Summer is over, leaves are falling, and cooler weather is a sure sign autumn has well and truly arrived. The sun and UV rays no longer beat down. Pool use is less frequent, but there's no excuse to skimp on maintenance. So how can you look after your pool in the cooler months?
Here comes the rain…
The wet stuff can fall incessantly from the sky into more wet stuff – the water in a pool! Rainfall will impact the acidity and lower the pH of your water. Low-pH water can be corrosive to equipment and surfaces and is far from ideal for swimmers.
If you get a sudden downpour and neglect to check your pool chemistry, the water will switch from clear to cloudy and you may experience an algae bloom.
As the air gets cooler, people assume algae grows less frequently, but the mild temperatures in Australia means pool water will remain warm for weeks. Nutrients, phosphates, organic matter and nitrates will collect, so be diligent about chlorine, alkaline and pH levels.
Cover up!
If no one’s using the pool, why not put a cover on it to prevent leaves and debris collecting? A pool blanket will also protect your pool equipment from being damaged by adverse weather. It doesn’t have to remain there permanently – pull the cover back now and again if you want a swim, or to give the pool a chance to breathe.
Reduce the filter and pump time
As the pool gets less use, reduce your filtration and pump hours. Anything between four to six hours a day should suffice to keep your water circulated and clean. If you use a timer to control the pump, save money by switching it on during off-peak periods.
Shock it
Shock the pool when it’s dormant in winter. Shocking the pool means giving it a big chlorine boost to eradicate any nasty biological contaminants. Anything from sweat, suntan lotion, droppings and dead bugs will be eradicated with a good shock.
Turn the pump and filter on for several hours to ensure the shock chemical is evenly distributed.
Ongoing maintenance
Don’t forget your pool chemistry. It still needs to be checked off-season. The pH level should be between 7.2 and 7.6, while chlorine should be at a constant level of 2-3 ppm (parts per million). With alkalinity, between 80 and 120 ppm will keep water clean and clear. Most pools benefit from a strong algaecide in autumn, protecting the water from developing green blooms.
If you’re using a salt chlorinator and are putting on a pool cover, reduce the output of the chlorinator to 1-2 ppm because the blanket acts to trap chemicals.
Conclusion
Swimming pools need less attention in summer than autumn, but regular maintenance is still a must.
Whatever the season, Barrier Reef Pools Perth can offer expert guidance about anything and everything to do with pools. Have we whet (or wet) your appetite to buy one?
We provide a wrap-around service, installation and project management to an exceptionally high level. All our pools come with multiple warranties for peace of mind. Keen to learn more? Visit one of our display centres and talk to our friendly team today!
Summer is over, leaves are falling, and cooler weather is a sure sign autumn has well and truly arrived. The sun and UV rays no longer beat down. Pool use is less frequent, but there's no excuse to skimp on maintenance. So how can you look after your pool in the cooler months?
Here comes the rain…
The wet stuff can fall incessantly from the sky into more wet stuff – the water in a pool! Rainfall will impact the acidity and lower the pH of your water. Low-pH water can be corrosive to equipment and surfaces and is far from ideal for swimmers.
If you get a sudden downpour and neglect to check your pool chemistry, the water will switch from clear to cloudy and you may experience an algae bloom.
As the air gets cooler, people assume algae grows less frequently, but the mild temperatures in Australia means pool water will remain warm for weeks. Nutrients, phosphates, organic matter and nitrates will collect, so be diligent about chlorine, alkaline and pH levels.
Cover up!
If no one’s using the pool, why not put a cover on it to prevent leaves and debris collecting? A pool blanket will also protect your pool equipment from being damaged by adverse weather. It doesn’t have to remain there permanently – pull the cover back now and again if you want a swim, or to give the pool a chance to breathe.
Reduce the filter and pump time
As the pool gets less use, reduce your filtration and pump hours. Anything between four to six hours a day should suffice to keep your water circulated and clean. If you use a timer to control the pump, save money by switching it on during off-peak periods.
Shock it
Shock the pool when it’s dormant in winter. Shocking the pool means giving it a big chlorine boost to eradicate any nasty biological contaminants. Anything from sweat, suntan lotion, droppings and dead bugs will be eradicated with a good shock.
Turn the pump and filter on for several hours to ensure the shock chemical is evenly distributed.
Ongoing maintenance
Don’t forget your pool chemistry. It still needs to be checked off-season. The pH level should be between 7.2 and 7.6, while chlorine should be at a constant level of 2-3 ppm (parts per million). With alkalinity, between 80 and 120 ppm will keep water clean and clear. Most pools benefit from a strong algaecide in autumn, protecting the water from developing green blooms.
If you’re using a salt chlorinator and are putting on a pool cover, reduce the output of the chlorinator to 1-2 ppm because the blanket acts to trap chemicals.
Conclusion
Swimming pools need less attention in summer than autumn, but regular maintenance is still a must.
Whatever the season, Barrier Reef Pools Perth can offer expert guidance about anything and everything to do with pools. Have we whet (or wet) your appetite to buy one?
We provide a wrap-around service, installation and project management to an exceptionally high level. All our pools come with multiple warranties for peace of mind. Keen to learn more? Visit one of our display centres and talk to our friendly team today!
