Here is your essential guide to seasonal pool maintenance to keep your backyard oasis dive-ready year-round

Whether you’re gearing up for the first splash of summer or tucking the pool away for a long winter nap, consistency is the key to crystal-clear water and a long-lasting liner.

PoolsEarl WalkerMarch 29, 2026

Guide to buying pool pumps and equipment on Amazon & Home Depot

PoolsEarl WalkerJuly 13, 2025Pools, pump

Pool Winterization Video Tutorial

This is a basic tutorial of closing an in ground swimming pool. In this scenario, we are closing a pool with a Pentair heater, pump, and filter, along with an Aqua Genie skimmer system and slide.

PoolsEarl WalkerOctober 10, 2024Pools, Pool Closing

Pool Solar Cover 101

We get many questions about pool solar covers like, which side faces the water (bubbles up, or down) and what is their purpose? Here's a quick video to learn some basics about solar covers. They are primarily designed to prevent heat loss.

Cleaning, PoolsEarl WalkerAugust 12, 2023

Winter Swimming Pool Care

Tips for preparing your pool for winter and recommendations for care of the winter.

PoolsEarl WalkerNovember 5, 2018The Handy Family, Inc.Winterization, winter checklist, Swimming Pool

Plunge Pool in Small Backyard Space

A recent episode of Ask This Old House discusses the benefits of a plunge pool with limited backyard space.

PoolsEarl WalkerOctober 21, 2018Pools

How to backwash a sand filter

Here we show instructions on how to backwash a sand filter and when to know when it is time to backwash.

Pools, CleaningEarl WalkerAugust 27, 2018The Handy Family, Inc.Sand Filter, Backwashing

How much should I run my pump during the summer?

Suggested pump run times for the pool season.

PoolsEarl WalkerJuly 17, 2018The Handy Family, Inc.Pools, pump

How to clear mustard algae

Mustard algae typically occurs in warmer climates, but can also grow in Rochester as well. It often is confused for sand, or dirt because it isn't slimy like green algae. The challenge with mustard algae is that it is chlorine resistant and every item that has been in the pool has to be thoroughly cleaned.

How to vacuum your pool

Vacuuming your pool isn’t complex, but it is a lot easier when you have the proper supplies. It is important to note the type of liner you have (vinyl, concrete or gunite, or fiberglass) before purchasing the necessary tools.

PoolsEarl WalkerMay 27, 2018The Handy Family, Inc.Pools, Pool cleaning, pool vacuuming

Should your pool service provider be bonded and insured?

There is a difference between being bonded and insured. A bonded and insured company will reduce the risks. It is important for your service provider to be properly insured to cover anything that may happen. If an employee falls and injured themselves, a properly covered company can handle issues through workers compensation instead of liability through the homeowners insurance policy.

Cleaning, PoolsEarl WalkerOctober 6, 2017The Handy Family, Inc.cleaning, Insurance, Pools, Pool cleaning, pool vacuuming

Closing the pool for winter

Closing the pool at the end of the summer can be bittersweet after spending days using it for relaxation and splashing around. Before the weather changes and leaves begin to fall, northern pool owners must prepare to close and winterize their pools.

PoolsEarl WalkerSeptember 5, 2017The Handy Family, Inc.Pools, Winterization