Back-to-School Pool Care Tips to Maintain Your Pool Like a Pro

Back-to-School Pool Care Tips

As the summer season winds down and the kids head back to school, it’s easy to forget about your pool. But keeping up with your pool care now can save you a lot of hassle later, especially as the weather cools and pool use slows down. Whether your pool is a hub of summer fun sitting idle, a little TLC can ensure it stays clean and ready for next year.

At All Seasons Pools & Spas, we believe in making pool care easy for you, so we’ve compiled a simple back-to-school pool care guide to help you troubleshoot common issues and keep your pool looking its best.

Stick to a Routine

Even though pool season is winding down, it’s still important to keep up with your regular maintenance. The key to hassle-free pool care is consistency. A simple pool maintenance checklist for the back-to-school season might include:

• Skim the Surface – You don’t need to do this every day, but try to remove leaves, bugs, and other debris a couple of times a week. It’ll keep the water looking clean and prevent dirt from sinking to the bottom.
• Brush the Walls and Tiles – Give the pool walls and tiles a quick scrub every week to avoid algae buildup, especially as the weather cools down.
• Vacuum the Pool – Dirt can settle at the bottom, even with regular skimming. Vacuum the pool once a week to keep the floor clean.

Check the Water Chemistry

School season pool upkeep means making sure the water stays balanced, so it’s still fresh and inviting. Check your pool’s pH, chlorine, and alkalinity levels at least once a week. A balanced pool will help prevent cloudy water and algae growth, even when it’s not being used as often.

Prepare for Fall Leaves

As fall rolls in, the trees start shedding leaves—and those leaves will likely end up in your pool. While you might not be swimming as much, dealing with the fallout of a fall is important. Here’s what to do:

• Clean the Pool – Before the leaves start falling, thoroughly clean the pool. This includes skimming debris from the water, brushing the walls, and vacuuming the bottom of the pool. Clean the pool’s skimmer and pump baskets as well.
• Cover Your Pool – If you’re not using the pool regularly, invest in a good pool cover. It’ll keep leaves and debris out, making your fall pool care much easier.
• Use a Leaf Rake – For bigger leaf problems, a leaf rake is a lifesaver. It lets you quickly scoop out those big piles of leaves before they sink into the water.

Inspect the Pool for Damage

Fall is a good time to inspect the pool for any cracks, leaks, or damage to the liner. Repair any issues now befre the cold weather makes it harder to make fixes.

Check the Pool Pump and Heater

If you plan to continue using your pool during the fall, make sure your pool pump and heater are in working condition. You may not need them daily, but it’s good to ensure they’re ready when you need them.

Consider Professional Help

If life’s getting a little too busy with school schedules and activities, it might be time to bring in the pros. Hiring a pool service for monthly pool cleaning tips can help ensure your pool stays in great shape without adding extra work to your plate. If you want to spend more time enjoying the pool and less time cleaning, a professional service is a great option.

Start Thinking About Winterizing Your Pool

As temperatures begin to dip, it’s time to start thinking ahead to winter. While the pool will probably get some use in the fall, it’s smart to prepare for the cooler months:

• Lower the Water Level – As temperatures drop, you might need to lower the water level slightly to prevent water from freezing and damaging your pool’s skimmer. But don’t lower it too much. Keep it at a level that ensures the pump and filter continue to work properly.
• Winterize the Pool Equipment – You’ll need to winterize your pool equipment. This includes draining the pump, filter, heater, and any other equipment that might freeze. You can also add antifreeze to the plumbing lines to prevent any damage from freezing water.
• Cover the Pool – Invest in a good-quality pool cover. Make sure it fits snugly to prevent any animals or debris from getting inside. A mesh cover is great for letting rainwater drain through while keeping leaves and dirt out.

Contact Us for Pool Maintenance Services

Taking care of your pool during the back-to-school season doesn’t have to be a huge chore. With just a little upkeep each week, your pool will stay in great shape and ready for whenever you have time for a swim. For more back-to-school pool care tips or to schedule a professional cleaning, contact us at All Seasons Pools & Spas, Inc. in Orland Park, IL. We’re here to help keep your pool clean and ready for whatever the season brings!