Phoenix summers hit hard. Your pool should be the ultimate backyard retreat, not a murky mess filled with sand, leaves, and mystery bugs.
But between monsoon dust storms, relentless sun, and extreme heat, keeping your swimming pool water crystal clear can feel like a full-time job.
We’ve seen it firsthand at Unique Companies. Homeowners create a stunning custom pool, only to struggle with algae, scale, or cloudy water within weeks. Ignoring pool maintenance isn’t just bad for aesthetics, it can also damage expensive equipment and pose real health risks.
The good news is? It doesn’t have to be like this. With the right approach and information, pool maintenance can become second nature, turning into simple tasks that you enjoy – because they are the key to lasting and enjoyable pool ownership.
We’ve rounded up seven practical, proven tips that our team follows in our own pool builds and pool cleaning services across the Phoenix Valley. If you want your backyard oasis to sparkle (and stay that way) keep reading!
1. Understanding Phoenix’s Unique Pool Challenges
Living in the desert means more than just dealing with heat. Your pool fights a daily battle against the elements of nature. Fine dust particles from haboobs can settle into the pool water, posing the risk of clogged filters and disrupted chemical balance.
High temperatures and long sun exposure rapidly break down chlorine, making it harder to control bacteria and algae. This is why regular testing and proactive care are essential here more than anywhere.
Water evaporation is another battle. Your pool can lose several inches per week, concentrating the chemicals, raising calcium hardness, and throwing pH and alkalinity out of whack. Ignoring this leads to scale buildup on your pool tile, pump, and heater – shortening their lifespan.
If you’ve ever dealt with green pool water, this climate is likely the culprit. Staying ahead of these desert-specific challenges is your first line of defense.
So, what’s our first tip in creating a crystal-clear pool experience? At Unique Companies, we believe that knowledge is power. Which is why it’s so important to have a full understanding of the unique challenges that can come with owning a pool in Phoenix, so that you can properly prevent issues and tackle them if they happen to occur.
2. Install an In-Floor Pool Cleaning System
If you’re planning a new pool, or upgrading an existing one, this is the single smartest investment you can make for low-maintenance swimming.
How It Works
In-floor pool cleaning systems use built-in jets that pop up from the pool floor and steps, pushing debris toward the main drain. These jets rotate in sequence to cover every inch of your pool’s interior. Unlike suction-side or robotic cleaners, they’re practically invisible – no hoses or cords floating around.
At Unique Companies, many of our custom pools include in-floor pool cleaners. Why? Because they save time, improve circulation, and extend the life of your filtration system. Plus, the even water distribution improves heat retention, cutting energy costs.
If you’re tired of vacuuming every weekend, this is your way out.
3. Stay on Top of Water Chemistry
Even the most high-end pool won’t look clean if the chemical balance is off. Testing weekly, especially in summer, is non-negotiable.
The Basics
- pH level should stay between 7.4 – 7.6 to prevent skin irritation and scale formation.
- Alkalinity should range from 80 – 120 ppm to buffer pH swings.
- Chlorine should stay between 1–3 ppm for proper sanitation.
- Keep an eye on calcium hardness and cyanuric acid, especially during evaporation-heavy months.
If you’re on a saltwater system, keep the salt cell clean and test it monthly. For traditional chlorine pools, use stabilized chlorine tablets that protect against UV breakdown. A must in Phoenix’s sun!
Make sure to shock your pool after heavy use or storms. And remember: cloudy water is a warning sign. Act fast before it turns green.
4. Skim, Brush, and Vacuum Like a Pro
Even with automation, basic manual cleaning keeps your pool looking (and feeling) fresh.
A Simple Pool Routine
- Skim daily with a leaf skimmer to remove floating debris before it sinks. Use a fine mesh net to trap dust and small insects.
- Brush walls and steps weekly, especially areas with poor circulation. Use nylon for plaster pools, stainless steel for concrete.
- Vacuum weekly, either manually or with a robotic pool cleaner. Robotic models are energy-efficient, don’t require a pump, and clean while you relax.
Regular brushing prevents algae growth and calcium deposits, especially in shaded corners. Don’t forget the pool ladder, tile grout, and behind water features.
5. Choose the Right Pool Cleaning Equipment
Not all pool cleaners are created equal. Your setup should match your lifestyle, pool type, and tolerance for manual labor.
Equipment Options
| Type | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| In-Floor System | New builds, luxury pools | Nearly invisible, integrated, long-term ROI |
| Robotic Pool Cleaner | Easy, plug-and-play automation | Fast, energy-efficient, low effort |
| Suction-Side Cleaner | Budget-friendly option | Uses pool’s pump system, basic debris only |
| Manual Vacuum | Hands-on pool owners | Most control over your pool care |
Consider pairing a robotic pool skimmer with your cleaner for 24/7 surface maintenance – a great combo for busy homeowners!
