The Pool’s on Call for Fall!
As we are still dealing with the COVID-19 Health crisis, we are all spending a lot of time at home. Schools are going virtual, working from home is the new normal, and there are little entertainment options open for public utilization. With all this, many are considering keeping their pool open well into the fall months. With that, you need to take special consideration when maintaining the pool.
Use it, or Lose It.
If you are keeping your pool open, it is likely because you want to use it. With having multiple family schedules to maintain and cooler temperatures around the corner, use may not be as frequent though. Still, that doesn’t mean you cannot take care of the pool. If you are intending on using the pool, you want to make sure that you are maintaining it. This includes running the pump at the recommended 8-12 hours a day, keeping up with proper water chemistry parameters, and cleaning as usual. There is a vast amount of natural debris that is generated during fall. You want to make sure to get any leaves, acorns, etc. out as quickly as possible to prevent against any pool related issues.
How Hot Is It?
If you are going to be swimming into the fall season, you want to try and maintain as much heat as possible inside the pool. If you have a heater, you are in luck. Running the heater may not be the most cost effective or energy efficient option. For the average bather, a minimum temperature of 78 degrees is comfortable. If the water is warm enough, the air temperature should not affect your in-pool comfort. If you do not have a heater, you may want to consider some type of pool cover to keep all the heat you garnish from the sun during the day.
You Got It, Flaunt It.
In the fall, some just want to keep their pool open for the view. Water has a very calming effect and just looking out your window and seeing your pool can provide enjoyment. You still need to properly maintain the pool even though swimming may not be intended. Proper water chemistry and cleaning is crucial, as you don’t want algae to develop or unbalanced water to start to erode or corrode your pool surface and equipment. You can get away with running your pump less. You want to ensure you run it long enough to turn over the pool at least once a day and maintain enough circulation to prevent algae growth. It is not recommended to turn off the system entirely and utilize a floating chemical feeder.
Fall Hard, Fall Fast.
If you are not going to use your pool into the fall, you don’t want to wait to schedule your pool closing. The longer you wait when not maintaining, the more things that can go wrong. So, make you decision soon, whether to stay open or to close, and take the necessary steps to protect your pool into the fall and beyond.
