September is the transition month from summer to fall. As the temperatures start to cool, trees begin dropping their leaves and other organic debris- inconveniently into your pool. Leaves aren’t just an aesthetic nuisance; they can affect the water quality and pool equipment if left unattended.
Alpha Pools USA can help provide preparation in the early months of fall and can make your pool maintenance routine easier by staying on top of it before it has the chance to accumulate and cause costly damage.
Skim Your Pool Regularly
Frequently skimming your pool is a quick and easy way to ensure that debris isn’t building up inside your pool. Check the surface regularly, especially after windy days or storms. A few minutes of skimming can prevent a much bigger cleanup later.
Removing leaves before they sink to the bottom also helps keep organic material from breaking down in the water. The longer the leaves sit in your pool, the more difficult it can be to remove.
Keep an Eye on Your Skimmer and Pump Baskets
A pool can only handle so much debris at once. During fall, your skimmer and pump baskets may fill up faster than they do during the summer months.
If you notice that your baskets are filling with debris unusually quickly, or your equipment isn’t operating the way it normally does, it may be time to have your pool system inspected by a professional on our team.
Stay on Top of Your Pool Chemistry
Leaves and other organic debris can affect your pool’s water chemistry as they break down. This is another reason why removing debris quickly is important.
Continue testing your pool water throughout the fall and make adjustments when necessary. Maintaining the proper chemical balance can help keep your water clean and make it easier to transition your pool into the colder months.
Keep Your Pool Area Clear
Your pool’s surroundings can have a big impact on how much debris ends up in the water. If your property has trees, shrubs, or other landscaping close to the pool, keep an eye on areas where leaves are beginning to collect.
Regularly removing leaves from your deck, patio, and surrounding areas can help prevent the next gust of wind from blowing them directly into your pool. If dead branches are hanging over the pool, fall can also be a good time to address them before winter weather arrives.
Consider Using a Pool Cover
If you’re expecting a significant amount of leaves throughout the fall, a pool cover can provide an additional layer of protection. A properly fitted cover can help keep leaves and other debris out of the water when your pool isn’t being used.
A cover doesn’t eliminate the need for maintenance, though. Leaves can still collect on top, and the cover itself needs to be maintained throughout the season. Before using one, make sure it’s appropriate for your pool and installed correctly.
Don’t Wait Until Winter to Prepare Your Pool
Fall is also a good time to start thinking ahead about your pool’s winter maintenance. Waiting until the last minute can make it more difficult to address equipment problems, water chemistry issues, or excessive debris.
Taking care of small maintenance tasks throughout the fall can help make the process of preparing your pool for the colder months much more manageable. It also allows you to identify potential problems before your pool is closed for the season.
Get Your Pool Ready for Fall with Alpha Pools USA
Falling leaves are a normal part of the changing seasons, but they don’t have to turn into a major pool maintenance headache. Regular skimming, keeping equipment clean, monitoring water chemistry, and protecting your pool from excess debris can all help keep it in good condition throughout the fall.
Call Alpha Pools USA today to get your pool cleaned and prepped for the coming winter months!
