The floats may be packed away and the kids may not be asking to swim every afternoon, but your pool isn’t quite ready for a vacation.
Here in South Carolina, fall pool care looks a little different than it does in colder parts of the country. Our mild temperatures mean many homeowners don’t completely close their pools for winter. Instead, October is the perfect time to shift from summer maintenance to a fall routine that keeps your pool clean, protected and ready for the months ahead.
Here’s what should be on your pool’s fall to-do list.
Stay Ahead of the Leaves
Beautiful fall foliage is great. Beautiful fall foliage floating in your pool? Not so much.
As leaves begin to drop, staying ahead of debris can save you plenty of work later. Regularly empty skimmer baskets and remove leaves before they sink to the bottom, where they can stain surfaces and affect water quality.
This is also a good time to consider tools that make the job easier, from quality skimmers and covers to automatic pool cleaners. A little prevention now can mean a lot less scooping later.
Don’t Stop Testing the Water
Swimming less doesn’t mean you can stop paying attention to your pool chemistry.
Even when the water looks perfectly clear, its chemical balance still matters. Continue testing your water and monitoring important levels throughout the fall. Keeping your pool properly balanced helps protect the water itself as well as pool surfaces and equipment.
Not sure what your pool needs? Bring a water sample to a pool professional rather than playing a guessing game with chemicals.
Give Your Equipment Some Attention
Your pump, filter and other pool equipment worked hard all summer. Fall is a great time to check in on everything.
Clean the filter as needed, inspect equipment for leaks or unusual noises and make sure your system is running properly. Catching a worn part or small problem now may prevent a much bigger headache later.
And while cooler water may allow you to adjust your pool-maintenance routine, don’t simply shut everything off and forget about it.
Decide How You’ll Handle the Cooler Months
Every pool and every household is a little different. Some South Carolina homeowners keep their pools open and maintained throughout the winter, while others prefer to cover them and reduce their upkeep.
October is a good time to decide what makes sense for yours.
If you’re using a cover, make sure it fits properly and is in good condition. If you’re keeping the pool uncovered, have a plan for leaves, water chemistry and equipment as temperatures continue to drop.
Give Your Pool a Good Fall
Taking care of a pool shouldn’t end when summer does. A little attention this fall can protect your investment, make winter maintenance easier and give you a head start when those first warm South Carolina days return next year.
Need help figuring out what your pool needs this season? Imperial Pool & Spa carries pool chemicals, covers, cleaners, pumps, filters, replacement parts and other supplies to help local pool owners care for their pools year-round.
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