Unless you're just going to hire a pool guy and have him live in your backyard, you're going to need to know the basics for taking care of that new pool.
Advice # 1 - Pick a vacuuming methodology that you're comfortable with.
In ground pools usually have a skimmer - that you can connect one end of the hose to, the other to the long handled vacuum attachment.
Although its lot more effort than just dropping in the Kreepy Krauly, it gets the job done much more quickly.
The random motions of those hands-free vacuum devices take lots longer to eventually reach all the spots it needs to.
Got guests coming over in an hour or two...
get out the hose and do it the old fashioned way.
Advice # 2 - Choose between becoming familiar with the chemistry of your pool - or hire a service to do it.
Either learn all about it or hire someone who does.
If you miss this point you can screw up your pool in horrible ways.
I'm talking hygiene, here as well as algae and possible permanent damage to the pools inner lining and filtering equipment.
Don't skimp on this step - period.
Often a good approach is to hire it out for a while and just make a point to be around when the guy shows up.
Observe and ask questions and before long you'll feel more comfortable taking in on yourself.
Advice # 3 - Decide on whether you'll be opening and closing the pool each year or just leaving it running year round.
In many parts of the county it makes sense to close it for the winter months and reopen it in the spring.
This is particularly true if you have long winter months.
If, on the other hand, winter is typically not more than a couple of subfreezing weeks each year, you might want to consider saving the cost of closing and opening it each year.
The cost for that can easily reach $500 or more each year.
Key of course is that the filter must remain on during your freeze period otherwise you'll split the filter and potentially crack the liner.
I managed to get away with leaving it on and only once had to throw some ½ full milk jugs of sand in the pool to float around when the power went out in an unusual winter storm.
Advice # 4 - Make sure your kids know how to swim - don't fall for that throw your baby into the pool to learn the 'natural' way nonsense.
Send them to the Y for lessons.
Also put up a fence around your pool that kids cannot easily climb over and get a gate with a lock.
No children should be allows to swim without adult supervision - period.
Far too many pool accidents could be avoided each year because this advice is often not followed.
Advice # 5 - If your pool came with either a diving board or slide - check with your insurance company to see if that will incur a premium for your homeowners insurance.
Anything that propels children faster than they would walk around the hard surfaces common to pools is a high risk item and may well expose you to surprising levels of liability - especially if you entertain and children are often present.
If you do have either of these things - consider having them removed and advise your insurance agent once complete.
Congratulations and good luck with the new pool!If you take the responsibility seriously they really can turn your backyard into a safe and enjoyable paradise.