May Pool Care: 7 Ways to Beat the North Texas Heat This Summer

1. Test Your Water Chemistry Weekly

When temperatures spike, chlorine burns off faster. What worked in April won't cut it in June. Test your pH (7.2–7.6) and free chlorine (2–4 ppm) at least once a week. If you're on a salt system, check your salt cell output — it may need to be bumped up 10–15% for the summer months.

2. Run Your Pump Longer

Your pool needs at least one full turnover per day. In the Texas summer heat, that usually means running your pump 10–12 hours daily. If you have a variable speed pump, increase the run time rather than the speed — you'll save energy while keeping circulation strong. Poor circulation is the #1 reason pools turn green overnight.

3. Brush and Skim — Don't Skip It

Algae loves to attach to walls, steps, and corners where water flow is weakest. A quick brush once a week prevents buildup before it becomes visible. Same with skimming — cottonwood, pollen, and debris are heavy right now in McKinney, Prosper, and Frisco. Get it out before it sinks and creates bigger problems.

4. Clean or Inspect Your Filter

A dirty filter can't do its job. If your PSI gauge is 8–10 psi above its clean baseline, it's time for a cleaning. DE and cartridge filters should be cleaned every 3–4 months during peak season. Sand filters need a backwash when pressure rises. A clean filter means clear water — it's that simple.

5. Watch Your Water Level

Between evaporation and splashing, water levels drop fast in the summer. If the water falls below the skimmer opening, your pump can lose prime and run dry — which can burn out the motor. Check your level weekly and top off as needed. The water should sit at the middle of the skimmer opening.

6. Shock After Heavy Use

Pool party this Memorial Day weekend? Shock your pool afterward. Sunscreen, sweat, and body oils create chloramine buildup that makes your pool cloudy and irritates eyes. A good shock treatment (1 lb of cal-hypo per 10,000 gallons) resets your water chemistry and kills anything lurking. Always shock at dusk so the sun doesn't burn off the chlorine before it works.

7. Schedule a Mid-Season Equipment Check

Your pump, filter, heater, and salt cell are about to run hard for 4+ months straight. A quick inspection now catches small issues — a worn seal, a cracked basket, a scaling salt cell — before they become emergency repairs in July. We offer same-week repair turnaround and a 90-day labor warranty on all work.