Nine times out of ten, pools are quite happy to be left alone. However, when headaches do happen, they tend to be big ones! From murky green algal blooms to clogged filters, it can sometimes feel like swimming pools wait until they sense the car leaving the driveway before they start misbehaving. However, with a few simple steps you can guarantee returning home to clear, sparkling water. Here’s how to correctly leave your swimming pool to go on holiday.
1) Run A Full Water Test
Most pool owners run a comprehensive water test every week. This ensures that the water balance is optimised to ensure a safe, healthy swimming environment. However, if there is ever a time to check absolutely everything, it’s before a holiday. A slight imbalance with the chemicals can quickly escalate into something more difficult to solve. Carry out a complete water test, and tinker with the chemistry until you are satisfied that the levels are perfect.
2) Make Sure You Have A Cover
Swimming pool covers are an excellent investment for any pool and are especially useful if you are frequently away. Pool covers keep the heat in and keep both debris and sunlight out. This reduces the risk of algae build-up and overworked filters. Pool covers also prevent uninvited visitors from taking a dip whilst you are elsewhere. There are many types of pool cover available, with one of the most popular option being electronic slatted covers that form a safe, stylish seal, keeping your water intact until you return.
3) Check The Filter
The warmer the weather, the harder the filter and chemicals have to work. If either gets into difficulties whilst you are away, the likelihood is that you will return home to a bright green pool. Make sure that the filter is clear of debris and that it is running smoothly. Filters should be inspected annually and fully serviced every 3 years as part of on-going swimming pool maintenance, so strategically timing a professional visit prior to departure can offer peace of mind.
4) Add A Little Algaecide
Once algae starts to take hold, it can bloom very quickly. An algaecide is a helpful, cost effective ally. There are four main types of algae: green, yellow, red, and black. Green is by far the most common, especially in the summer. Yellow algae is related to green algae but is hardier and is more of a challenge as it can thrive without sunlight. Red algae is a type of bacteria that is tolerant to chlorine. Black algae is found in plaster-walled swimming pools, which provide a good rooting environment. Black and green algae can be treated with copper ions – an ancient method that has been in use since Roman times. Quaternary Ammonium or Polymer compounds will take care of everything else.
5) Book A Regular Maintenance Visit
For complete peace of mind, a regular maintenance visit can ensure that your swimming pool is kept pristine. Pool experts quickly get to know the unique quirks and temperaments of the pools that they service, resulting in personalised and informed care. Regular maintenance can stop many potential issues long before they become problems, and this prevents minor niggles from becoming expensive dramas.
What Next?
For more information about keeping your pool in peak condition while you are away, call us today on 01536 646 007.