How to clean and balance pool water

Difficulty Easy Time 1-2 hours Materials $50–$100 Steps 6
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Easy1-2 hours
Always wear gloves and goggles when handling pool chemicals.
Do it yourself
$50–$100
parts & materials, about 1-2 hours of your time
Hire a pro
$100–$160
typical all-in price
Rough estimates for guidance only — actual costs vary by job, materials and local prices. Get real quotes.

Tools you'll need

Pool skimmerTest kitBrush

Parts & materials

Chlorine tablets
Typically need: 1 container
$10-$25
per each
pH increaser
Typically need: 1 container
$10-$20
per each
pH decreaser
Typically need: 1 container
$10-$20
per each
Alkalinity increaser
Typically need: 1 container
$10-$20
per each
Pool clarifier
Typically need: 1 bottle
$10-$15
per each

Estimated materials total: $50–$100. Prices vary by region and retailer.

Step by step

  1. 1 Skim the surface Use a pool skimmer to remove leaves and debris from the surface of the water. 15 min Pool skimmer
  2. 2 Brush the walls and floor Brush the walls and floor of the pool to remove any algae or dirt. 20 min Brush
  3. 3 Test the water Use a test kit to check the pH, chlorine, and alkalinity levels of the water. 15 min Test kit
  4. 4 Adjust chemical levels Add the necessary chemicals to balance the pH, chlorine, and alkalinity levels based on the test results. 30 min
  5. 5 Run the filter Turn on the pool filter to circulate the water and help distribute the chemicals evenly. 30 min
  6. 6 Add pool clarifier If the water is cloudy, add a pool clarifier to help clear it up. 10 min

Permits, safety & disposal

Safety rules
  • Always wear gloves and goggles when handling pool chemicals.
  • Store pool chemicals in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
  • Never mix different pool chemicals together.
Legal disposal
  • Dispose of any unused pool chemicals according to local hazardous waste regulations.
Check locally

Check with local authorities for any specific regulations regarding pool maintenance in Naperville, IL.

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This guide is AI-generated for general help and may not fit your exact situation. Know your limits — when in doubt, hire a licensed pro.

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