Weekly Pool Maintenance Checklist for Arizona Summers

 Arizona summers are intense—scorching temperatures, blazing sun, and plenty of pool time. With all that use, keeping your pool clean and safe isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about health, efficiency, and protecting your investment. At Salten Pools, we help Arizona homeowners stay ahead of the heat with reliable weekly pool service and expert advice. 

This guide will walk you through a weekly pool maintenance checklist tailored for Arizona summers, whether you’re managing it on your own or considering professional help. 

Why Weekly Pool Maintenance Is a Must in Arizona 

The desert climate brings high evaporation, sun exposure, and dust—making weekly pool maintenance in Arizona a necessity. 
Below, we’ll break down each essential task so your pool remains crystal clear, balanced, and ready for every splash. 

1. Skimming & Surface Cleaning

Start the week by skimming your pool’s surface. This clears away leaves, insects, and debris before they sink and cause staining or algae. 

We recommend using a fine mesh skimmer net daily during summer and doing a more thorough skim as part of your weekly pool cleaning schedule. It only takes a few minutes but makes a huge difference in water quality. 

2. Brushing the Pool Walls and Floor

Brushing is your best defense against algae buildup and scaling. 

Use a pool brush to scrub the walls, steps, waterline, and floor. Pay special attention to areas with less circulation like corners or under steps. Weekly brushing removes dirt, oils, and early algae growth before they become a problem. For plaster or concrete pools, use a steel-bristled brush; for vinyl or fiberglass, use softer nylon bristles. 

3. Vacuuming the Pool

After brushing, vacuum your pool to remove the dislodged debris. 

Manual vacuuming can be time-consuming, but it’s great for targeting specific areas. If you’re using an automatic pool cleaner, run it weekly or more often depending on debris. Regular vacuuming helps maintain water clarity and reduces the load on your filtration system. 

4. Check and Maintain Water Level

Arizona’s heat leads to fast evaporation, often lowering water levels by 1–2 inches per week. 

Make sure the water is at the proper level—typically halfway up the skimmer opening. Low water levels can damage your pump and filtration system, while high levels can reduce skimmer efficiency. 

5. Test and Balance the Water Chemistry

Chemical balance is one of the most important aspects of pool maintenance. 

Here’s what to test and adjust every week: 

  • Chlorine: 1–3 ppm 
  • pH: 7.2–7.6 
  • Total Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm 
  • Calcium Hardness: 200–400 ppm 
  • Cyanuric Acid (stabilizer): 30–50 ppm 

If chlorine is too low, algae can bloom quickly in the Arizona heat. If pH is off, you risk corrosion or scale buildup. Using a reliable test kit or strips ensures that your water is balanced and safe. 

Learn more about our weekly pool service where we handle all the testing and chemical balancing for you. 

6. Shock the Pool (as needed)

Shocking is the process of adding high levels of chlorine to eliminate contaminants like bacteria, sunscreen, and sweat. 

In summer, consider shocking your pool weekly, especially after heavy use or rain. Use a non-chlorine shock if you’re swimming soon after, or plan for overnight shocking and let the chlorine level return to normal before use. 

7. Clean the Skimmer and Pump Baskets

Clogged baskets reduce circulation and strain your pump. 

Empty the skimmer and pump baskets weekly to improve water flow and reduce wear and tear on your equipment. Make sure the baskets are free from cracks and fit snugly in their housing. 

8. Backwash or Clean the Filter

Your filter is your pool’s kidney—it removes fine debris and contaminants. 

Depending on the type of filter you have: 

  • Sand filter: Backwash when pressure increases by 8–10 psi 
  • Cartridge filter: Clean monthly or as needed 
  • Diatomaceous earth (DE) filter: Backwash and add fresh DE powder 

During Arizona summers, filters work overtime. Cleaning them regularly ensures better circulation and water clarity. 

9. Inspect Pool Equipment

Give your equipment a weekly once-over. 

Look for leaks, odd noises, or signs of wear in your: 

  • Pump 
  • Filter 
  • Heater (if applicable) 
  • Chlorinator or salt system 
  • Timers and automation systems 

Catching problems early can prevent costly repairs. If anything seems off, our weekly pool service includes equipment inspection and troubleshooting. 

10. Monitor for Algae and Stains

Green, yellow, or black algae can quickly spread in the summer heat. 

Check the pool walls, steps, and corners for discoloration. Brush affected areas and apply algaecide or chlorine treatment if needed. Also, look out for mineral stains or scale, which can appear due to hard water. 

11. Add Algaecide and Clarifier (Optional, but Helpful)

For extra protection, especially during the peak of summer, consider adding: 

  • Algaecide: Prevents new algae growth 
  • Water clarifier: Helps tiny particles clump together so your filter can remove them 

These aren’t always necessary, but they can give your pool an added layer of sparkle and protection. 

12. Keep a Maintenance Log

A simple notebook or digital log can go a long way. 

Track chemical readings, service dates, filter cleanings, and repairs. It helps you spot trends and keep on top of regular tasks—especially important if more than one person helps with maintenance. 

13. Consider Professional Weekly Pool Service

If all of this sounds overwhelming or time-consuming, we’re here to help. 

At Salten Pools, our trained technicians provide weekly pool maintenance across Arizona. From water testing and balancing to equipment inspections and cleaning, we’ve got it covered so you can relax and enjoy your pool. 

Weekly Pool Maintenance Schedule (Quick Reference) 

Task Frequency 
Skimming Daily / Weekly 
Brushing Weekly 
Vacuuming Weekly 
Water Level Check Weekly 
Water Testing Weekly 
Shocking Weekly / As needed 
Basket Cleaning Weekly 
Filter Cleaning Monthly or as needed 
Equipment Inspection Weekly 
Algae/ Stain Check Weekly 

FAQs – Weekly Pool Maintenance in Arizona 

At least once a week. During periods of heavy use or extreme heat, consider testing 2–3 times per week.

We recommend running your pump 8–12 hours daily during summer for proper circulation and filtration. 

DIY is possible, but professional services ensure accuracy, efficiency, and save you time—especially in extreme Arizona summers.

What causes algae to grow in my pool?

Maintain chlorine levels between 1–3 ppm. In hotter months, it’s better to stay closer to the higher end.

Conclusion 

Taking care of your pool weekly is crucial in Arizona’s summer heat, where the environment can quickly turn a beautiful oasis into a maintenance headache. Whether you’re a hands-on pool owner or you prefer the convenience of expert help, following a consistent maintenance routine keeps your pool safe, clear, and swim-ready. 

At Salten Pools, we’re here to make pool ownership stress-free. From weekly service to equipment repairs, our experienced team takes care of it all—so you can spend more time enjoying the water and less time worrying about upkeep. 

Ready to simplify your pool care this summer? Let us handle it for you. Contact Salten Pools Today for a free consultation or to schedule weekly service. 

Conclusion 

Taking care of your pool weekly is crucial in Arizona’s summer heat, where the environment can quickly turn a beautiful oasis into a maintenance headache. Whether you’re a hands-on pool owner or you prefer the convenience of expert help, following a consistent maintenance routine keeps your pool safe, clear, and swim-ready. 

At Salten Pools, we’re here to make pool ownership stress-free. From weekly service to equipment repairs, our experienced team takes care of it all—so you can spend more time enjoying the water and less time worrying about upkeep. 

Ready to simplify your pool care this summer? Let us handle it for you. Contact Salten Pools Today for a free consultation or to schedule weekly service.