Should Pool Owners Change Their Pool Water Annually?

If you own a swimming pool, you might wonder how often you need to change the water in it. After all, pool water can get contaminated by various elements, such as dirt, debris, sweat, sunscreen, and even rain. Changing the water regularly can keep your pool clean, safe, and comfortable for swimming.

However, changing the pool water every year isn’t necessary and might even be harmful for your pool. Draining and refilling your pool can be costly, time-consuming, and wasteful of water resources. It can also damage your pool structure and equipment if done improperly or at the wrong time of year.

What the Experts Recommend

How often should you change your pool water? The answer depends on several factors, such as:

• The size and type of pool
• The frequency and number of swimmers
• The quality and hardness of your water source
• The climate and weather conditions
• The level and method of pool maintenance

As a general rule of thumb, most experts recommend changing your pool water every five to seven years. This is based on the assumption that you maintain your pool regularly and properly, using a filter system, sanitizer (such as chlorine or salt), and water testing kit. You should also balance the pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness levels of your pool water to prevent corrosion or scaling.

However, this isn’t a fixed rule, and you might need to change your pool water more or less often depending on your specific situation. For example, if you use your pool very frequently or have a lot of swimmers, you might need to change your water more often to prevent the buildup of contaminants and chemicals. On the other hand, if you use your pool rarely or have a small pool, you might be able to extend the time between water changes.

High TDS Level

One way to determine if you need to change your pool water is to measure the total dissolved solids (TDS) level of your water. TDS refers to the amount of organic and inorganic substances dissolved in your water, such as minerals, salts, metals, and bacteria. As you use your pool, the TDS level increases due to evaporation, chemical reactions, and contamination.

A high TDS level can affect the clarity, color, taste, and smell of your pool water. It can also reduce the effectiveness of your sanitizer and make it harder to balance your water chemistry. A high TDS level can also cause skin and eye irritation as well as other health problems for swimmers.

The ideal TDS level for pool water is between 1,000 and 2,000 parts per million (ppm). If your TDS level exceeds 3,000 ppm, it might be time to change your pool water. You can measure your TDS level using a digital meter or a test strip.

Poor Water Quality

Another way to determine if you need to change your pool water is to observe the appearance and quality of the water. If the water looks cloudy, murky, green, or brown, it might indicate an algae bloom, the presence of bacteria, or a chemical imbalance. If the water smells bad or tastes funny, it might indicate a high chlorine level, a low pH level, or a contamination issue. If the water feels slimy, sticky, or rough on your skin or hair, it might indicate a high calcium hardness level, a low alkalinity level, or a scaling problem.

If you notice any of these signs in your pool water, you should first try to correct them by adjusting the water chemistry, shocking the pool, or cleaning the filter. If these methods don’t work, or if the problem persists or worsens, you might need to change your pool water.

Changing Your Pool Water

If you decide to change your pool water, you should do it during mild weather conditions when it’s not too hot or too cold. This can protect your pool’s surface and equipment from damage caused by extreme temperatures or sunlight exposure. You should also hire a professional pool company to drain and refill your pool safely and efficiently. They can also advise you on the best time and method to change your pool water according to your specific needs.

Changing your pool water every year isn’t necessary and might even be harmful for your pool. However, changing your pool water every five to seven years is recommended for most pools. You should also monitor your TDS level and observe your water quality regularly to determine if you need to change your pool water sooner or later.

Whether they need expert advice on maintaining their pools or they’re looking for a premier in-ground pool contractor, San Diego residents should reach out to the team at San Diego Pools. We’ve been designing and building pools for almost half a century, and we pride ourselves on our innovation and outstanding craftsmanship. To get started on your new pool, give us a call today at 888-707-7786.