If you're fortunate enough to own a pool, you're also blessed with maintenance and sometimes, unfortunately, cloudy water. Cloudy water isn't a major problem, and it's easy to fix, but it can be frustrating at first. The cloudy water doesn't mean the pool is dirty, but it does look dirty.

Even seasoned pool owners experience difficulty with keeping the water crystal clear and sparkling all the time. It's tricky! Weather, chlorine, and common use can influence the pH of the pool; it takes practice and finesse to get it right every time. With our resources and experience, we've got it down to a science, so we've listed the five most important tips for getting and maintaining a perfectly clear pool.

Test the Water More Often

Most people hire a pool cleaner to come weekly, or they do their own maintenance by this schedule. Weekly is a good regimen, however in peak season you need to kick it up a notch. When you're in the pool daily and hosting pool parties, many people are in and out of the water. This not only uses more chemicals, but it diminishes pool water and influences the pH of the water. It's good to get in the habit to check the pH levels 2-3 times per week, even when you're not in prime swimming season. You may not have to treat it every time, but this way you can react to an issue before it's even a problem.

Frequently Clean the Filter Baskets

Check the skimmer baskets before every use. If there's too much debris before swimmers get in the pool, it won't work as well. Cleaning the filter basket on the regular also ensures that larger debris won't sneak its way into the filter. It's a great habit to get into to protect your water and equipment.

Fill to Ideal Water Level Regularly

Check the water level about twice per month. Your chemical treatments are based on water level and too much or too little can cause issues. It's normal to fill about 1-2 inches of water during this time, but if you're filling 4 or more inches of water you may have a leak. Leaks aren't terrible when you catch them early, but they grow worsen as time goes on (especially with heavy pool usage).

Add Catalyst Tabs

Catalyst tabs help regulate the pH in the pool; they're also called stabilizing tabs . The number of catalyst tabs you'll need depends on your pool size, so be sure to follow instructions carefully. Make sure you store them in a cool, dry area for the best results.

Clean the Filters Every Two Months

Some people procrastinate filter cleaning, or don't think to do it after a windy day. Hair, debris, and rainwater can get into the filter and make them dirty. Dirty filters don't work, and they can actually make the pool worse by rejecting dirt back into the pool. Make sure to do this every two months and after all large storms.