There are several recommendations pool owners can follow for simpler pool maintenance. According to Jana Aurigner of the National Plasterers Council, water balancing is an important strategy in maintaining pools. Auringer says sanitation is achieved when homeowners evaluate free and total chlorine; alkalinity; and calcium hardness and cyanuric acid. Auringer advises homeonwers to purchase a comprehensive kit that tests for all of these components rather than just pH levels. Additionally, during hot summers pools should be tested more frequently. Auringer says every pool chemical is not equal, noting chemicals differ among manufacturers. | Read More