We have had our pool for a full year now and we are really pleased with how easy it is to maintain it. We thought we would spend most of our time hauling out hoses, backwashing filters and testing the water. We did have to do all those things, but it didn't take nearly as long as we expected!

What really helped us was to write up a checklist of all the jobs that needed to be done and when. We put the checklist up inside our pool shed along with a pen to check off items as they were completed. This made it easier for everyone in the family to help out with the pool care, even our teenage sons. Our pool stayed really clean and pretty all summer and we were swimming more than cleaning after all.

Pool maintenance is one of the biggest hurdles that stands in the way of pool ownership for many. After all, no one wants to spend their summer skimming, backwashing and testing, right? The good news is that pool maintenance doesn't have to dominate your summer months. To make the task a little easier, create a checklist for your family of all the pool chores that need to be done. Post the checklist somewhere so that everyone can take part in maintaining the pool. We've got a sample of a pool maintenance checklist right here to get you started.

Every Day/A Few Times a Week

• Skim debris out of the pool
• Remove dead leaves and debris from the skimmer basket
• Check the filter pressure
• Clean the filter if the water isn't clear

Once a Week

• Test your water and balance as necessary
• Brush down the walls and use your pool vacuum or automatic cleaner
• Hose off the deck by pointing hose away from pool so water and dirt don't mix
• Add algaecide as necessary
• Backwash the filter if the pool pressure indicates it is needed

Once a Month

• Take your pool water to a professional service for testing
• Shock the pool (this may need to be done more often if you get a big storm or host a pool party - many professionals recommend shocking every two weeks during times of heavy use)
• Inspect all your equipment and pool lining for leaks or malfunctions

Some pool owners choose to use a professional service for weekly and periodic maintenance items, to save them time during the swimming season. You can also invest in a pool cover that will keep much of the dirt and debris out of the pool and keep maintenance to a minimum. Most pool owners spend an average of six to eight hours every week maintaining their pool, which isn't much when you spread the time out over a full seven days. It is also important to address potential issues as soon as they arise, since prompt attention to problems can save time and money later on.

While maintaining a pool properly does take a degree of effort, it doesn't have to take the entire summer. With this checklist in hand, you will be sure to keep your pool safe, healthy and beautiful throughout the swimming season.