Owning a pool in the Lowcountry of South Carolina is more than an investment —it’s a lifestyle enhancement. With the salt-tinged breeze, swaying palmettos and long summer days, your pool becomes a natural extension of your home. Whether you live in historic Charleston or Beaufort, scenic Mount Pleasant, coastal Hilton Head Island or in the heart of Savannah, Georgia, a pool offers a personal retreat and a serious boost to your property’s value.
If you’re new to pool ownership—or planning to dive in soon—this guide is for you.
We’ll cover everything from daily upkeep to seasonal best practices, tailored specifically for concrete residential pools in the Lowcountry’s unique climate. Whether you recently hired a custom pool builder or inherited a pool with your new home, here’s what you need to know.
Learn Why Concrete Pools Define Luxury Living
Unlike fiberglass or vinyl-lined options, concrete pools have unmatched versatility and can incorporate luxurious design elements. Design features like vanishing edges or Lautner edges, beach entry pools, oversized tanning ledges, stylish water features and premium finishes like natural stone or custom-blended interior surfaces. With the right care, these aspects of the pool area are designed and built to stand the rest of time.
Benefits of Concrete Pools:
- Durability: With proper maintenance, concrete pools can last a lifetime.
- Customization: Concrete pools are an extension of your home’s architecture and personal style. This pool type allows for almost limitless customization. Imagine creating unique pool shapes, configuring pool depth options to suit how you will use your pool, and the numerous custom finishes to compliment your home’s aesthetic appeal.
- Elegance: Concrete pools are the only type of pool that allows for flexibility with luxurious design elements. and high-end features. Design styles like vanishing edge pools or Lautner edge pools come to mind. You can also opt for other designs like Beach Entry pools, also known as Zero Edge pools and even elevated or semi-elevated pools. Other unique design elements can include oversized tanning ledges, stylish water features, and premium finishes like natural stone or custom-blended interior surfaces.
A concrete pool is more than a design statement — it’s a lasting investment in luxury living. Protecting that investment with consistent, professional care ensures your pool remains as stunning and inviting as the day it was completed.
Weekly and Monthly Pool Maintenance Checklist
A beautiful pool starts with a solid maintenance plan. For example, concrete is porous, so routine brushing and chemical balancing are key to preventing algae buildup and surface staining. Replastering is also typically needed every 10–15 or so years, depending on wear, water chemistry and usage.
While some owners take a hands-on approach, most Lowcountry homeowners prefer to hire professional pool maintenance services to protect their pool and save precious time. This high-level breakdown will give you some insight into some of the upkeep required:
Weekly Essentials:
- Remove debris from the surface and vacuum or brush the pool walls and floor.
- Monitor pH (ideal is 7.4–7.6), chlorine levels (ideal is 1-3ppm), alkalinity and calcium hardness for a healthy swimming experience.
- Clear skimmer baskets and pump baskets of debris to ensure smooth water flow.
- Keep an eye out for etching, discoloration or algae spots.
- Check water level, especially during the Lowcountry’s hot summers when evaporation spikes.
Monthly Tasks:
- Check cartridge, DE, or sand filters monthly and clean as needed.
- Inspect equipment to ensure pumps, heaters, lights and automation systems are operating correctly.
Balancing Water Chemistry (and Why it Matters)
Charleston’s subtropical climate creates ideal conditions for swimming—but also for algae, scale buildup and chemical imbalances if your pool isn’t properly maintained.
Lowcountry homeowners should watch for the following:
- High humidity and rain can dilute or wash out pool chemicals.
- Warm temperatures accelerate algae growth and chemical consumption.
Pool Equipment 101
If you’re a first-time pool owner, the equipment might look intimidating. But once you understand the basics, it becomes more manageable. Essential components include:
- Pump: Circulates water through the system; run time should be adjusted seasonally (usually eight to 12 hours/day in summer)
- Filter: Removes dirt and debris—clean or backwash regularly depending on filter type
- Heater/Chiller: Optional, but common in high-end residential pools
- Chlorinator/Salt Cell: Delivers sanitation chemicals
- Automation System: Controls lights, water features and temperature—some systems are app-connected for remote management.
Regular swimming pool maintenance preserves the beauty and performance of your pool, ensuring it remains a luxurious retreat for years to come.
Seasonal Pool Ownership
Thanks to Charleston’s mild winters, most concrete pools in the area can stay open year-round. However, that doesn’t mean they’re maintenance-free in the off-season.
Spring:
- Schedule a professional inspection before swim season begins.
- Shock the pool and adjust the water balance.
- Clean tiles and surfaces, and check for staining or damage.
- Skim the water surface daily – Mother Nature’s spring debris, if left unchecked, can be overwhelming to deal with.
Summer:
- Increase pump runtime to accommodate higher bather loads and temps.
- Test and balance water two to three times per week.
- Skim daily, as needed.
Fall:
- Begin skimming more frequently as leaves start to fall.
- Lower pump runtime as temperatures drop.
- Consider installing a mesh or solid cover if not in use daily.
Winter:
- Continue light maintenance: circulate water, and check chemistry every week.
- If closing the pool, follow a professional closing procedure to protect pipes and equipment from unexpected cold snaps.
Repairs and Long-Term Care
Concrete pools, while long-lasting, require specific upkeep over the years. Common maintenance milestones include:
- Replastering: Every 10–15 or so years, helps refresh the surface and extend life.
- Tile and coping repairs: Address early signs of cracks or displacement.
- Pump/filter replacement: Most components last eight to 10 years with proper care.
Regular repair and maintenance visits from a Lowcountry pool company can catch small issues early, from leaks to filter inefficiency, saving you from larger repair bills down the road.
Choosing the Right Support Team
Owning a concrete pool in the Lowcountry is a luxury. It shouldn’t feel like a chore. Partnering with the right professionals ensures your pool is always ready for a swim, a party or a peaceful evening under the stars.
Look for a Pool Service Provider Who:
- Specializes in concrete residential pools.
- Offers professional pool maintenance plans.
- Has deep knowledge of the local climate and its impact on pool care.
- Provides prompt, transparent communication.
- Can help educate you on pool ownership—not just show up and leave.
Whether you’re still settling into your new pool lifestyle or simply want more time to enjoy it, professional pool services are your best ally in maintaining that luxurious Lowcountry shine.
Make the most of your outdoor space.
As the Lowcountry’s most trusted luxury pool builder, Aqua Blue Pools is ready to bring your dream pool to life. Since 1991, our team has designed and built pools in various styles for residential and commercial clients from South Carolina’s Lowcountry to Savannah. We are proud to work closely with our clients to create and execute impressive custom projects built to last. Contact us today to begin planning your project!