There is no greater fear for a pool owner than going on vacation and coming back home to a murky, algae-filled pool. That’s probably the very last thing you’ll want after having enjoyed a relaxing vacation! So if you don’t want to have to deal with the complicated process of cleaning green poolwater, follow the steps below so that you can come back home and dive right in.
1. Steps to follow right before leaving
Check the water level
The water level is important because many elements may be impacted by water levels that are too low or too high. When the water level of your pool is too low, the water won’t be able to get into your skimmer. If the water can’t get to your skimmer, that means your pump won’t have enough water in it. Consequently, your pump could potentially overheat and break down. Moreover, all of the debris that would usually be picked up by your skimmer will remain in your pool. Conversely, if the water level is too high, your skimmer won’t be able to function properly, which means that debris will likely remain in the water as well.
High water levels generally do not pose as much of a threat as low water levels, which is why before going on vacation, you should aim to have a water level that is just a bit higher than where it’s supposed to be (the middle of your skimmer). However, you should check the weather forecast for the time in which you will be gone, because if it predicts heavy rainfalls, then you should hold off on filling it too much.
Check your chemical levels and shock your pool
Before leaving, you should ensure that everything is clean and that there are no leaves or debris in your pool. That means checking your skimmer basket, filter, and pool pump. After making sure that everything is clean and that your chemical levels are where they should be, you should shock your pool. This will keep the pool cleaner for a longer period of time.
2. Automate your Pool
It’s no secret that technology makes daily tasks a lot easier. And with the advancement of technology came the possibility of automating your pool. Many pool owners have made the decision to automate their pools because less work is involved when it comes to keeping their pools clean. Moreover, it makes going on vacation much less stressful.
Dolphin M400 automatic pool cleaner
A nice tool to have is an automatic pool cleaner that you can simply leave in your pool to suck up any dirt or debris. Automatic chlorinators and brominators are also reliable options. They will administer the proper amount of chemicals into your pool at the precise time, allowing you to keep your pool’s chemical levels in check. Perhaps the most popular tool, however, is a timer (though variable speed pumps have this feature integrated into their systems). Since running your pump is the most important step behind keeping your pool clean, a timer can ensure that you keep the pump running 8 to 12 hours per day even if you are away.
Another option is to invest in a saltwater system that will automatically convert salt to chlorine. Saltwater pools require much less maintenance, so you can rest assured that your pool will be properly maintained while you’re away.
3. Ask a friend to look after your pool
If automating your pool is not a viable option for you right now, then you can simply ask a friend or family member to look after your pool while you are away. Make sure you leave them a pool maintenance checklist if they don’t know much about pool care, or even better, show them what to do before you leave.
4. Leave the work to a professional
If no one is available, you can hire a pool expert for the time that you’re away. This is by far the safest option (as they may even know more about proper pool care than you!). They will ensure that everything is running smoothly so that you can rest easy during your long-awaited vacation.
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