A crystal clear clean pool can turn into a mess from algae, cloudiness, and low chlorine in no time if you don’t have a plan.
No one knows your property like you do, nor are you free from liability should something happen while you are away. Option 2: Shock pool, add algecide, then DO NOT REMOVE solar cover, circulate water for a few hours then SHUT everything down. Another hands free system is to use some form of automatic chlorine feeder such as a salt or mineral system.
Is there anything you can do to prevent algae and other issues occurring in the first place in the pool before you leave home?
For online order questions:What To Do When You’re On Vacation…But Your Pool Isn’t Here at E-Z Test Pool Supplies we are big fans of theKeep in mind that maintaining a clean, clear pool requires 3 things High chlorine levels on occasion will do no long-term harm to your pool and may help keep things clean. Of course the easy answer would be to have a relative or neighbor keep an eye on the pool by testing the water and making sure that the filter and pump are running properly.
If you have your filter and pump coming on automatically then chlorine will be infused into the pool water eliminating the need for daily doses by someone.
Neighbor Check: The best way to fight pool panic may be to have a neighbor check on your pool. At E-Z Test Pools we always recommend running the pump and filter Next, shock your pool even up to twice as hard as you normally would to prepare for the time away. Shock pool, add algecide, then REMOVE solar cover, circulate water for a few hours then SHUT everything down. Finally, upon return remember there are still a good amount of vacation days at home to use around your pool so keep up your maintenance and safety diligence throughout the summer.
Hence why it’s best to start small when forming the habit. Just remember to reciprocate.
Getting to know a neighbor may be a trend here. Pool ownership is always easier if you are as hands free as possible and in todays standards there are many gadgets and pool supplies to make this happen. Also, put an extra chlorine tablet in with what you would normally run in the skimmer, OR if you have an automatic chlorinator you may want to turn up the knob a number or two – just remember to turn back down when you get home. In the summer heat such as what we have been experiencing a pool can turn green pretty quickly without proper operation and care. If you know that you will be away for more than a week, it is best to have someone shock the pool once a week as well.As always, be sure to test and balance chemicals all levels such as pH, total alkalinity, chlorine stabilizer, and calcium hardness, and remember to clean out (or backwash) your filter prior to leaving.And last but not least, use an algaecide as a preventative measure.
If you plan on being away longer than a week, I would recommend having a neighbor, friend or a pool service maintain the pool while you're away. But what if you aren’t familiar with your neighbor or have no one that can stop over to check on your property?Here are a few ideas for those of you without the manpower. This is especially true if you anticipate that no one will be in the pool while you’re on vacation.
All this is great for your pool – EXCEPT if you’re going away on vacation from home for an extended period of time. Well, yes there is and let’s take a few minutes to go over some preventative measures you should take.What to Do when You are on Vacation, but your Swimming Pool is not!First things first, your pool needs ample filter run time in order to keep up.
If you don’t have the automatic timer and chlorinator your options are somewhat limited.
If you do decide to allow guests, have important numbers such as emergency numbers prevalent in the pool area, leave your contact information and if you have a trusted pool company you use regularly leave their number in case there is need of repairs.
Salt systems have done much in the way of establishing a safety net for home owners in regards to water chemistry, but nothing is better at preventing water imbalance and algae outbreaks A) The pool needs to breath and gas-off. Hmm!
Adult supervision, gate, door and window alarms are paramount when young children are at a home with a pool; please take a moment to check yours?For more safety ideas and swimming pool tips visit my author website at