10 Pool Maintenance Tips Every Space Coast Homeowner Needs

Living on Florida's Space Coast means you get to enjoy your pool year-round — but it also means your pool faces unique challenges that homeowners in other parts of the country don't deal with. From salt air corrosion near the coast to afternoon thunderstorms and year-round algae pressure, keeping a pool pristine in Brevard County takes some local know-how.

Here are 10 essential pool maintenance tips from the Orbit Pools team — the things we wish every Space Coast pool owner knew.

1. Run Your Pump Long Enough

This is the single most important factor in keeping your pool clean, and it's the one most homeowners get wrong. Your pool pump needs to run long enough to circulate all of the water through the filter at least once per day — this is called a complete turnover.

For most Brevard County pools, that means 8–10 hours per day in summer and 6–8 hours in winter. Many homeowners try to save on electricity by running the pump only 4–5 hours. The result? Poor circulation, dead spots where algae grows, and chemicals that don't distribute evenly. You end up spending more on chemicals and algae treatments than you saved on electricity.

Pro tip: Set your pump timer to run during the hottest part of the day (10 AM – 6 PM) when UV degradation of chlorine is highest and algae is most active.

2. Watch Your Stabilizer Levels

Cyanuric acid (CYA), also called stabilizer or conditioner, is essential for outdoor pools — it protects chlorine from being destroyed by UV rays. But here's the problem: CYA accumulates over time and doesn't evaporate or break down.

Every chlorine tablet you add puts more CYA in your water. Over months, levels can climb to 100, 150, even 200+ ppm. At those levels, chlorine becomes so "locked up" that it can't effectively kill algae or bacteria — even if your test shows adequate chlorine levels.

Ideal CYA range: 30–50 ppm for chlorine pools, 60–80 for saltwater. The only way to lower CYA is to drain and replace a portion of your water. Have your pool tech check CYA at least monthly and plan a partial drain when it gets too high.

3. Brush Before You Shock

When you need to shock your pool (add a large dose of chlorine), always brush the walls, steps, and floor first. Algae and biofilm cling to pool surfaces, and a layer of slimy buildup can actually protect algae from chemical treatment.

Brushing breaks up that biofilm layer and suspends algae into the water column where chlorine can attack it. It also helps distribute settled debris so the filter can capture it. Think of it like scrubbing a dirty dish before putting it in the dishwasher — the soap works better when the grime is loosened first.

Use a nylon brush for vinyl or fiberglass pools and a stainless steel brush for plaster or pebble surfaces.

4. Clean Your Filter Regularly

Your pool filter is the workhorse of your circulation system, but it can only do its job if it's clean. A dirty filter restricts water flow, reduces circulation, and makes your pump work harder (increasing energy costs and wear).

Check your filter pressure gauge weekly. When the pressure rises 8–10 PSI above your clean starting pressure, it's time for a cleaning. For cartridge filters, that means removing and hosing them down. For DE filters, a backwash followed by adding fresh DE powder. For sand filters, a backwash cycle.

In Brevard County, filters typically need cleaning every 4–6 weeks during summer and every 6–8 weeks in winter. If you're cleaning more often than that, your filter may need replacing — cartridge elements wear out every 1–2 years with regular use.

5. Mind the Rain

Brevard County gets roughly 50 inches of rain per year, with the bulk falling during summer afternoon thunderstorms. Rain isn't just water — it introduces phosphates, nitrogen, and organic contaminants that feed algae and consume chlorine.

A single heavy downpour can drop your chlorine level by 1–2 ppm and lower your pH significantly. If you know a storm is coming, pre-dose your pool with a little extra chlorine (or let your pool tech know to do so). After major storms, check your water level — you may need to drain water down to mid-skimmer level to maintain proper flow.

Also clean out skimmer baskets after storms. They fill up fast with leaves and debris that get blown in.

6. Trim Back Vegetation

Florida landscaping is lush, which is beautiful — but trees and bushes near your pool create constant maintenance challenges. Overhanging branches drop leaves, flowers, seeds, and sap directly into the water. Root systems from trees like live oaks can even interfere with pool plumbing underground.

Keep trees and large bushes trimmed back at least 6–10 feet from the pool edge. Pay special attention to:

• Oak trees: Drop leaves year-round and produce catkins in spring that clog filters
• Palm trees: Shed fronds, seeds, and flower stalks
• Citrus trees: Fallen fruit in the pool is a mess and attracts insects
• Flowering bushes: Petals and pollen end up in skimmers and on the water surface

7. Check Your Water Level

Proper water level is something many pool owners overlook, but it matters more than you think. Your water should sit at the middle of the skimmer opening — about halfway up the tile line on most pools.

Too low: The pump sucks air, loses prime, and can overheat and burn out. This is the #1 cause of premature pump failure in Florida pools, especially during dry spells when evaporation is high.

Too high: After heavy rain, water above the skimmer level means the skimmer can't function — debris floats on the surface instead of being pulled into the basket. Use a submersible pump or drain valve to bring the level back down.

Brevard County pools can lose 1/4 to 1/2 inch of water per day to evaporation during summer. Keep an eye on it and top off with a garden hose as needed.

8. Protect Against Salt Air

If you live east of US-1 or near the Indian River, salt air corrosion is a real concern. Salt-laden coastal air accelerates the deterioration of metal pool equipment including:

• Pool heaters (especially heat exchangers)
• Light fixtures and mounting rings
• Handrails and ladder hardware
• Pump housings and motor shafts
• Screen enclosure frames

Preventive measures: Rinse exposed metal components with fresh water periodically. Apply a thin coat of silicone lubricant to o-rings and gaskets. Choose equipment with corrosion-resistant coatings when replacing. Consider a sacrificial zinc anode in your plumbing to protect metal components electrochemically.

9. Use a Variable-Speed Pump

If you still have an old single-speed pump, upgrading to a variable-speed pump is one of the best investments you can make for your pool. Florida law now requires variable-speed pumps for all new installations and replacements over 1 HP.

Variable-speed pumps save 60–80% on electricity compared to single-speed models. They run at lower speeds for longer periods, providing better filtration and quieter operation. Most Brevard County homeowners see their pump pay for itself in energy savings within 1–2 years.

An added benefit: running at lower speed creates less turbulence, which means less chlorine off-gassing and better chemical efficiency.

10. Get on a Professional Schedule

We may be biased, but the data backs it up: pools with consistent professional maintenance last longer, cost less to operate, and stay swim-ready. A trained technician catches problems early, maintains precise chemistry, and keeps your equipment running optimally.

The cost of weekly service ($125–$150/month in Brevard County) is modest compared to the cost of the pool itself ($30,000–$60,000+), the cost of major repairs (pump replacement $400–$800, resurfacing $5,000–$10,000), or the cost of a green-to-clean restoration ($250–$500).

Think of it as protecting your investment while ensuring your family always has a safe, beautiful place to swim.

Want help implementing these tips? Orbit Pools provides expert weekly pool maintenance across Brevard County. Contact us for a free assessment and let's get your pool on the right track.