How Often Should You Clean Your Pool in Florida?

Living in Florida means your pool gets used year-round — and it also means the elements are working against your water quality every single day. Between the intense UV rays, afternoon thunderstorms, high humidity, and warm temperatures that algae love, Florida pools need more attention than pools in cooler climates. So how often should you actually clean your pool? Let's break it down.

Why Florida Pools Are Different

If you moved to Brevard County from up north, you might be used to pools that only run 4–5 months a year. Florida is a completely different game. Here's what makes our pools more demanding:

• Year-round warm temperatures: Algae and bacteria thrive in warm water. While northern pools get a natural "reset" in winter, Florida pools are always at risk.
• Intense UV radiation: The Florida sun burns through chlorine fast. Stabilizer (cyanuric acid) helps, but it's a constant battle.
• Afternoon rainstorms: Summer thunderstorms dilute chemicals, introduce contaminants, and drop the pH of your pool water.
• Bugs and debris: Florida's lush vegetation means constant leaf fall, pollen, and — let's be honest — a lot of bugs ending up in your pool.
• High water tables: Parts of Brevard County have high water tables that can affect pool chemistry and even cause structural issues if water levels aren't managed.

Weekly vs. Bi-Weekly Cleaning

This is the most common question we get at Orbit Pools: "Can I get away with every other week?" The short answer is: sometimes, but usually not in Florida.

Weekly cleaning is the gold standard for Florida pools. Here's why:

• Chemical levels are checked and adjusted every 7 days, preventing imbalances from compounding
• Algae never gets a 14-day head start — catching it early takes minutes; letting it grow takes days to fix
• Equipment issues are spotted before they become emergencies
• Your pool is always swim-ready for your family

Bi-weekly cleaning can work in specific situations:

• The pool has a screen enclosure that keeps out most debris
• It's winter (December–February) when temperatures are cooler and algae growth slows
• The pool has a saltwater chlorine generator that provides continuous sanitization
• The homeowner is comfortable doing light maintenance between visits

Even with all those factors in your favor, bi-weekly service carries more risk. A lot can happen in 14 days — a rainstorm can tank your chlorine, a filter issue can go unnoticed, and a small algae bloom can become a full green-to-clean situation. The cost difference between weekly and bi-weekly is usually $40–$50/month, but one algae outbreak can cost $250+.

What a Weekly Cleaning Schedule Looks Like

A professional weekly pool visit in Brevard County typically takes 30–45 minutes and covers:

• Skim the surface: Remove all floating debris, leaves, and bugs
• Brush walls and tile: Prevent algae from taking hold on surfaces
• Vacuum the floor: Remove settled dirt and debris
• Test water chemistry: Check chlorine, pH, alkalinity, stabilizer, and calcium hardness
• Adjust chemicals: Add whatever's needed to bring levels into ideal range
• Clean pump and skimmer baskets: Ensure proper water flow
• Check filter pressure: Clean or backwash if needed
• Inspect equipment: Look for leaks, unusual sounds, or performance issues

This consistent weekly cycle keeps your pool in a maintenance zone — small, manageable adjustments rather than major corrections. Think of it like getting an oil change on schedule versus waiting until your engine starts smoking.

Signs Your Pool Is Overdue for Service

Not sure if your pool needs more frequent attention? Watch for these warning signs:

• Cloudy water: This often means filtration isn't keeping up or chemicals are off. Don't swim in cloudy water — it can mask visibility hazards and indicates poor sanitization.
• Green tint on walls or floor: Early-stage algae. If you can see it, it's already multiplying fast.
• Strong chlorine smell: Ironically, a strong "pool smell" means too many chloramines (combined chlorine) — a sign of inadequate free chlorine, not too much.
• Skin or eye irritation after swimming: Usually a pH imbalance or chloramine issue.
• Visible debris accumulating: Leaves, dirt, and bugs should be removed regularly. Organic matter consumes chlorine and feeds algae.
• Filter pressure rising: If your filter gauge reads 8–10 PSI above clean starting pressure, it needs cleaning.

Seasonal Adjustments in Brevard County

While Florida pools run year-round, the maintenance intensity does shift with the seasons:

Summer (June–September): The most demanding season. Daily temperatures above 90°F, frequent afternoon storms, and maximum UV exposure mean your pool is burning through chlorine fastest. Weekly service is non-negotiable in summer. Some pools even benefit from a mid-week chemical check during the hottest months.

Fall (October–November): Temperatures start dropping slightly, storms become less frequent, but this is actually when many Brevard County homeowners see leaf fall from oak trees and palms shedding fronds. Keep up weekly service.

Winter (December–February): Brevard County winters are mild (60s–70s), but cooler water slows algae growth. This is the only window where bi-weekly service might be acceptable for well-maintained, screened pools. Your pool tech may reduce chemical doses during this period.

Spring (March–May): As temperatures rise back into the 80s, algae season ramps up. Pollen is heavy in March and April, which can clog skimmers and turn pool water yellow-green. Resume full weekly service by March at the latest.

What to Do Between Professional Visits

Even with weekly service, there are a few simple things you can do to help your pool stay cleaner between visits:

• Empty skimmer baskets if they fill up between visits (especially after storms)
• Run your pump for 8–10 hours daily — set a timer if you don't have one
• Skim the surface with a net if you notice heavy debris after a storm
• Don't add chemicals yourself unless your pool tech tells you to — it's easy to overcorrect and create bigger problems
• Keep the area around the pool tidy — trim back overhanging branches and clean the deck to reduce debris getting blown in
• Shower before swimming — sunscreen, sweat, and body oils consume chlorine

Finding the Right Frequency for Your Pool

The right cleaning frequency depends on your specific situation. For most Brevard County pools, weekly service is the answer. It keeps costs predictable, prevents expensive problems, and means your pool is always ready when you want to swim.

If you're currently on a bi-weekly schedule and finding that your pool isn't staying clear between visits, it's time to switch to weekly. The small increase in monthly cost is far less than dealing with algae treatments, equipment repairs from poor water chemistry, or surface damage from inconsistent maintenance.

At Orbit Pools, we recommend weekly service for the vast majority of our Brevard County clients. We offer honest assessments — if your pool genuinely can handle bi-weekly service, we'll tell you. But in most cases, the Florida climate demands weekly attention to keep your pool safe, clear, and beautiful.

Ready to get on a schedule? Contact Orbit Pools for a free pool assessment. We'll evaluate your pool, equipment, and environment and recommend the right service plan for you.