What Should I Do With My Swimming Pool Before Going On Vacation?

Are you planning a vacation and wondering how to maintain your swimming pool while you’re away? Not being available to care for your pool for an extended period can lead to unwanted surprises, such as algae growth, pH imbalances, or equipment malfunctions. You should also keep safety in mind when leaving your pool unattended. To ensure your pool stays in great condition while you’re gone, follow these steps before leaving for your trip.

Thoroughly Clean Your Swimming Pool

Cleaning your swimming pool thoroughly before your vacation is essential. Remove any debris such as leaves, twigs, or insects using a skimmer net or pool vacuum. Brush the pool walls and floor to prevent the buildup of algae or other contaminants. Make sure the pool filter is clean and running efficiently to maintain optimal water circulation during your absence.

Test And Balance Your Water

One crucial step before leaving for vacation is to ensure that your swimming pool’s water chemistry is properly balanced. Imbalanced water can lead to various issues such as algae growth, cloudy water, or even damage to the pool equipment. Test the water and adjust the pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels accordingly. Balanced water will help maintain a healthy pool and make it easier to restore when you return.

Shock Your Swimming Pool

To keep the water clean and clear while you’re away, shock your pool by adding a higher-than-normal dose of chlorine — or other sanitizing chemical. This process eliminates bacteria and algae that may be present in the water. By shocking your pool prior to leaving for vacation, you reduce the amount of time where bacteria and algae could grow. If you’re not gone long, you should come back to a perfectly clean pool. 

Check Your Pool Equipment

Inspect your pool equipment, including the pump, filter, and heater, to ensure they’re functioning correctly. If necessary, clean or replace any parts to prevent malfunctions while you’re away. Additionally, secure any loose fittings or hoses to avoid leaks or damage. By checking pool equipment prior to leaving for vacation, you can rest assured that a hidden issue isn’t going to become a serious problem while you are away. 

Install A Pool Cover

Using a pool cover while you’re away helps keep debris out of the water and reduces water evaporation. A cover also helps maintain water temperature, saving you money on energy bills. Secure the pool cover tightly to prevent it from blowing away in strong winds. A properly secured pool cover can prevent accidents involving children or pets attempting to access the pool.

Have Someone Check On Your Swimming Pool

If you’re going to be gone for longer than a week or two, consider having a friend, neighbor, or hired professional check on your pool. Ask them to make sure all of the equipment is working correctly, clean out any excess debris, and rebalance your pool water if needed. By having someone check on your swimming pool part way through your vacation, you can rest easy knowing that all is well.

Bonnie & Clydes Can Help With Your Swimming Pool Needs

For all of your above-ground swimming pool needs, Bonnie & Clydes is here to help! From new pools, ​pool equipment, pool chemicals, and more, we have it all! Before you leave for vacation, be sure to stop by one of our store locations for pool advice for your specific situation. Also, be sure to stock up on all of your pool chemicals prior to leaving so you can come back and start using your pool again right away!

If you have any questions, please reach out anytime. We look forward to helping you prepare your pool for your much-deserved vacation time.