Some Cayman residents are lucky enough to have pools in their gardens. However, as many pool owners know, maintaining them can be a hassle and costly.
If you rent or buy in an apartment complex, the strata will take care of the cost of pool maintenance.
If you own a house with a pool, expect to pay on average CI$200-$250 per month for a reputable company to maintain it on a weekly basis. Our recommendations include Oasis and Pools Cayman.
Saltwater pools, with their essential component, a chlorine generator, require the use of fewer chemicals compared to chlorinated pools, requiring less maintenance in the long term. Environmentally friendly products such as LED lights, variable speed pumps, solar heaters and automation systems, can also help reduce your monthly bill.
To help residents maintain clean, safe, and healthy swimming pools, Pool Patrol highlights the three main areas of effective pool maintenance: Circulation, Cleaning, and Chemistry.
Circulation
Proper circulation is essential for keeping pool water clean and preventing stagnation. Even when a pool is not in regular use, running the pump and filter helps move water through the filtration system, removing dirt, leaves, and debris.
To maintain good circulation:
- Run the pool pump regularly
- Ensure valves are fully open
- Empty skimmer baskets and pump baskets
- Check that filters are clean to maintain proper flow rates
Cleaning
Regular pool cleaning helps prevent bacteria and algae growth and protects pool surfaces.
Basic pool cleaning tasks include:
- Skimming debris from the water surface
- Brushing pool walls, floors, steps, and tiled areas
Consistent cleaning reduces buildup that can interfere with circulation and water chemistry, helping to keep pool water clear and safe.
Chemistry
Balanced pool water chemistry is essential for swimmer safety and equipment longevity. Without proper chemical maintenance, pools can quickly develop problems such as:
- Cloudy or discolored water
- Increased mosquito activity
- A higher risk of waterborne bacteria and infections
It is highly recommended to use approved pool chemicals and arrange for regular professional pool servicing to maintain safe water conditions. Chemical requirements vary between chlorine pools and saltwater pools, and each system requires a tailored approach.
Chlorine Pools
Chlorine pools rely on correct chlorine levels and pH balance to remain safe and comfortable.
Chlorine sanitises pool water by killing bacteria and pathogens, while pH affects both swimmer comfort and chlorine effectiveness. The ideal pool pH range is 7.2–7.6, with 7.4 considered optimal.
If chlorine or pH levels fall outside recommended ranges:
- Avoid swimming until levels are corrected
- Do not use household or improvised chemicals
- Contact a professional pool maintenance service
Using incorrect products can damage pool surfaces and equipment and reduce water quality.
Saltwater Pools
Salt water pools generate their own chlorine, but it is a concentrated version of sodium hypochlorite, so the pH goes up on an hourly basis. The only remedy to reducing the pH is to introduce an acid, which is not currently available to the general public. Therefore salt water pool owners may want to turn off the chlorine generator every other day to prevent the pH from climbing so quickly.
Important Note: Cayman Resident strongly advises that you speak to your pool company before attempting to maintain your own pool