There are many preventive steps you can take to avoid potential maintenance issues and keep your pool in good repair. Pools require maintenance whether anyone has been swimming in them or not, Pools require a daily regimen of being tested for chemical balances, being swept for settling debris, and having a net used to get larger articles that are floating on top. If you’re away, there’s no possible way to do all these things, so put that on your list of things to do before heading off on vacation.

there are some treatments and tactics you can use to keep your pool water from turning green while you’re gone.

Before you leave use your test strips to determine chemical levels. Set chemical levels rather high before leaving and they’ll lower themselves over a few days. Be sure and shock the pool the day of or the day before your departure. It’s a good idea to purchase a pool cover, if you don’t already have one, since it will prevent the gathering of bugs and leaves on the water surface.

If you can get a neighbor or friend to help with the pool, have them come over every couple of days while you’re gone, and net, test, vacuum and treat the pool. Leave a list of instructions stating exactly the amount of chemicals to be used and on which days they should be added. No one wants to come home to a hole in their pool liner because the helper didn’t understand the timing and amounts of the chemicals.

If you don’t have someone that can help with the pool while you’re away, set chemical levels high, make sure the pool is well-vacuumed, and add a cover to the pool. Turn off the skimmer since pools can lose a couple of inches of water during the duration of your trip. If the skimmer is left on, air can be sucked into the pump, causing it to shut down permanently. You definitely don’t want to come home from vacation only to find you need to buy a new pool pump.

Before leaving a pool unguarded make sure all gates and other enclosures are locked. Many people put a beach ball under the cover of the pool to prevent animals or kids from falling in and being unable to get out before drowning.

When you return from vacation test the water, treat if necessary, and turn the skimmer back on before swimming. Your pool will likely need water added, if it hasn’t been maintained by a friend, and you’ll probably need to adjust ph balances as well.

Proper pool maintenance spells the life of your pool, so don’t neglect it more than three days while away or on vacation. If you’ll be gone for more than three or four weeks you really need to drain it or have someone maintain it in your absence.

Protecting Your Pool’s Color

Protect your pool from turning green by removing debris from the pool every day. Use a large leaf net instead of a hand skimmer. It will stir up the water which allows debris at the bottom to surface.

Check pH Levels Regularly

There are two ways to check your pool’s pH: visit your local pool store for a professional test (which is usually free) or purchase inexpensive testing strips. Testing your pool chemicals often can prevent swimming pool maintenance issues resulting from corrosion or scaly water. And if your pH is low or high, you can add pH plus or minus to bring it back in balance. These same steps apply to hot tubs.

Shock Your Pool

Using shock chemicals on your pool kills bacteria and pool algae. How often you do this will depend on how often you use your pool. When getting your water tested, ask the pool technician for a recommendation. Some will need to do this weekly, while others can get away with once a month. You’ll also want to shock your pool if you notice issues with water clarity.

Run Your Filter Daily

Prevent potential swimming pool maintenance issues by running your pool filter daily. If you’re running your filter daily and keeping up with adding chemicals, you should have minimal maintenance issues. However, if you notice your pool’s color is cloudy or green despite regular maintenance, contact a pool technician to take a look. You might need a filter replacement or other minor repair.

Close Your Pool for the Winter

Depending on your area’s climate, you might need to close your pool for the winter months. Some professionals recommend draining the pool and weatherizing it to ensure pipes don’t freeze if you get snow and ice. You’ll also want to turn off the power breaker for the pool equipment. Depending on your pool type and climate, some pools are best left with some water in them over the winter and an appropriate level of chemicals and pool filtration. This often ends up being less expensive than refilling the pool in the spring.

Then, when you’re ready to open for the warmer months, you’ll need to empty water out of any tubes and unplug winterizing materials. Also, don’t forget to lubricate all bolts on diving boards, ladders and rails to provide additional protection. Turn on the power breaker and check the system for any leaks or maintenance issues. For example, check for proper water flow to ensure the filter is working correctly.