Cooler Weather? Your Pool Guide for Autumn

With autumn rolling in and cooler temperatures making their seasonal debut, you might wonder how this change will affect your pool—and your ability to use it. Not to worry! We've compiled an autumn pool guide so you can continue making the most of this aquatic home feature and ensuring it lasts as long as possible. Read on to discover everything you need to know.

Clean your pool regularly

Changes in the season mean you'll have more debris falling into your pool. You can use basic equipment, like a net, to scoop leaves and bugs out of the water. Make sure to sweep through the water regularly so debris doesn't sink to the bottom of your pool. Also, empty your pump basket and skimmer box. If possible, invest in a pool cover and place it over the pool when it's not in use.

Even with this basic cleaning, however, you'll still need to take a few extra steps to get a quality clean. After you've removed visible debris, smaller contaminants can remain in the water. Ideal pH levels for pools are between 7.2 and 7.6, so test the pH regularly—even if you've had a pool cover over it for some time. Doing so gives you peace of mind knowing the water is clean and at a level that's safe for you and others to be in.

If you notice any major issues with your pool water's cleanliness, you can perform a shock treatment. Note, however, that swimming while shocking your pool is not safe, so your pool must be completely clean and the water balanced before anyone can use the system.

Algae posing a problem for your pool? Consider using an algaecide in addition to chlorine to enhance how well the chemicals work.

If you don't feel comfortable cleaning your pool yourself, hire a professional to do the work for you or invest in an automatic pool cleaning device to save yourself time and worry.

Check weather reports

You're no stranger to intense weather during the autumn season. So before scheduling a pool day for your family or a relaxing afternoon lounging in the water, check your local weather reports. Don't swim while it's raining outside, and be sure to check your pool water after the storm has passed. If any debris found its way into your pool, clean it out, and check the water's pH balance.

Schedule pool maintenance

A pool is a large financial investment, so you should put in some extra effort to keep it in good working order. Take note of any damage or malfunctioning equipment and schedule maintenance to have it repaired or replaced. 

For example, if the pool filter is damaged or completely broken, it can't keep your pool water clean between deep cleaning. The water could then become polluted, making it unsafe to swim in. By scheduling maintenance and having this filter repaired or replaced, you ensure the water's cleanliness and your ability to use it more throughout the autumn season.

Consider upgrading or adding to your pool system

Even if everything's working well with your pool system, you can still benefit from making a few upgrades or additions. Think of the oldest components or features of your pool and make upgrades from there. Replace your pool liner if it hasn't been in some time, or upgrade your pool filter to a newer, more effective model.

Do you prefer to swim in the evening but worry about the water being too cold? Consider adding a heater to your pool or even installing a spa on your property.

Use the guide above to keep enjoying your pool throughout autumn. And if you need to schedule any service or repairs to your pool system, call the team at Shenton Pumps. With 40 years of experience, we ensure you have the right equipment and services available to keep your pool working well so you can enjoy it for as long as possible.