The key for my pool staying clear was to add a stabilizer to the water on start up in the beginning of the summer and I have to buy a 25lb bucket of ph down at the beginning of the summer. I have to add ph down weekly (at least) to the pool. As long as the ph is in a good range and the stabilizer is in there keeping the chlorine stable.....I have a perfect clear pool all year long. The big trick for me was those two key things. I really didnt' pay attention to anything else except to make sure my salt water chlorine generator was working.