’ll handle the tough scrubbing and deep cleaning, leaving your pool shimmering and ready for fun—so your biggest decision is whether to cannonball or dive in.

Treating Pool Water


Keeping your pool water clean and safe requires consistent monitoring and proper treatment. Without regular upkeep, organic debris can build up, leading to murky, unsafe water that stains tiles, clogs filters, and creates an unhealthy swimming environment. To prevent these issues—or address them when they arise—routine pool water treatment is essential.

Difficulty Level: 8/10


Treating your pool water is both a preventative and corrective process. Regular maintenance ensures water stays balanced and clear, while addressing problems—like imbalanced chlorine, stains, or scale—requires careful attention and expertise.


Keeping your pool’s water clean and clear isn’t as simple as adding chlorine and jumping in. It requires consistent monitoring and careful adjustments to address issues as they arise. If you’re ready to take on the challenge of balancing pH levels, adding stabilizers, and maintaining safe chlorine levels, check out our detailed guide: The Ultimate Guide to Pool Maintenance: Keep Your Pool Clean and Safe Year-Round [Insert link].

Treating your pool’s water is a precise science that leaves no room for error. Accurate diagnosis and careful adjustments are essential to maintaining safe, clear water. Professionals have the expertise to interpret water readings and apply the right solutions quickly and effectively.

Inspecting Pool Equipment 

Your pool’s systems are designed to work in harmony, but regular inspections are essential to ensure everything operates efficiently. Early detection of issues—such as worn-out components, leaks, or mechanical malfunctions—can prevent more significant and costly problems. While basic checks can be done yourself, professional inspections offer a trained eye to identify concerns you might miss. For best results, weekly equipment checks are recommended to keep your pool running reliably and safely.

Difficulty Level: 10/10

To effectively inspect your pool’s pumps and motors, you must understand what it looks and sounds like when it is running optimally. The same goes for filtration systems, skimmers, heaters, and water chemistry systems. Those are just the beginning. Your pool also comprises electrical systems, seals and gaskets, plumbing lines, and much more. 

While a DIY inspection might catch obvious issues like a faulty pump or cracked filter, it’s easy to miss subtle problems or misdiagnose the cause. Delayed detection can lead to more serious—and costly—repairs down the line. Hiring a maintenance professional ensures issues are identified and resolved quickly, keeping your systems running smoothly and preventing major breakdowns.

How To Choose The Right Professional For the Job

Your pool deserves exceptional care, and selecting the right professional is key to maintaining its beauty and functionality. Look for a company familiar with the unique conditions of the Hamptons, including seasonal weather changes, challenging terrain, and the effects of ocean proximity.

A provider offering comprehensive services is invaluable—employing certified technicians who bring expertise, consistency, and efficiency to every task. This level of care not only ensures peace of mind but also delivers long-term cost savings by preventing issues before they arise.

In every regard, Tortorella sets the standard for excellence. With over 40 years of experience in luxury pool design, building, and maintenance, we prioritize your satisfaction with tailored, round-the-clock maintenance packages.

Our portfolio speaks for itself, showcasing architecturally stunning pools maintained to perfection. With Tortorella, there’s no guesswork—just unmatched quality and exceptional results.

Conclusion

Maintaining your pool can be rewarding, but it’s not always the most practical solution—especially in today’s fast-paced world. Tasks like monitoring water levels, scrubbing surfaces, and balancing chemicals require time, consistency, and attention to detail.

Professional maintenance offers a more reliable and cost-effective approach in the long run. With access to advanced tools and products, trained specialists can identify and address issues early, preventing costly repairs and ensuring your pool stays in top condition.

When it comes to your pool, trust a provider with a proven track record for excellence. Tortorella delivers tailored, 24-hour maintenance services—from routine care to immediate support—so you can enjoy a perfectly maintained pool without the hassle. Experience the Tortorella difference today!