Chlorine

• Chlorine is needed to keep algae and other things from growing in the pool. Chlorine will work best when its level is monitored and kept just right.
  Purchase a pool test kit from a local pool supply store. Test the water daily to make adjustments as needed. If the level is too high, put less chlorine in the water. If the level is low, then it means that more chlorine, or a shock treatment of concentrated chlorine, is necessary.
  Only add chemicals to a vacant pool.
  
  

Filter the Water

• Even with proper chlorine levels the water will become cloudy if not filtered for several hours per day. How long the filter runs depends on two factors: the cleaning capacity of the filter and the quantity of water in the pool. A professional at a pool store can help you determine how many gallons are in the pool and the running capacity of a filter.
  Average running time for a filter is between four and eight hours per day. When in doubt, let the filter run longer.
  
  

Vacuum and Skim the Pool

• Daily skimming keep the surface of the pool clean and inviting. Leaves and dead bugs (or worse, bugs trying to swim for survival) are unsightly and carry microbes into the pool. Scoop them from the pool before they have a chance to decompose and sink to the bottom.
  Vacuuming is necessary because no matter how hard a pool owner tries to catch every leaf with the skimmer, something will get by. Daily vacuuming is recommended because it keeps the pool looking clean. Plus, it is far easier to vacuum a clean pool than one with heavy debris on the floor.