Pool maintenance isn’t just a summer job. Once fall rolls around, keeping up with your pool can make a huge difference when you’re ready to dive back in next year. While it might be tempting to let it sit untouched until spring, a little bit of fall care can save you from expensive repairs and a lot of hassle down the road. Whether you’re still taking a few dips on warm fall days or planning to close the pool entirely, taking a bit of time now will keep everything running smoothly when summer comes back.
Let’s break down some easy steps to keep your pool in great shape this fall, with minimal effort and maximum impact!
1. Regular Cleaning: A Must for Leafy Debris
A cleaner pool now means less of a headache later when season cleaning comes around. Pool cleaning from @ elitepoolservice
Fall means more than a pretty landscape—it means leaves in your pool. Those colorful autumn leaves, along with twigs and other debris, have a sneaky way of ending up in your water. A quick skim every few days can keep your pool looking clean, but it also helps prevent clogged filters and stains on the pool floor.
Even if you’re not using the pool as often, a vacuum session once a week can help with anything that sinks to the bottom.
2. Keep Your Water Chemistry in Check
Balancing these elements not only protects your pool surfaces and equipment, but also helps keep the water clear and ready for next season. Water chemistry check from @ surfcitypools
Even though it’s cooler, your pool water still needs attention. Balanced water chemistry is key to preventing issues like corrosion, scale buildup, and even algae growth. So, grab a water testing kit and check the pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness levels.
You’re aiming for:
- pH: 7.4-7.6
- Alkalinity: 80-120 ppm
- Calcium hardness: 200-400 ppm
3. Give the Pool a Shock
Once you’ve adjusted the water chemistry, toss in that shock treatment and let it sit for about 24-48 hours to work its magic. Chlorine from @ tropicalideapools_malaysia
Giving your pool a good shock treatment is like hitting the refresh button on the water. Even if you’re not swimming, things like organic debris, rain, and pollen can introduce bacteria. By adding a chlorine shock treatment, you kill off any lingering contaminants and keep the water sparkling.
4. Lower the Water Level to Prevent Freezing
Lowering water level is a quick, simple fix that can save you from a pricey pool repair bill once things start to thaw out. Swimming pool from @ cvargasconstruction
If you live in a place where freezing temperatures are common, lowering your pool’s water level is crucial to protect the pool structure and plumbing. You’ll want the water to sit about 4-6 inches below the skimmer. This keeps the water from freezing and expanding, which could otherwise crack your pipes or cause other damage.
5. Clean and Store Pool Accessories
After a summer full of fun, your pool accessories—ladders, floats, toys, and even the filter—deserve a little care, too. Give them a good cleaning, then stash them somewhere dry for the off-season. Outdoor storage from @ mommy_view
Taking the time to properly store your accessories keeps them from rusting or getting damaged while they sit unused.
And don’t forget your filter and pump! After giving them a thorough cleaning, you can either turn them off for the season or keep them running with the appropriate settings.
6. Add an Algaecide
Adding algaecide is one of those easy steps that pays off big time later. Pool care from @ lesliespoolcare
Nobody wants to deal with algae when opening their pool again next year. To prevent that dreaded green water, add an algaecide before you close things up. It creates a barrier that keeps algae from growing over the fall and winter, leaving you with a cleaner pool come spring.
7. Use a Solid Pool Cover
A pool cover is your best friend for keeping your pool in shape during fall. Not only does it keep out leaves and debris, but it also protects the water from direct sunlight, which can mess with your pool’s chemical balance. Pool safety cover from @ allaboutpools_
Choose a strong, secure cover that fits tightly. If you’ve got kids or pets around, opt for a safety cover that can hold weight—better safe than sorry! And make sure the cover stays clean. If rainwater or snow piles up on top, use a cover pump to remove it before it stretches or damages the cover.
8. Monitor Water Levels Over Time
Even though your pool is covered, it’s a good idea to check in on the water levels every so often, especially if you’ve had heavy rain or snowfall. A pool cover pump can be super helpful to remove any extra water that collects on top.
Ignoring excess water can cause problems with the cover or even introduce dirty water into your pool. Keeping an eye on things will save you from future messes.
Take a little time this fall, and you’ll be rewarded with a pristine pool waiting for you when the warm weather makes its comeback! Backyard swimming pool from @ aquaramapools
Fall pool maintenance doesn’t have to be overwhelming or time-consuming, but it’s definitely important. By sticking to a few key steps—cleaning regularly, balancing the water, and using a solid cover—you can protect your pool from the elements and ensure it’s ready for the next swimming season.
When spring rolls around, you’ll be glad you spent just a little extra time getting your pool fall-ready. And the best part? You’ll avoid dealing with the expensive repairs or frustrating messes that come with skipping maintenance.
