Freshen your pool

Nothing kills your summer party game like a pool full of algae, so take a few easy steps this month to keep your water in the clear.

Shortcut: Test the pH level weekly with a pool water test kit to make sure chemicals are balanced and safe. Chemical level guidelines vary depending on the season and weather conditions, but the pH level should remain between 7.2 and 7.8 for the cleanest and safest water.

To destroy any contaminants, you’ll want to shock the water—preferably at night so the sun doesn’t burn off the chemical cocktail. Take care to never add the shock directly to your skimmer or directly to the water (which can bleach and weaken your liner). Instead, dissolve the shock in a bucket of water before adding it to your pool.