10 Common Pool Care Myths That Could Be Costing You Time and Money

What You Think You Know Might Be Holding Your Pool Back

Pool ownership is rewarding, but it also comes with a learning curve. Over time, many pool owners develop routines based on what they’ve been told—or what seems to work. But some of the most popular beliefs about pool care are actually myths that can lead to bigger problems over time.

From chemical misunderstandings to misguided cleaning habits, these misconceptions can undermine your water quality, damage your equipment, or waste hours of effort. The truth is, modern pool maintenance requires a bit of science, a touch of strategy, and consistency more than anything else.

Encore Pool Care works with homeowners who want their pools running clean and clear without confusion. Let’s set the record straight and explore ten myths that might be doing your pool more harm than good.

Myth #1: “If the water looks clean, it’s safe.”

Fact: Clear water doesn't always mean clean water.

Just because your pool looks inviting doesn’t mean it's free from bacteria or imbalanced chemicals. Harmful contaminants, such as E. coli or cryptosporidium, can exist in seemingly pristine water. Regular water testing and adjustments are essential to ensure swimmer safety.

Water clarity is one metric—sanitization and balance are others. Never skip chemical checks just because the water looks good.

Myth #2: “More chlorine means cleaner water.”

Fact: Over-chlorinating your pool can cause irritation and equipment damage.

Chlorine is vital, but more isn’t always better. Excess chlorine can lead to eye and skin irritation, bleach swimsuits, and even corrode metal components. It may also create strong odors that falsely signal the water is too clean—when, in fact, it’s chemically unbalanced.

The goal is proper balance, not overuse. Effective pool maintenance ensures chlorine works as intended without creating side effects.

Myth #3: “You only need to clean the pool when it’s being used.”

Fact: Pools collect debris and bacteria all year—even when not in use.

Leaves, bugs, pollen, and other contaminants enter your pool daily, whether people are swimming or not. If ignored, these elements promote algae growth and disrupt chemical stability. Consistent upkeep prevents these small problems from becoming big ones.

Even during cooler months, regular attention from a pool cleaner or homeowner keeps water healthy and systems running smoothly.

Myth #4: “You can rely on rain to top off your pool and clean the water.”

Fact: Rainwater actually introduces more contaminants.

Rain can bring pollutants, dust, and organic debris into your pool, disrupting chemical levels and diluting sanitizers. Relying on rain for top-offs may also change pH and alkalinity levels in unpredictable ways.

A smart pool service schedule includes regular top-offs using treated water and post-rain chemical checks to keep your water balanced.

Myth #5: “Automatic pool cleaners do all the work.”

Fact: They help—but they don’t replace full-service cleaning.

Robotic or suction-side cleaners are great tools for removing surface debris or sediment from the pool floor, but they don’t handle brushing walls, cleaning filters, or maintaining equipment. They also can’t balance your chemicals or backwash your filter.

A proper pool maintenance plan combines tools with manual upkeep and regular professional assessments when needed.

Myth #6: “It’s okay to use household chemicals in a pinch.”

Fact: Pool-specific products are formulated for a reason.

Using bleach, baking soda, or dish soap to treat your pool can create dangerous reactions, damage surfaces, and throw off your water chemistry. Household cleaners are not designed for use with pool water and can leave residues that are hard to remove.

Stick to products made for pool systems to ensure safety and efficiency.

Myth #7: “Shock treatments are only for emergencies.”

Fact: Routine shocking keeps water clear and safe.

Many pool owners only use shock treatments after algae outbreaks or heavy contamination. In reality, shocking your pool weekly or bi-weekly helps remove chloramine buildup and organic contaminants that regular chlorine doesn’t handle alone.

Making shocking a regular part of your pool care routine helps keep problems from developing in the first place.

Myth #8: “You only need to run the pump a few hours a day.”

Fact: Your pump run time should match your pool’s needs.

A good rule of thumb is to run your pool pump long enough to turn over all the water once per day. For most pools, that’s 8 to 12 hours, especially during warm weather or heavy use. Running it less may save electricity—but will likely cost you more in chemical usage and clean-up later.

Smart pool service planning ensures energy savings without sacrificing water quality.

Myth #9: “Brushing the walls is optional.”

Fact: Skipping the brush encourages algae and biofilm.

Even with great circulation, pool walls and steps can accumulate slippery biofilm that harbors bacteria and gives algae a place to grow. Regular brushing—especially in shaded or low-flow areas—is critical to maintaining a healthy pool.

This task is often skipped in DIY routines, but professional pool cleaning services in Los Angeles never overlook it.

Myth #10: “Backwashing too often is better than not enough.”

Fact: Over-backwashing wastes water and can reduce filter effectiveness.

Filters work best when they have a small amount of dirt to help trap additional debris. If you backwash too frequently, you reset that filtration layer unnecessarily and waste water in the process.

Instead, monitor pressure gauges and follow your manufacturer’s backwashing guidelines as part of a smart pool maintenance strategy.

Conclusion

Pool care involves more than chemicals and clean water—it’s about understanding the systems that keep everything working. Misconceptions can lead even the most diligent owners astray, creating maintenance gaps that cost time, money, and peace of mind.

From overusing chlorine to relying on gadgets to do all the work, these myths distract from the practices that actually protect your investment. Knowing what’s true—and what’s not—helps you take better care of your pool season after season.

Encore Pool Care helps pool owners cut through the noise with experienced guidance, reliable cleaning routines, and proven methods for keeping pools safe, clean, and stress-free. Because when you know better, your pool stays better.