Dirt and Debris

• Skim and vacuum your pool twice a week to remove debris. While the filter and pumps may clear out some debris, depending on them exclusively can result in the wearing down of these systems. When you skim and vacuum, be sure to clean out the pump and filter baskets and clean the filter to prevent debris build up.
  
  

Algae

• Sanitizing chemicals do not prevent the buildup of algae on your pool walls. Steve Litt recommends that you brush the walls and floor twice a week to break up these colonies and allow them to be pumped out. If after regular brushing, you can't keep ahead of the algae, you may have a problem with excess phosphates; add a phosphate remover to your weekly routine.
  
  

Other Problems

• When your pool water becomes cloudy, the sanitizer has started to lose effectiveness against chemicals like ammonia. A pool shock compound will help clear up your water.