The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Your Pool: Tips for Gold Coast Homeowners
Why a Clean Pool Matters
Picture this: It’s a bright, sunny day on the Gold Coast, and you’re ready to take that long-awaited dip in your backyard pool. But as you approach the water’s edge, you notice leaves floating around, maybe a stray bug or two, and the water’s looking a bit cloudy. You’re suddenly not quite as excited to jump in. Sound familiar?
Here at Ashmore Pools, we’ve been helping Gold Coast homeowners keep their pools clean and inviting for over 30 years. We’re a family-owned and operated service center, which means we know what it’s like to want a sparkling pool without the hassle. Our mission? To take the stress out of pool cleaning and give you more time to actually enjoy your pool.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the ins and outs of how to effectively clean your pool. Think of it as having a friendly next-door neighbour swing by to share a few tried-and-true tips. By the end, you’ll feel confident handling the basics of pool cleaning Gold Coast style, ensuring your backyard oasis is always ready for a cannonball or two - no floaties full of bugs in sight.
Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Equipment
Before you jump into the actual cleaning process, it’s super important to get your tools in order. After all, you wouldn’t start cooking a meal without pots and pans, right? The same goes for pool cleaning. Here’s what you’ll need:
Skimmer Net
Your first line of defence against leaves, insects, and miscellaneous floating debris.
You’ll want a sturdy net with a decent-sized head so you can sweep the surface quickly.
Pool Brush
Algae, dirt, and other gunk like to hang out on the walls and floor of your pool.
A good brush (soft bristles for fibreglass/vinyl pools, stiffer ones for concrete) helps keep surfaces clean.
Pool Vacuum (Manual or Automatic)
Manual vacuums connect to your pool’s filtration system and require a bit of elbow grease.
Automatic cleaners can roam around your pool on their own, sucking up debris so you don’t have to break a sweat.
Water Testing Kit or Strips
Checking pH, chlorine levels, and alkalinity is key for pool maintenance Gold Coast because our climate can swing from sunny days to tropical storms pretty quickly.
Basic kits or strips will do the job, or you can go high-tech with digital testers.
Pool Chemicals
Chlorine or Salt: Keeps your pool water safe and sanitised.
pH Up/Down: Balances acidity and alkalinity.
Alkalinity Adjusters: Helps stabilise pH levels.
Algaecides: Wages war on pesky algae if you’ve got an ongoing problem.
Protective Gear
Gloves and goggles when handling chemicals are always a smart move.
Not sure where to get these items? Check out our range of pool supplies right here or swing by our Ashmore Pools store on the Gold Coast. We’ll make sure you leave with the right gear (and maybe a fun pool float if you’re feeling festive).
Step 2: Skimming and Vacuuming Techniques
Once you’ve gathered your tools, it’s time to tackle the debris that loves making a home in your pool. Leaves, bugs, and even the occasional rogue pool toy can end up floating around, so let’s talk about the best ways to clear it all out.
Skimming the Surface
Why Do It?
Skimming keeps things from sinking to the bottom, where they can break down and mess with your water chemistry. Gold Coast backyards often have palm trees, gum trees, or just a lot of lush vegetation that can easily drop leaves into your pool.How Often?
If you can, skim daily or every other day - especially if you’ve got lots of plants nearby.Pro Tip:
Move slowly and methodically around the pool, emptying the net frequently so you’re not accidentally tossing debris back into the water.
Brushing the Walls and Floor
Why Do It?
Algae spores are sneaky and can quickly take hold if given the chance - especially in our warm, sunny Gold Coast climate. Brushing knocks them loose, along with dirt and other nasties that cling to pool surfaces.How Often?
Once a week is a good rule of thumb, but if you notice slick spots or visible algae, you might need to brush more often.Technique:
Start at the shallow end and work your way down to the deep end.
Pay extra attention to corners, steps, and other “quiet” areas where water circulation might be lower.
