FALL POOL MAINTENANCE

Jessica Graves

We know the calendar has only just turned to September, but as we look forward to the leaves changing and the temperature dropping, it’s never too early to start thinking about protecting your pool for the coming fall season.

We’ve collected 8 tips to ensure you take all the steps needed to ensure your pool can handle the harsh Canadian fall and winter months ahead.

1. Leaves are the enemy.

The first place you want to start when preparing your pool for fall is on the surface level. Make sure to skim the pool for debris and clean out the strainer baskets regularly. This is the time of year when leaves and twigs will be blowing around and the last thing you want is for them to fall to the bottom of the pool and sit there until next summer as some leaves can leave stains at the bottom of the pool. Be sure to skim the pool regularly to avoid a mess next summer.

2. Clean out your filters.

Just as regularly skimming the pool will ensure no fallen leaves or other debris get in, it’s also important to regularly clean your pool filter. Much like the debris that floats on top, filters can get clogged up with leaves and who knows what else. Keep it clean to ensure it’s in working order for next year.

3. Invest in a pool cover.

If you’re a new pool owner, you should invest in a good pool cover. A quality pool cover is essential when protecting your pool from snow and heavy rain. If you already have a pool cover, be sure to inspect it and make sure it’s in good condition after being used last year. Check for any tears or rips, and if you’ve had it for multiple years, consider getting a new one.

4. Maintain water levels.

Making sure your pool maintains a healthy water level is always important. Water will naturally evaporate over time, but if it becomes too low your pump could become damaged. A damaged pump is a costly mistake that is easy to prevent. Be sure to repair any leaks in and around your pool area. Fixing minor issues will ensure that your water levels remain consistent and your pump will not become damaged or broken.

5. Pool heater.

If you have a pool heater, be sure to contact a professional and ensure it’s working correctly. Once a year maintenance is standard for most pool heaters.

6. Prepare for freezing.

Be sure to check your pool’s pipes and pumps. As the temperature drops and water begins to freeze, make sure there’s no leftover water sitting around in your filter, pump or pool heater. Frozen water in pipes can cause them to crack which can be expensive to fix. Get the water out now.

7. Remove, clean and store accessories.

If you have external accessories like a diving board, water slide and ladder, be sure to remove, clean and store them away. The last thing you want is to leave them out all winter and find they’ve become worn and damaged over the season. Store them away now so you can use them later.

8. Drain the water.

Ideally, you should drain the water to about 5 inches below the pool skimmer. Late fall or early winter is a good time to discard any of the pool chemicals you’ve used this past season. You never want to reuse pool chemicals for the following year.

Consider these tips when preparing your pool for fall and winter this year. Did you know HomeStars has an entire category dedicated to pools? Check out our Swimming Pools, Spas & Hot Tubs category here to help you hire your next pool company.