We recommend cleaning your pool weekly. Some pools don't need a thorough scrubbing every week but we do believe that your pool should be brushed at least every other week if not weekly.  Brushing the pool helps reduce algae growth.  Some pools with a lot of exposure to trees, leafs, or other debris might need to be cleaned or touched up more often.

Not that there is an ideal time, but if there was, it would be right after it has stormed or seen heavy use.  Generally speaking, if your pool is maintained well overall and chemical balance of chlorine, pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness and cyanuric acid are all in a balanced range, you should be able to clean it weekly and have it looking great.

Absolutely! Here is a quick checklist to do a thorough job.

1. Empty the skimmer baskets.

2. Make sure the water level is correct.

3. Brush all surfaces of the pool.

4. Net all loose debris that is in the pool.

5. Vacuum the pool with a line vacuum or a power vacuum.

6. Test and add needed chemicals

7. Check the filter and clean as needed.

8. Empty the pump strainer basket.

With this checklist completed on a weekly basis, your pool should look wonderful!
If it doesn't, or if cleaning is more of a hassle than you want, just give us a call.

Pool chemistry is very important for a number of reasons.  First and foremost the health of the swimmers. 
Beyond that proper pool chemistry can help lengthen the life of your pool and its equipment as well as keep chemical needs to a minimum.  When things get out of balance algae blooms, corrosion, calcium build up, or pitting can occur.  There are far too many factors that can cause problems to list here and no pool service company can guarantee your pool won't have problems. 

That said, an effort at proper care should significantly reduce the odds and frequency of serious problems.  It's always smart and we recommend that you test the chemicals yourself.  Many pool technicians can get in the habit of just testing chlorine and pH and don't pay attention to anything else.  They simply add what they need to assuring the chlorine and pH readings are within an acceptable range.  It's always good to make sure.