Vacuuming the Pool
Vacuuming is like giving your pool a deep-clean. Whether you opt for a manual vacuum or an automatic cleaner, it ensures the dirt and debris that brushing loosens up gets properly sucked away.
Manual Vacuum
Attach the vacuum head to a telescoping pole.
Connect the hose to your pool’s skimmer (make sure you fill the hose with water first to remove air).
Move slowly around the pool floor in overlapping sections, so you don’t miss a spot.
Take your time. Rushing can stir up debris, making it harder to remove.
Automatic Cleaner
Set it up according to the instructions (they usually attach to your filtration system).
Let the cleaner roam your pool, picking up debris as it goes.
Check and empty its debris bag or filter regularly.
Handy Hint: If your pool is under a big tree or sees a lot of action (think pool parties or rowdy kids), you might want to vacuum more than once a week. And if you’re ever stuck figuring out which vacuum suits your pool best, feel free to drop us a line at Ashmore Pools. We’ve tried them all and can steer you in the right direction.
Step 3: Water Testing and Chemical Balancing
Now that your pool looks clean, it’s time to make sure it stays healthy. Water testing and chemical balancing might sound complicated, but think of it like following a cake recipe - just a few simple steps to get the perfect result.
Test Your Water Regularly
Why It Matters
Balancing your water ensures it’s safe to swim in and protects your pool equipment. If chemical levels get too far out of whack, you could be in for murky water, algae outbreaks, or even damaged filters.How Often to Test
At least once a week during cooler months, and 2-3 times a week in peak summer when the pool gets used more often (and Gold Coast weather can be scorching).
What to Check:
pH: Ideally between 7.2 and 7.6. If your pH is off, you may experience skin and eye irritation, and your pool surfaces or equipment can suffer.
Chlorine (or Sanitiser Level): Aim for 1-3 ppm in a chlorine pool. If you’ve got a saltwater system, make sure your chlorinator cell is functioning correctly.
Total Alkalinity: Helps buffer pH changes. The recommended range is usually around 80-120 ppm.
Stabiliser (Cyanuric Acid): Helps protect chlorine from the sun, keeping it around longer.
Grab a test kit or test strips to quickly gauge these levels. If you want a more precise reading, consider bringing a water sample into our store. We offer in-store water testing and can give you a tailor-made plan on the spot.
Adjusting pH and Alkalinity
pH Too Low (Under 7.2)?
Add a pH increaser (usually sodium carbonate). Always follow the instructions on the package, and don’t just dump in a random amount - little changes can make a big difference!pH Too High (Over 7.6)?
Use a pH reducer (often sodium bisulfate). Again, follow the recommended dosages.Alkalinity Off?
If it’s low, add an alkalinity increaser (like sodium bicarbonate).
If it’s high, you might need a specialised reducer or a bit of careful pH adjusting.
Check your levels again a few hours later or the next day. If they’re still not right, repeat the process in small increments until they’re in the sweet spot.
Keeping Chlorine Levels in Check
Chlorine Pools
You can use tablets, liquid, or granular chlorine. If you’re not sure which is best, pop by Ashmore Pools for a chat.
Keep chlorine between 1-3 ppm. Too low, and algae might move in; too high, and you might feel like you’re swimming in a giant bucket of bleach.
Saltwater Pools
Salt systems generate chlorine automatically. Just ensure your salt cell is working properly and top up pool-grade salt as needed.
Many folks find saltwater systems gentler on the skin and eyes, but you still need to monitor levels regularly.
Shock Treatments
Even the best-maintained pools can go a bit sideways after heavy rain, extra-busy swim sessions, or extended periods of super-hot weather (hello, Gold Coast summer). That’s where shock treatments come in.
When to Shock:
After a big pool party or increased swimmer load
If the water looks cloudy or has a strong chlorine smell (a sign that it’s actually low on chlorine)
After heavy rainfall or storms (rain can dilute your chemical balance or bring in new contaminants)
How to Shock:
Use a dedicated shock product (usually a high dose of chlorine or a non-chlorine oxidiser).
