Start the Year Strong

A Simple Monthly Maintenance Routine That Prevents Expensive Surprises

January has a way of shining a bright light on everything we meant to keep up with.

Maybe it’s a filter that hasn’t been cleaned in months. A pump that’s been “making that noise” for a while. A tank with buildup you’ve learned to ignore. Or a system that’s been running on “good enough” for so long that you don’t even remember what “normal” looks like anymore.

Neglected maintenance doesn’t always fail loudly. Most of the time, it fails quietly—slowly increasing your operating costs, degrading performance, and setting you up for the kind of surprise that shows up as a major repair bill.

The good news? You don’t need a complex spreadsheet or a big overhaul to get back in control.

You just need a simple monthly routine that keeps the system clean, predictable, and efficient—plus one inexpensive tool that makes the whole thing easier: enzymes.

Why Neglected Maintenance Gets Expensive Fast

When maintenance slips, the costs don’t just show up in one place. They spread:

• Energy usage creeps up as systems work harder through buildup and restriction
• Flow rates drop and performance suffers (even if everything “seems fine”)
• Clogs form more easily and cleaning becomes more frequent—and more aggressive
• Parts wear out earlier because they’re fighting deposits, oils, and biological sludge
• Unexpected downtime hits at the worst time (it always does)

The problem isn’t one missed cleaning. The problem is the slow compounding effect of dozens of “we’ll get to it later” decisions.

A monthly routine breaks that cycle.

The Monthly Routine: 60 Minutes That Saves Thousands

This routine is designed to be simple enough that it actually happens. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s consistency.

Step 1: Walk the System Like a Technician (10 minutes)

Once a month, take a lap with intention. You’re looking for early warning signs before they become problems.

Check for:

• Drips, damp spots, or corrosion at fittings
• Unusual noises from pumps or motors
• Vibration, rattling, or heat buildup
• Leaking seals or slow weeping valves
• Cloudiness, odor, or color changes in water
• Any component that looks “dirtier than last month”

Pro tip: If your system is neglected, take a quick photo the first time you do this. It’s surprisingly helpful for tracking improvement.

Step 2: Clean the “Choke Points” (15 minutes)

Most expensive failures begin in the same spots: anywhere flow is restricted or debris accumulates.

Monthly targets:

• Strainers and baskets
• Filters (inspect and clean per manufacturer guidance)
• Skimmer areas / screens / intake protection
• Any lines prone to slow flow or buildup
• Drain points where debris tends to settle

You don’t need to deep-clean everything every month. Just keep the obvious trouble spots from becoming the start of a bigger issue.

Step 3: Check Water Quality and Adjust Early (10 minutes)

Even if your system isn’t a “pool,” water systems behave similarly: chemistry and contaminants create scale, slime, and deposits.

Monthly checks can include:

• pH
• Total alkalinity
• Sanitizer or oxidation level (as applicable)
• Visual clarity / odor
• Signs of biofilm or organic loading

Small adjustments now beat major corrections later. A system that stays stable is easier on equipment and easier on your time.

Step 4: Tackle Organic Waste With Enzymes (10 minutes)

This is where enzymes quietly become one of the best “maintenance hacks” you can add.

What enzymes do (in plain language)

Enzymes help break down organic waste—things like:

• oils and grease
• body oils and lotions (if people use the water)
• food residue
• leaf and plant material
• scum lines
• general “gunk” that turns into sludge and biofilm

Instead of letting organics build up and create a sticky, slimy environment that clogs and stains, enzymes digest that waste into smaller compounds that are easier for your system to handle.

Why this matters for maintenance

When organics build up, they:

• feed biofilm
• create foul odors
• clog filters faster
• raise chemical demand
• cause surface staining and scum lines
• lead to more frequent, harsher cleanings

Enzymes reduce the load before it becomes a problem.

Why enzymes are inexpensive insurance

Enzymes:

• extend time between deep cleanings
• reduce the “icky layer” that forms in neglected systems
• keep filters from gumming up as quickly
• improve overall system efficiency
• help stabilize water quality

If your goal is “less labor, fewer surprises,” enzymes are a big win.

Why This Routine Works

It’s not magic—it’s simple math:

• One hour, once a month is manageable
• Most expensive repairs are preventable
• The sooner you spot a problem, the cheaper it is
• Enzymes lower the organic burden so the whole system stays cleaner longer

Instead of waiting for expensive surprises, you’re building a predictable, low-drama year.

A Simple Promise to Yourself (and Your System)

Don’t aim for perfect. Aim for monthly.

Start with one routine you can repeat. Use enzymes as a low-cost boost that keeps organics from creating maintenance nightmare and decreasing chlorine consumption.  Give yourself the gift of fewer emergencies this year.

Because nothing feels better than a system that just… runs.