Year-Round Pool Maintenance Guide for Florida Homeowners

In most of the country, pool maintenance follows a simple rhythm: open in spring, maintain in summer, close in fall. In Florida, there is no closing. Your pool runs 12 months a year, faces an intense UV environment, deals with tropical storms from June through November, and often contends with hard water from Florida's limestone aquifer.

This guide walks you through what your pool actually needs, month by month, season by season, in the Florida climate — with specific tips for fiberglass pools, which have different maintenance needs than concrete or vinyl.

Florida Pool Seasons (They Are Not What You Think)

Florida actually has two pool seasons that matter more than spring/summer/fall/winter:

• Dry Season (October–May): Lower humidity, less rain, algae growth slows, water chemistry is more stable
• Wet Season (June–September): Intense UV, heavy rain, runoff introduces contaminants, algae blooms accelerate

Hurricane season (June 1 – November 30) overlaps the wet season and brings additional specific prep requirements.

Month-by-Month Florida Pool Maintenance

January – February: Dry Season Steady State

Florida winter is the most forgiving pool maintenance period. Water is cooler (68–75°F in Central Florida, warmer in South Florida), algae growth is slower, and evaporation is lower.

• Test and balance water chemistry weekly: pH 7.2–7.6, chlorine 1–3 ppm, alkalinity 80–120 ppm
• Check calcium hardness (especially important for fiberglass pools): target 200–400 ppm
• Inspect and clean filter — this is a great time for a full filter backwash or element cleaning
• Check for any surface staining from fall leaves or winter debris
• Lubricate pump o-rings and inspect all seals before the high-use season

Fiberglass tip: Fiberglass pools are the most forgiving surface in winter because they resist calcium scaling far better than plaster. However, low water temperatures can affect chemical readings — test at consistent times.

March – April: Pre-Season Prep

Usage picks up as temperatures climb. This is the time to address any issues before they become mid-summer problems.

• Schedule any equipment servicing: pump motor check, heater inspection if applicable
• Inspect the pool surface for chips, cracks, or rough spots that need attention before heavy use
• Test and adjust stabilizer (cyanuric acid) levels: target 30–50 ppm for outdoor pools
• Deep clean tile line — calcium scale buildup from winter is most visible in spring
• Check and test safety equipment: pool alarm, fence latches, first aid kit

May: Transition to High Season

Florida temperatures hit 90°F and swim frequency jumps. Your maintenance frequency needs to increase.

• Move to twice-weekly water testing during peak use periods
• Increase chlorine slightly as UV exposure accelerates breakdown — or add stabilizer if not already at 30–50 ppm
• Check and clean skimmer baskets more frequently
• Watch for early signs of algae (greenish hue, slippery surfaces) — much easier to treat early than late

June – August: Wet Season and Hurricane Prep

The hardest months to maintain a Florida pool. Heavy daily rains dilute chemicals. High temperatures and UV destroy chlorine rapidly. Runoff introduces phosphates and contaminants.

• Test water chemistry after every significant rain event
• Shock the pool (use a non-chlorine shock or calcium hypochlorite) biweekly during July-August
• Run your pump longer — 10–12 hours per day minimum during wet season
• Brush pool surfaces weekly, including fiberglass — even algae-resistant surfaces benefit from brushing during wet season
• Consider adding a phosphate remover product monthly to reduce algae food source
• Watch the waterline for scale buildup — rain raises pH, which accelerates calcium precipitation

Hurricane Preparation (June–November)

When a tropical storm or hurricane is forecast within 72 hours:

• Do NOT drain your pool — an empty pool can pop out of the ground due to groundwater hydrostatic pressure
• Remove all loose items (chairs, toys, floats) from around the pool
• Super-chlorinate the water (shock) to handle the organic load from debris
• Turn off and disconnect all electrical pool equipment before the storm
• After the storm: remove debris, retest and rebalance chemistry, inspect equipment before restarting

September – October: Post-Storm Recovery and Wind Down

Rain frequency drops, temperatures moderate. This is pool cleaning season — removing organic material that accumulated all summer.

• Test for and treat metal staining (iron, copper) that may have leached from equipment during wet season
• Clean and backwash filter more thoroughly
• Drop pump run time back to 8–10 hours as UV reduces
• Inspect pool surface and equipment while conditions are mild and affordable contractors are available

November – December: Dry Season Transition

One of the most pleasant pool months in Florida — reduced algae pressure, comfortable water temperatures, manageable maintenance. Focus on system health.

• Inspect lights, timers, automation systems
• Check for any surface damage sustained during summer/storm season
• Consider scheduling any needed resurfacing — contractors are more available and weather is ideal for curing
• Test salt cell if you have a saltwater system — fall is a good time for annual cleaning

Florida-Specific Maintenance Challenges

Hard Water

Much of Central and North Florida has hard water (high calcium and magnesium content). This leads to calcium scaling on tile lines, equipment, and pool surfaces. Fiberglass surfaces resist scaling far better than plaster — one of the key advantages of fiberglass pools in Florida. If you have a concrete pool, use a sequestrant product monthly and test calcium hardness every 2–3 weeks.

High UV

Florida receives more solar UV radiation than almost any other state. This destroys unstabilized chlorine rapidly. Always maintain cyanuric acid (stabilizer) at 30–50 ppm for outdoor pools. Saltwater pools may need higher levels (60–80 ppm) — consult your salt system manufacturer's guide.

Salt Air (Coastal Areas)

Salt air accelerates corrosion of pool equipment, especially heaters, light fixtures, and chrome fittings. Rinse exposed metal components with fresh water periodically and apply a silicone lubricant to o-rings and moving parts annually.

Fiberglass Pool Maintenance vs Concrete in Florida

Algae resistanceExcellent (non-porous surface)Poor (porous surface) Chemical consumption30–50% less than concreteHigher — surface absorbs chemicals Calcium scalingLowHigh in Florida hard water Brushing requiredOccasionalWeekly mandatory ResurfacingEvery 15–25 yearsEvery 7–12 years in Florida

When to Call a Professional

• Green or black algae that does not clear after 48 hours of treatment
• Persistent cloudiness after balancing chemistry
• Pump losing prime or making unusual noise
• Leaking equipment (valves, fittings, visible plumbing)
• Pool losing more than 1/4 inch of water per day (evaporation vs leak)
• Visible surface damage: cracks, chips, delamination

Pool Maintenance Done For You

If this feels like a lot to track on your own, we offer premium pool maintenance service in select Florida markets. Learn about our maintenance plans — or contact us for installation and resurfacing needs across Ocala, Orlando, West Palm Beach, Port St. Lucie, Miami, Tampa, and Jacksonville.