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Luzerne, PA 18709
Call: 570-288-1025

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10 East Union Street,
Shickshinny, PA 18655
Call: 570-542-4281

How To Prepare Pool For Autumn: Fall Pool Maintenance

Maintenance
pool in the fall with leaves in the water, concept of fall pool maintenance needed

Proactive maintenance is crucial in protecting your pool during the fall. As the weather cools down and leaves start falling, proper fall pool maintenance steps can prevent costly damage and keep your pool in good shape for the next season.

Here’s an expanded guide with details to ensure your pool is well-maintained through the fall in Pennsylvania areas such as Luzerne, Shickshinny and surrounding counties.


Fall Pool Maintenance: How To Protect Your Pool


Maintain Your Pool’s Water Chemistry

Suppose you keep your pool open throughout the fall, although you don’t swim. In that case, it’s essential to continue the vital steps in fall pool maintenance, such as monitoring and maintaining your pool’s water chemistry. The cooler temperatures don’t stop algae growth, and improper water balance can lead to stains, algae, and bacteria buildup. Use your water test kit to properly balance pH levels, chlorine, alkalinity, and calcium hardness. Regular adjustments will help avoid unwanted growth, which will be more challenging to clean when it’s time to reopen the pool next year.

  • Tip: Check your water chemistry at least once a week during the fall. You may also want to shock the pool to keep chlorine levels high and prevent contamination.


Keep Your Pool Clean

Fall brings falling leaves, twigs, and other debris that can quickly clutter your pool’s surface and even reach the bottom. Leaves that sink to the bottom can cause staining and become difficult to remove. This can also clog up your filtration system, reducing efficiency and causing mechanical problems. Use a pool skimmer daily to remove floating debris, and consider investing in an automatic pool cleaner if you haven’t already.

  • Tip: Trim back any overhanging trees or branches near your pool area to minimize leaf buildup. Also, regularly empty your pool’s skimmer basket and vacuum the bottom to keep it clean.


Inspect Your Pool’s Cover

As fall progresses, and continuous fall pool maintenance is essential, you’ll likely use your pool cover more often. A pool cover is one of the best defenses against debris, but it must be in good shape. Inspect the cover for any rips, tears, or wear and tear that may have developed over time. If you find small holes, patch them up immediately. Larger tears might mean it’s time for a replacement.

  • Tip: Ensure your cover fits snugly to prevent leaves and debris from slipping into the pool. Secure the edges to prevent wind from lifting the cover and carrying debris underneath.


Monitor Pool Equipment

Your pool equipment, including the pump, filter, and heater, still needs regular fall pool maintenance and monitoring. As debris levels increase, your pool filter might need to be cleaned more frequently to prevent clogs and ensure efficient operation. If you have a heater, you may use it more often to extend the swimming season, so check it regularly for any performance issues.

  • Tip: Check and clean your pool filter at least once a month or more frequently if you’re dealing with excessive debris from falling leaves.


Preparing Your Pool for Winter

Pool with snow around it, concept after fall pool maintenance is completed

Lower the Water Level

Lowering the water level in your pool is essential before freezing temperatures hit. The water should sit below the pool’s skimmer to prevent freezing and cracking of the skimmer and other pool parts. Check your pool manufacturer’s guidelines for the recommended water level.

  • Tip: If you live in an area with harsh winters, adding a pool antifreeze to the lines is also advisable to prevent damage from any remaining water.


Use a Winterizing Kit

Once you’re officially ready to close your pool for the winter, purchase a high-quality winterizing kit. These kits typically contain algaecides, chlorine shock, and other chemicals to keep your water clean and balanced throughout the cold months. This will help reduce algae growth, prevent scaling, and maintain water clarity when reopening the spring pool.

  • Tip: Follow the instructions on the winterizing kit closely to ensure that all chemicals are added at the proper dosage.


Protect Your Pool’s Filtration System

Water in the pool’s pipes can freeze, expanding and causing them to crack, resulting in significant repair costs come spring. Drain all water from the pipes and the pool’s filtration system to prevent this. You can use a shop vac or air compressor to blow out the lines if needed. Contact a professional pool service if you need more time to do this.

  • Tip: Remember to remove any removable items from the pool, such as ladders, handrails, and pool toys, to prevent damage and simplify the reopening process next season.


Fall Pool Maintenance / Closing For Winter: Additional Pool Care Considerations


Check Pool Accessories and Poolside Furniture

As you prepare to close your pool for the season, check any poolside accessories, furniture, and equipment. Store your pool cleaning tools, floats, and toys in a dry, safe location to prevent damage from the elements.

  • Tip: Consider covering your poolside furniture or storing it indoors to protect it from the weather, especially in areas prone to snow and ice.


Consider Investing in a Leaf Net

A leaf net is a specialized cover designed to sit on your regular pool cover. This is an excellent investment in an area with lots of falling leaves. It makes debris removal much easier—you can pull the net off, shake out the leaves, and place it back on top of the pool cover.

  • Tip: Check the leaf net weekly, especially after heavy winds, to prevent it from becoming too weighed down.


When to Call the Experts

If fall pool maintenance becomes overwhelming, or you want to ensure everything is done correctly for winter, it’s always best to call the professionals. Skovish Pools and Spas offers expert pool closing services in Shickshinny, Luzerne, PA and the surrounding counties. The expert team will handle everything, from water chemistry balancing and equipment inspections to winterizing and cover placement.

  • Tip: Schedule your pool closing service early in the season to avoid last-minute rushes and ensure your pool is properly winterized before the first frost.


Contact Skovish Pools and Spas

If you have additional questions or concerns or need assistance with fall pool maintenance and closing your pool for the winter, contact Skovish Pools & Spas. We proudly serve customers in Shickshinny, Luzerne and the Pennsylvania counties beyond. Our team is ready to help you ensure your pool stays protected and in top condition for next season.

We look forward to hearing from you!

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