Quick Tips
Shorter days and cooler weather may signal the end of summer, but that doesn’t mean the end of pool maintenance for the year. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, as the saying goes, and by performing a few simple tasks in autumn you may save on the need for costly repairs further down the track.
Our mild transitional months mean there’s plenty of life in the swimming season yet. While it’s not quite time to winterise your pool, it could probably do with a little TLC after heavy use all summer. Use the following checklist to ensure everything stays in good working order as the seasons change.
1. Clean, clean, clean — This may seem obvious, but you can usually expect to see increased leaf litter and other debris in autumn, so get ready to scoop or make sure your automatic cleaner settings are up to the job. Give the pool an overall clean including interiors, tiles, decking and other surrounds.
2. Check and empty the filter — You want everything operational as leaf drop increases. Make sure you’ve emptied the filter and given it a good inspection to ensure it runs efficiently.
3. Water balance — Keep an eye on pH levels to ensure they’re on target, as inconsistencies can reduce the efficacy of chemicals and lead to other problems. Take a water sample to your local pool shop for testing if you are unsure.
4. Adjust heating — Depending on your location, you can probably squeeze a few more weeks out of the season, particularly if you’ve installed a heating system. Check settings and adjust to compensate for chillier days and nights.
5. Cover up — Using a pool blanket or cover will not only minimise heat loss and evaporation, it also helps keep debris out of the water.
6. Keep a watchful eye — If you aren’t swimming every day, changes and problems can go unnoticed. Maintain a schedule of inspection, keeping an eye on water level and chlorine levels, and remember to check and empty the skimmer basket. Take advantage of lower usage to spot more serious issues like leaks or tile damage.
Your pool is a major investment, so it’s important to take the time to protect it. If your lifestyle doesn’t permit the ongoing time and effort required, consider utilising a pool servicing company to ensure everything stays in tip-top condition throughout the year.