
Autumn is a season of change! The leaves turn vibrant colours, the air gets cooler and your pool… well, it often gets ignored. While nature transitions beautifully, your pool deserves the same attention. Neglecting it during autumn can lead to a buildup of algae, debris and bacteria, making winter maintenance more expensive and time-consuming. But don’t worry! With the right steps, you can keep your pool in perfect condition throughout the season. Wondering what those steps are? Keep reading to find out the 7 easy steps of how to maintain your pool this autumn.
1. Stick to a Pool Maintenance Schedule
Even if you are not using your swimming pool in the cooler seasons, it still needs attention. If you leave it unchecked, it can cause you problems in other seasons. Algae can grow, dirt and debris can pile up and your water chemistry can get out of balance. It is always a good idea to plan a maintenance schedule and stick to it to prevent any future issues. For instance, if you have Travertine pool coping, regular upkeep is essential to keep it looking great and prevent damage from moisture and debris. If you use a pool cover, make sure to set up a fixed time to open it every couple of weeks. This stops moisture from getting trapped underneath, which can encourage bacteria and algae growth. Also, regularly check the chlorine and pH levels and adjust them if needed. Keeping your pool balanced will protect your equipment and prevent costly clean-ups later.
2. Keep Leaves and Debris Out
Certainly, the changing colours and falling leaves of autumn look lovely, but your pool doesn’t feel the same. If the leaves are left floating around, they can sink and mess up your pool. That is why experts suggest skimming the surface daily to remove leaves and other debris. This simple step stops them from sinking and saves you extra cleaning work later. You can also use a vacuum to clean any dirt or leaves that settle at the bottom. If your pool has a skimmer basket, check and empty it regularly.
3. Look After Your Pool Cover
A pool cover is a great investment for autumn, but it also needs a bit of care too. Leaves and other debris can pile up on top, making it dirty and even causing damage. There are also chances that if any sharp objects poke holes in the cover, it won’t be as effective. So, every now and then, give your cover a good clean. Keeping it clean will help it last longer and work better. 4. Watch Out for Algae Autumn’s cooler weather and lower sunlight create the perfect conditions for algae to grow. The last thing you want is to uncover your pool and find murky, green water. If you want to avoid algae surfaces, always keep an eye on your pool’s chemical balance. As mentioned before, make sure your chlorine and pH levels are at the right numbers. If you spot any signs of algae, like cloudy water or slippery surfaces, don’t ignore them and act fast. The sooner you treat it, the easier it will be to get rid of.
5. Clean Your Pool Filter and Equipment
Your pool filter works hard to keep your water clean. But in autumn, with more leaves and debris around, it can get clogged up faster than usual. Making a habit of cleaning your filter once a week can save you from a lot of problems. But remember, the type of filter you have will determine how you clean it, so check the manufacturer’s instructions keenly. Also, regularly take a look at your pool equipment. Inspect your pump, skimmer and any other parts for signs of wear and tear. If you spot any issues, fix them sooner rather than later.
6. Test Your Water Chemistry
As the weather cools down, your pool’s chlorine level also needs to be adjusted. If you don’t adjust your chemicals, you could end up with too much chlorine in the water. This can damage your pool equipment and even fade pool covers. As suggested before, always test your water’s chlorine and pH levels every two weeks. Keeping them balanced will save you from bigger problems down the track.
7. Prepare for Winter
Autumn is the perfect time to start preparing your pool for winter. As the temperatures drop, you might decide to stop using your pool altogether. If so, it’s important to close it properly. Before winter arrives, give your pool a deep clean. Remove all debris, vacuum the bottom and backwash the filter. If you have Travertine pool coping, make sure to clean and seal it to protect it from moisture and temperature changes. If you are using a pool cover, make sure it’s secured properly. If you live in an area with freezing temperatures, you may need to winterise your pool plumbing. This involves draining water from pipes and using pool antifreeze to prevent damage.
In Conclusion
Autumn may not be peak swimming season, but looking after your pool now will make life much easier when the next season comes. A little effort goes a long way in keeping your water clean, clear and ready to use. We hope these tips will help you maintain your pool in the fall.