A backyard pool can be your favorite place to relax, unless the water turns cloudy and the filter starts groaning. That’s when the fun quickly turns into frustration.

While most people think pool maintenance has to be time-consuming or complicated, the reality is much simpler. A little weekly care goes a long way. And skipping the small stuff now often leads to bigger problems later.

The good news is you don’t need special tools or expert skills. Just a few minutes each week can help you avoid algae blooms, clogged filters, and surprise repair bills. Here are 6 things to stay on top of every week to keep your pool clean, clear, and ready to enjoy.

1. Keep Your Filter Running Smoothly

Your pool’s filter is the heart of your system. It quietly runs in the background, cleaning the water while you go about your day. But like anything that runs constantly, it needs a little love now and then.

Each week, just check that the water is flowing the way it should and listen for any strange noises. If something sounds off, rattling, gurgling, or anything unusual, it’s worth calling in a pro before it turns into a real issue.

Some homeowners have sand filters that need to be backwashed occasionally. If you’re not sure how to do that, no problem. That’s what your pool service is for. What matters more is whether the filter is actually doing its job. If your water stays murky despite your efforts, the filter might be the weak link.

In that case, upgrading can make a huge difference. There are plenty of reliable sand filters for any pool size that can improve circulation, reduce maintenance stress, and keep your water clearer for longer.

2. Empty the Baskets

This is one of the easiest things you can do to help your pool run better.

There are usually two main baskets: one in the skimmer and one near the pump. Both collect leaves, twigs, bugs, and other random junk that ends up in your water. If those baskets fill up, your water flow slows down, and your pump has to work harder.

Just lift the lid, dump it out, and put it back. Done in under two minutes. If you forget for a few weeks, your pool may start looking dirty, even if the water chemistry is fine. That’s how important these little baskets are.

3. Skim the Surface

Skimming might be the single most satisfying part of pool care. There’s something about pulling leaves and bugs out of the water that feels instantly productive. Plus, it makes your pool look good fast.

Use a skimmer net with a telescopic pole and glide it across the surface. Do it every few days, or every day during peak leaf season, and your pool will thank you.

Here’s a tip: try skimming in the morning before the wind picks up or in the evening after the day has settled. Less water movement means easier cleanup.

4. Brush the Walls and Steps

Most people don’t think to brush their pool. It doesn’t seem dirty, right? But algae and grime don’t always show up right away.

Once a week, give the walls, steps, and waterline a light brushing. You don’t need to scrub hard, just loosen anything sticking to the surface. This helps prevent algae growth and keeps your pool looking sharp between deep cleanings.

Pay extra attention to corners and shaded areas. Algae love places where water doesn’t move much. If you do this weekly, you’ll rarely ever have a green pool surprise.

5. Watch the Water Level

It’s normal for water levels to rise and fall a little, especially in summer. Heat causes evaporation, and splashing during play can lower the water line, too. On the flip side, heavy rain can raise it beyond where it should be.

Check your pool’s water level once a week to make sure it’s where it should be—typically about halfway up the skimmer. If the level drops too low, the pump could start sucking in air instead of water, which may lead to damage. On the other hand, if the water sits too high, the skimmer can’t work as efficiently.

To top it off, just use your garden hose. To drain some, you may need help, or your system might have a setting to handle that. But in most cases, a simple weekly check avoids problems altogether.

6. Glance at Your Equipment

Even if you’re not a DIY type, a quick equipment check can alert you to early signs of trouble.

Take a walk around your pool pump and heater (if you have one). Is anything dripping? Is the pump making odd sounds? Is water moving through the return jets like it normally does?

Also, check your pump timer if you use one. Sometimes, a power outage or button press throws the settings off. If your pool isn’t running well enough each day, water can turn cloudy before you know it.

You don’t need to fix anything yourself. But catching it early means you can call someone before a small issue becomes a big expense.

Bonus Tip: Keep Pool Toys and Gear Clean

Pool noodles, floaties, and goggles may seem harmless, but if they sit around wet and dirty, they can carry algae or bacteria into your clean pool.

Once a week, rinse them off with clean water and let them dry in the sun. Store them away from the pool when not in use. It only takes a few minutes, but it helps keep your pool and the people in it cleaner.

Weekly pool care isn’t about doing everything yourself. It’s about doing the few things that make a big difference.

You don’t need to mess with chemicals or test kits if that’s not your thing. Most homeowners leave that to their pool service, and that’s perfectly fine. What matters is staying on top of the basics: clean the baskets, skim the surface, brush the walls, keep an eye on the water level, and make sure the equipment is running right.

By handling these small tasks once a week, you’ll avoid most common pool problems and keep your water looking great all season.

And let’s be honest—less time fixing the pool means more time enjoying it.