Your Pool Care Guide

At D Residential Group, we’re a boutique Perth property management agency. A swimming pool is one of the most attractive lifestyle features for tenants, especially in Perth where our summers are long, hot, and perfect for outdoor living.

But then enjoyment of owning a pool also means being responsible. Pools need consistent care to remain safe, clean, and compliant with WA regulations. As part of our management approach, we make sure that all of our tenants know what they need to do to take care of the pool.

Here’s our guide to maintaining a pool in a rental property and how tenants can ensure they meet their obligations while enjoying this great asset.

1. Keep the Water Balanced

One of the most important tasks when taking care of your pool is to test the water.  Chlorine, pH, and alkalinity levels all need to stay within safe ranges. Balanced water keeps swimmers safe, protects the pool surface and equipment, and helps avoid algae growth.

At D Residential Group, we recommend tenants test the water at least once a week during the summer months, and even more often if the pool is being used heavily. Test kits are readily available, and most pool shops offer free water testing services if you bring in a sample.

2. Run the Filtration System

Think of the filter as the “heart” of the pool. It circulates the water, captures debris, and keeps it looking crystal clear. In summer, the pump should run for around eight hours a day, and slightly less during the cooler months. 

It's important for tenants to let us know right away if the pump or filter stops working.  In most cases, these repairs are the landlord’s responsibility, and we’ll arrange for a licensed contractor to attend. Leaving a pump offline for too long can lead to major water issues, so prompt reporting is essential.

3. Stay on Top of Cleaning

To stay inviting, pools need to be cleaned on a regular basis. A little effort each week can save time and money down the track. We advise tenants to skim the surface every few days to remove leaves and debris, vacuum the bottom weekly to prevent dirt build-up, and empty the skimmer baskets to keep water flowing properly.

Staying consistent with cleaning avoids blockages and helps the pool equipment work at its best.

4. Maintain Safety Standards

Pool safety is taken very seriously in Western Australia. Landlords are responsible for providing compliant pool barriers, but tenants also play a key role in keeping everyone safe.

This means never leaving pool gates open, always securing the gate after use, and reporting any faults or damage to the barrier immediately. Safety is a shared responsibility, and we make it clear to tenants that compliance is non-negotiable.

5. Avoid Common Mistakes

Over the years, we've observed some common mistakes that tenants make when taking care of pools. These include turning off the pump for long periods to save on power, adding too many chemicals without testing the water beforehand, and allowing pets in the pool which can affect water quality and damage pool linings.

These issues can cause serious damage, and in some cases, tenants may be liable for repair costs. We work hard to prevent these situations from happening  by giving clear instructions and providing ongoing communication.

Professional Pool Servicing

At D Residential Group, we strongly believe that pool ownership is best supported by a monthly professional pool service. We regularly recommend landlords engage a contractor to attend on a monthly basis, as this ensures the water remains balanced, equipment is regularly checked, and any issues are addressed before they become costly.

This arrangement benefits both owners and tenants. Owners can relax knowing that their investment is protected, while tenants may enjoy the pool without having to worry about complicated upkeep. A monthly professional service also provides peace of mind that the pool remains safe, compliant, and in great shape throughout the tenancy.

Why We Take Pool Care Seriously

We know a well-maintained pool adds significant value to a rental property. It's not only about lifestyle; it's also about keeping the owner's investment safe and making sure the property meets WA safety standards.

At D Residential Group, we take the time to explain pool care to tenants before they move in. By setting clear expectations upfront, we make sure tenants can enjoy their homes fully while landlords have confidence that their property is being cared for.

Final Thoughts

With summer just around the corner, now is the perfect time for tenants to brush up on their pool care responsibilities. Tenants can still enjoy all the benefits of having a pool while making sure it stays in good condition by keeping the water balanced, running the filter, cleaning periodically, and following safety rules.

At D Residential Group, we pride ourselves on delivering proactive, boutique property management across Perth. If you’re a landlord with a rental property that includes a pool, or a tenant wanting to understand your obligations more clearly, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.