Fall Swimming Pool Maintenance

The leaves are turning colors, cluttering the pool and clogging the filters. Memories of sunny days, family fun, poolside cookouts and the simple pleasures of summer are coming to a close.

Many pool owners live in warmer climates and won't close their pool for the winter. Fall pool maintenance prepares the components of the pool for freezing weather so they won't suffer in the cold winters. It keeps pools in warmer areas going strong and helps to sneak in a few more weeks of fun if you get a warm fall. Here's what you should know.

Fall Swimming Pool Maintenance Basics

Inside your in ground pool is a filter system, the skimmers and returns system, and the water. Leaving water in the pool in winter prevents cracks in the walls. Cleaning the systems keeps the water alkaline and at the proper pH level. When these things are done you have clean and clear water.

Above ground pools include a filter lasting about three to five years, the other maybe 25 called a “permanent” pool. They are smaller and hold less water. The filtering and skimming systems are not integrated. The pool owner is responsible for cleaning and chemically maintaining the water.

Empty the Swimming Pool

By this, we mean clear out the pool toys like the Clear Hoop, water volleyball or any floats you've had in the swimming pool. Using your telescoping skimmer net, remove leaves and other debris. Above ground and in-ground pool owners will do this regularly, so as not to leave any debris behind which could lead to bacteria that could cause illness.

Test The Swimming Pool Water

You wouldn't put cheap oil in your car, because it might gunk up the motor. Testing the swimming pool water is a vital part of pool maintenance year round in both above ground and in-ground pools. You'll need the proper testing materials to check the pH level of the water, the alkalinity and the sanitizer or chlorine levels.

Pool experts tell us that the pH level of pool water is ideally, 7.4 to 7.6. Its alkalinity should be 100 to 150 parts per million or ppm. One hundred twenty is ideal. Your pool maintenance professional will tell you the proper level of chlorine for your type of swimming pool as it varies depending on the type of chlorine. Cycle the water through the system for three to four days before adding the winter algaecide to kill the green goo.

Tip: You'll need to shock the pool following a storm or a lot of people swimming. Shock the pool at night, because the sun will evaporate the chlorine before it can clean the water. Run the pump for eight hours minimum so it can completely circulate through the system.

Note: Algaecide and chlorine should not be used together. The chlorine kills algae as well, but cancels out the algaecide. Chlorine evaporates in sunlight, where algaecide doesn't. Add algaecide after the chlorine is down to about five percent.

Clean The Swimming Pool

Brushing the walls and bottom of the pool removes algae, bacteria, and/or silt buildups. It also removes the remains of personal grooming products like shampoo, perfume, sunscreen and makeup. This should be done once a week for both above ground and in ground pools no matter what the season.

The difference between fall pool maintenance and seasonal maintenance is the deep cleaning. In spring and summer, above ground and in ground pool owners might brush the pool walls and bottom but not scrub, leaving it to the chemicals to keep the pool viable.

Drain The Swimming Pool

The goal is to prevent water from getting into an in ground pools filter and pump systems. Drain the water until it's beneath the tile to empty water from these systems and prevent the plumbing from freezing. Contact a pool professional for this so no damage is done to the systems.

Covers are a smart idea for pool owners:

• They keep the water from evaporating.
• They reduce the need for as much chemicals in the water.
• Heat retention. Any pool cover, but especially a solar cover, keeps heat in the pool both on cooler days. If the pool is heated, then the heat will stay in.
• Safety! A swimming pool cover can be an added layer of security for keeping little ones out of the pool.

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