When in doubt, consult our team for personalized pool equipment recommendations that work best in Phoenix pools.
6. Keep Your Pool Equipment Running Smoothly
Pool equipment failure is often caused by neglect. Staying ahead of minor issues avoids major repair bills later.
Your Weekly Equipment Checklist:
- Pump & Motor: Listen for unusual sounds, check for leaks or overheating and clean out the pump basket.
- Filter: Backwash sand filters or DE filters when the pressure gauge rises 8–10 PSI over clean baseline. Clean cartridge filters monthly.
- Heater: Ensure debris or scale hasn’t clogged the unit. Keep rodents and pests away from wiring.
- Pool Skimmer Baskets: Empty regularly to prevent clogging and pressure buildup.
A clogged or dirty filter reduces circulation and leads to chemical imbalances, cloudy water, and even algae blooms. If something seems off, book a service check, as it’s cheaper than replacing a burned-out pump.
7. Book Professional Pool Service Regularly
Even if you’re great at DIY pool care, there’s a point where you need expert support, and that’s not a sign of failure.
In fact, regular professional service is the smartest move you can make to protect your investment, save time, and avoid costly repairs down the road.
Why Professional Pool Service Matters
A professional service technician doesn’t just skim leaves or throw in chemicals. They inspect the entire circulation system, from the pump and filter to the heater, chlorinator, and automation panel, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
They catch small issues (like a leaking valve or worn gasket) before they snowball into expensive fixes. If your filter is overdue for backwashing, or your pH and alkalinity levels are drifting out of range, they’ll catch that too.
In Phoenix’s punishing climate, your pool works overtime. Between evaporation, dust, and UV breakdown of chlorine, keeping water balanced and equipment healthy takes more than guesswork. A trained eye, with the right tools, makes a huge difference.
What to Expect from a Quality Pool Service in Phoenix, AZ
When you hire a reputable company like Unique Companies for regular pool maintenance, here’s what’s typically included:
- Full water testing and chemical balancing
- Emptying skimmer and pump baskets
- Checking filter pressure and cleaning as needed
- Verifying circulation and suction from all returns and drains
- Inspecting pumps, heaters, chlorinators, and timers
- Brushing walls, tile line, and steps
- Skimming and surface cleaning
- Optional vacuuming or robotic cleaner deployment
- Reporting issues before they turn into big problems
We also offer one-time deep pool cleanings, green-to-clean treatments, and equipment upgrades like installing salt systems, variable speed pumps, or automation controls.
Perfect for pool owners in Phoenix looking to modernize their setup!
Don’t Trust Your Pool to Just Anyone
Searching online for “pool maintenance companies near me” or “pool cleaning service near me” might return hundreds of results, but not all companies are created equal. Some cut corners or only provide chemical service without addressing deeper equipment and structural issues.
At Unique Companies, our legacy is in building the finest pools in Arizona – but we don’t walk away after construction. Our service team treats every visit with the same level of care and craftsmanship. Whether we built your pool or not, we maintain it like it’s our own.
If you want consistent clarity, longer equipment life, and zero pool headaches, professional service isn’t optional. It’s essential.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How often should I clean my pool in Phoenix?
At least 2–3 times per week. Skim daily, brush and vacuum weekly, and test chemistry weekly.
Is a robotic pool cleaner worth it?
Yes – especially for busy homeowners in in Phoenix, AZ They reduce manual effort and improve cleaning consistency.
Can I use the same chemicals for my hot tub and pool?
No. Hot tubs require different chemical concentrations due to higher temperatures and smaller water volume.
What causes cloudy pool water in Phoenix?
Poor filtration, chemical imbalance, dirty filters, or debris buildup. Check water chemistry and clean your filter.
What’s the best way to deal with pool dust in Phoenix?
Install an in-floor system or use a fine-mesh vacuum head. Clean filters more often during dust storms.
Contact Unique Companies for Professional Pool Cleaning Today
Keeping your Phoenix pool crystal clear takes more than tossing in a chlorine tab and hoping for the best. Between the dust, sun, and evaporation, this desert climate demands a smarter approach.
By following these 7 expert tips, from mastering water chemistry to investing in the right pool cleaning equipment, you’ll protect your investment, avoid costly repairs, and enjoy a beautiful pool all year long.
Looking for help with pool maintenance or equipment upgrades? Unique Companies is here to bring the same craftsmanship and care to your pool service as we do to our builds. Whether you’re starting from scratch or just need a cleanup, our team has your back.
Contact us today to schedule your next pool cleaning service in Phoenix!
