Owning a pool in San Diego comes with a big perk: you can enjoy it almost any month of the year. The tradeoff is that your pool is also “in season” most of the time, so small maintenance mistakes stack up faster than they would in a climate with a long winter shutdown. The good news is that most frustrating pool problems—cloudy water, algae flare-ups, noisy equipment, constant chemical spending—usually come from a handful of repeatable mistakes, not from bad luck.
Below are the most common pool maintenance missteps we see, along with practical fixes that help you protect your investment and keep the pool easy to own.
Mistake #1: Testing water “when it looks off” instead of on a schedule
Sunlight and frequent use can shift chemistry quickly. If you only test when the water turns cloudy or you smell chlorine, you’re already behind. Routine testing helps you make small corrections instead of big swings. Keeping pH and sanitizer stable also protects finishes and equipment.
A common misconception is that more chlorine automatically solves problems. In reality, imbalance (pH, alkalinity, stabilizer) often makes chlorine less effective. Consistent testing keeps everything working together, which is easier on your pool—and on your wallet.
Mistake #2: Running the pump at the wrong speed for the wrong amount of time
Many homeowners either under-run the system (leading to poor skimming and debris settling) or run it full blast all day (leading to high bills and unnecessary wear). The most efficient approach is usually a longer, lower-speed run time—especially if your pool is built with modern hydraulics.
This is one reason why circulation planning during custom pool design matters so much. Return placement, plumbing runs, and equipment sizing set the foundation for efficient filtration. If those pieces are optimized, your pool can stay clear without brute-force pumping.
Mistake #3: Treating filter cleaning as optional
Filters don’t clean well when they’re clogged. A dirty filter increases pressure, reduces flow, and makes the pump work harder. Over time, that can shorten the pump’s life and make water clarity harder to maintain.
Instead of guessing, watch your system pressure. When it rises noticeably above the clean baseline, it’s time to clean or backwash (depending on filter type). Regular filter maintenance also reduces chemical demand because your sanitizer isn’t constantly fighting suspended debris.
Mistake #4: Ignoring small leaks, drips, and “mystery” water loss
A minor leak can quietly turn into a major problem. Beyond higher water bills, persistent water loss can undermine soil, stain decking, and accelerate equipment corrosion. If you notice constant topping off, soggy spots near the equipment pad, or air bubbles in returns, it’s worth investigating quickly.
When in doubt, bring in a qualified San Diego inground pool contractor to diagnose the source. Early repairs are typically simpler and much less expensive than fixing secondary damage later.
Mistake #5: Letting the surrounding yard create extra work
Pool maintenance isn’t only about water chemistry. The yard around the pool affects what falls into the water, how often you vacuum, and how hard your sanitizer has to work. High-shedding plants close to the pool can dump organic debris daily. Poor drainage can wash dirt into the pool or leave slippery, stained deck areas.
A clean, low-stress pool environment often starts with intentional landscaping and smart deck drainage. When the pool is planned as part of a complete outdoor living space, the backyard flows better, stays cleaner, and feels easier to use day-to-day.
Mistake #6: Overcorrecting with chemicals
It’s natural to want fast results when water looks a little dull, but “dumping” chemicals can create a cycle of overcorrection: chlorine spikes, pH swings, cloudiness from imbalance, then more products to fix the side effects. A calmer approach works better—test, dose accurately, circulate, and retest.
If you’re consistently fighting the same issue, it’s often a sign that the underlying balance (or filtration/circulation) needs adjustment rather than more chemicals.
Final takeaway
Most pool headaches are preventable. Regular testing, efficient circulation, timely filter cleaning, quick leak response, and a yard designed to support cleanliness all make pool ownership far easier. If you want a pool that stays inviting week after week, focus on the fundamentals—and build the backyard so it helps you, not hurts you.