The weather is cooling, summer is ending and the leaves are falling — into your pool! Fall pool maintenance is key to keeping your pool issue free going into winter. Here are some changes and services to consider for your pool this fall.
1. General Cleaning.
Removal all pool toys. Ensure the pool is in good general order. Use your pool vacuum, brush tiles and clean the pool deck.
2. Leaves & Debris.
Fall pool cleaning involves a lot of leaf removal. When leaves accumulate in the pool, algae begins to grow and thrive. Leaves that sink to the bottom of the pool stain the flooring material.
More plant debris in the pool equals more problems, so be sure to clean your skimmer baskets more regularly, preferably every morning. Also use a leaf net to skim leaves off the top of the water. If you have a lot of trees around your pool, keeping your pool covered while not in use can save lots of cleaning time.
3. Pool Filter.
If you’ve had a busy, high-bather load summer, it might be a good time to clean your pool filter. With the debris from falling foliage and lower temperatures, a clean filter to start of the fall season is important.
4. Heating Cycle.
It is a good idea to adjust your water’s heating cycle so your pool is comfortable for swimming. Outside temperatures are falling and so to keep costs down, cover your pool at night.
5. Pool Chemicals.
Lower water and air temperatures mean less chemicals needed. Monitor pH and chemical levels as the temperatures cool and adjust as needed.
6. Prepare for the early freeze.
If you live in a colder climate, the first freeze of winter can happen early and unexpectedly. Depending on how far north you live, you may want to partially winterize your pool or if winter is imminent, go ahead and fully winterize your pool.
No matter where you live, be sure to get on board with fall pool maintenance to ensure your pool is hassle-free going into and coming out of winter. Enjoy the beautiful fall colors, but be sure to keep those leaves out of your pool!
Claire McDaniel
Claire is a swimming and nutrition expert who loves to educate and motivate others to healthier living. She swam competitively for 18 years, is a five time All-American, a Division I National Champion, was co-captain of Team USA at the 2007 World University Games and was named a finalist for the NCAA Woman of the Year Award. She also has a master’s degree in nutrition and is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. After swimming, Claire started coaching and has coached all over the US and even in Switzerland! Her experience and expertise about both swimming and health fuel her passion for Clear Comfort’s mission – to make swimming a 100 percent healthy activity for swimmers, coaches, lifeguards and pool staff.
