The questions Australian pool owners ask most

There is no single cleaning schedule for every pool. HealthyWA says all pools need regular maintenance and recommends checking chemical levels at least once a day, more often in hot weather. Skimming, basket cleaning, brushing and vacuuming frequency depends on debris, swimmer load and weather.

Sunnyside's regular servicing includes cleaning, water balancing and equipment checks. Depending on the pool's condition, a visit may also cover skimming, vacuuming, brushing, basket cleaning and filter checks.

HealthyWA recommends checking pool chemical levels at least once a day, with more frequent testing in hot weather. Free chlorine and pH are the key daily readings; alkalinity, calcium hardness and stabiliser also matter to overall water balance.

HealthyWA advises a pH range of 7.2 to 7.8, with 7.5 ideal for bathers. For stabilised outdoor pools, it advises at least 2 mg/L free chlorine below 26°C and at least 3 mg/L above 26°C. Always follow chemical labels and equipment instructions.

Green and cloudy water commonly indicates algae. Official AstralPool guidance identifies low chlorine, high pH and inadequate circulation or filtration as common causes. Clear green water can have other causes, so test the water before treating it.

There is no reliable fixed timeframe. Recovery depends on the cause, the algae level, water balance, filtration performance and debris load. Treatment may need repeated filtering, brushing, vacuuming, filter cleaning and retesting before the pool is clear and correctly balanced.

HealthyWA says a domestic pool filtration system should completely filter all pool water within 6 to 8 hours and keep running for at least one hour after the last swimmer leaves. The right timer setting depends on pool volume, pump flow, filter condition, weather and use.

No. A robotic or suction cleaner removes dirt and debris, while water testing, chlorine and pH control, filter maintenance and equipment checks remain separate jobs. Cleaner operating instructions also require the pool to stay within specified water-chemistry conditions.

HealthyWA says rising filter pressure or noticeably reduced return flow indicates cleaning may be required. Sand and glass filters are generally backwashed; cartridge filters are removed and cleaned by hand. Follow the filter manufacturer's instructions.

No. HealthyWA explains that saltwater chlorinators use electrolysis to produce chlorine from salt. Chlorine and pH still need checking, especially in hot weather, and scale on the cell must be cleaned as the manufacturer recommends.