Follow the instructions carefully and run your pool filter for several hours (often overnight).
Wait until chlorine levels return to a safe range before diving in.
Keeping Algae at Bay
Let’s be honest: The Gold Coast climate is perfect for sunbathing, surfing, and, unfortunately, algae growth. Warm temperatures and high humidity mean algae can grow in a flash if your pool’s sanitiser levels aren’t on point.
Prevention Tips:
Brush your pool surfaces regularly.
Maintain proper chlorine levels and pH balance.
Use an algaecide if you’re noticing recurring green spots or slimy surfaces.
Remember, a little prevention goes a long way. It’s easier (and cheaper) to stay on top of algae control than to fix a full-blown bloom.
Seasonal Cleaning Considerations for Gold Coast Residents
The Gold Coast may not have the extreme seasonal changes you’d see in colder parts of Australia, but we do have our own seasonal quirks that can affect your pool.
Summer (Peak Swim Season)
With higher temperatures and more swimmers, you’ll need to test and balance chemicals more often (2-3 times a week).
Consider running your pool pump longer - around 8-12 hours a day - to handle increased demand.
Keep an eye out for sudden algae blooms in hot, humid spells.
Autumn
You might start seeing more leaves and debris blowing into the pool. Stay on top of skimming and vacuuming.
Water temps will gradually drop, but the Gold Coast often remains warm enough that you’ll still want to keep up a regular cleaning schedule.
Winter
Even if you’re not swimming as much, continue to run the pump 4-6 hours a day to keep water circulating.
Testing once a week might be enough, but if we get an unseasonably warm streak (it is Queensland, after all), you may want to check chemistry more often.
Some folks like to cover the pool to reduce debris, but if you’re not using a cover, you’ll still need regular skimming.
Rainy Season
Tropical downpours can dilute your pool chemicals and introduce fresh contaminants.
Test and adjust chemical levels after heavy rain.
Watch out for rising water levels - if your pool overflows, you may need to drain some water or rebalance everything once the storm passes.
Keep It Simple and Consistent
At the end of the day, pool cleaning doesn’t have to be a chore. By following a simple routine - skim daily (or every other day), brush weekly, vacuum regularly, and test chemical levels frequently - you’ll keep your pool in tip-top shape all year round. And if life gets busy (as it tends to do), remember that Ashmore Pools is just around the corner.
We’re proud to offer:
Mobile Pool Maintenance for when you’d rather leave the hard work to us
In-Store Repairs and Supplies if you need equipment or a quick water test
Over three decades of experience serving the Gold Coast community
Think of us as your friendly neighbour who just so happens to know a whole lot about pool cleaning Gold Coast style. We’re here to help, whether you’re dealing with stubborn algae, a broken pump, or just need advice on the best vacuum for your pool type.
Key Takeaways:
Gather Your Tools: Skimmer net, brush, vacuum, test kit, and the right chemicals.
Skim and Vacuum: Remove debris before it sinks, then vacuum away any dirt resting on the bottom.
Balance Your Water: Test pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels at least once a week, more often in summer.
Shock and Algaecide: Use as needed after heavy use or storms, and stay vigilant about algae.
Adjust for Seasons: Longer pump times in hot months, consistent checks in cooler months, and always re-test after rain.
By following these steps, you’ll have a pool that’s always sparkling, inviting, and ready for your next swim. If you ever need a hand, remember that we’re your neighbours, and we’re all about connection, community, and making pool care accessible to everyone.
Thanks for letting us share our top tips with you. Now get out there and enjoy that clean, refreshing pool - no more soggy leaves floating around!
Need More Help?
Check out our Pool Maintenance Services for a hassle-free experience.
Grab your cleaning supplies or book a repair through our Pool Shop or by visiting our store.
Here’s to many more sunny days and happy swims on the Gold Coast! If you have any questions or just want to say hi, get in touch with us here. We can’t wait to help you keep your pool looking its absolute best.
Remember: A little maintenance goes a long way toward a lifetime of happy swimming!
