The Ultimate Guide for New Pool Owners in Florida (2026 Edition)
Congratulations! You're now the proud owner of a Florida swimming pool. It's the centerpiece of your backyard, the host of countless summer parties, and your personal oasis. But let's be honest: it can also be a little intimidating.
If you've never owned a pool before, looking at that pump system might feel like trying to decipher a spaceship's control panel. And what exactly is "alkalinity" anyway?
Don't worry. At Float On Pools, we've helped hundreds of new pool owners in Ormond Beach and Daytona Beach go from "confused" to "confident." This guide will walk you through the absolute essentials of keeping your Florida pool sparkling blue.
The Golden Rule of Pool Care
Consistency is key. Spending 15 minutes a week on maintenance is infinitely easier (and cheaper!) than spending 3 days fighting a green swamp.
Chapter 1: Pool Chemistry 101 (The "Big Three")
You don't need a chemistry degree, but you do need to understand these three numbers. They work together to keep your water safe and clear.
1. pH (7.4 - 7.6)
Think of this as the "comfort" level. If it's too low (acidic), it stings eyes and eats equipment. If it's too high (basic), chlorine stops working.
2. Chlorine (1 - 3 ppm)
The sanitizer. It kills bacteria and algae. In Florida summers, the sun burns this off rapidly, so check it often!
3. Alkalinity (80 - 120 ppm)
The "bodyguard" for your pH. It prevents wild pH swings. Always balance this before adjusting pH.
Chapter 2: Know Your Equipment
Your pool system has three main components that keep the water moving and cleaning itself.
- The Pump: The heart of the system. It pushes water through the filter. In Florida, run this 8-10 hours a day in summer, and 6-8 hours in winter.
- The Filter: The kidneys. It traps dirt and debris. You'll likely have a Cartridge, Sand, or DE filter. Clean it whenever the pressure gauge rises 10psi above normal.
- The Skimmer: The mouth. Those little rectangular openings at the water line? They suck in floating leaves before they sink. Empty the baskets inside them weekly!
Chapter 3: Your Weekly Routine
Print this out and stick it on your fridge. This simple routine will prevent 90% of pool problems.
- Skim: Net out leaves and bugs from the surface.
- Brush: Scrub the walls and tile line to prevent algae from taking root.
- Empty Baskets: Clear debris from skimmer and pump baskets.
- Test & Balance: Check your chemistry and add chemicals if needed.
- Check Pressure: Glance at the filter gauge to see if it needs cleaning.
Chapter 4: Florida-Specific Challenges
Living in the Sunshine State brings unique challenges for pool owners.
The Summer Rain
Heavy afternoon storms can dilute your chemicals and mess up your pH. Always test your water after a heavy rainstorm.
The Algae Bloom
With our heat and humidity, algae can grow overnight. If your water looks a little hazy or you see green spots on the wall, shock it immediately. Don't wait!
Need a Helping Hand?
We know this is a lot to take in. If you'd rather spend your weekends swimming instead of scrubbing, that's what we're here for.
We offer a special "Pool School" service where a certified technician comes to your home, labels your equipment, and teaches you exactly how to run your specific pool.
Overwhelmed? Let Us Handle It.
From weekly maintenance to one-time training sessions, Float On Pools is Ormond Beach's trusted partner for new pool owners.
