Late Summer Pool Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Pool Healthy

As the warm days of summer start to wane, it’s tempting to think that your pool maintenance responsibilities are also winding down. However, the truth is that late summer is a critical time to ensure your pool remains clean, safe, and inviting for those last few dips before the cooler weather arrives. Let’s explore some essential late summer pool maintenance tips and why maintaining your pool’s health is vital after a busy swimming season.

1. Skimming and Cleaning: The Basics of Late Summer Maintenance

As the days grow shorter, leaves and debris can still enter your pool. Regular skimming is your first line of defense against a cluttered pool surface. Use a skimmer net to remove leaves, insects, and any debris that might have collected on the water’s surface. Additionally, clean out the skimmer and pump baskets to ensure proper water circulation and filtration.

2. Balance the Chemicals to Maintain Water Quality

After months of use, your pool’s water chemistry may have shifted. Test the water’s pH, chlorine levels, alkalinity, and calcium hardness to ensure they are within the recommended range. Balancing these chemicals is crucial for preventing algae growth, cloudy water, and skin or eye irritation. Late summer is an excellent time to shock your pool with chlorine to eliminate lingering bacteria or contaminants.

3. Check and Clean Filters to Enhance Water Clarity

The pool filter plays a vital role in maintaining water clarity and quality. If your pool has a sand filter, backwash it to remove debris and contaminants. For cartridge filters, clean or replace the cartridges as needed. A clean filter promotes efficient water circulation, helping to prevent the buildup of algae and other unwanted particles.

4. Brush and Vacuum to Eliminate Buildup

Brushing the pool’s walls and floor can prevent algae and other grime from taking hold. The algae growth can escalate quickly, turning your refreshing oasis into a green, slimy mess. Regular vacuuming also helps remove sediment and debris that may have settled on the pool’s bottom, contributing to water clarity.

5. Address Any Repairs to Extend the Life of Your Pool

Late summer is ideal for addressing any small repairs before they become bigger problems. Inspect the pool’s equipment, such as pumps, heaters, and filters, for any signs of wear or malfunction. Fixing these issues can prevent unexpected breakdowns during the next swimming season, saving you time and money in the long run.

The Importance of Late Summer Pool Maintenance

Health and Safety: Late summer pool maintenance isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s also about ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone who enjoys your pool. Proper chemical balance and filtration help to eliminate harmful bacteria and contaminants, reducing the risk of waterborne illnesses and infections.

Preserving Pool Equipment: Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of your pool equipment. You can avoid premature wear and tear by cleaning and servicing pumps, filters, and heaters. This translates into fewer repairs and replacements, ultimately saving you money.

Effortless Opening Next Season: Investing time in late summer maintenance sets the stage for a smoother pool opening next year. By preventing the accumulation of debris, algae growth, and equipment malfunctions, you’ll have a head start preparing your pool for the next swimming season.

Water Conservation: A well-maintained pool is more efficient, requiring fewer water changes and chemicals to keep it clean. This contributes to water conservation efforts and helps reduce the environmental impact of pool ownership.

Your Coventry Pool Care Experts

Don’t let the approaching end of summer fool you into neglecting your pool maintenance duties. Late summer is crucial to ensure your pool remains a safe, enjoyable haven for your family and friends. Following these maintenance tips and recognizing the importance of consistent care will reward you with a sparkling, inviting pool ready to welcome you back next year. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your pool’s health, be sure to contact the Coventry pool care experts at The Pool Doctor to help you with all your pool care needs. 

ABOUT THE COMPANY 

The Pool Doctor of Rhode Island is the leading full-service pool and spa company in Rhode Island. Their business had its beginnings in 1987 when co-owner Ron Leclerc began selling pool supplies out of the back of his Camaro. In 2001, Ron and his wife Debbie opened their 7,000 square foot facility in Coventry. This extensive and beautiful showroom is the result of years of hard work and represents a long-standing tradition of excellence and commitment to giving Rhode Islanders the best pool and spa service, advice, and products.  

From installing vinyl liner inground swimming pools to selling gorgeous Dimension One hot tubs to offering free water-testing and professional service in their store, The Pool Doctor of Rhode Island is your place for everything pool and spa. They are a proud BioGuard Platinum Dealer and also offer a huge selection of other brands of swimming pool and hot tub supplies, including Loop-Loc Pool Safety Covers, above ground pools, and Hayward equipment. But, more than anything, The Pool Doctor of Rhode Island strives to give their customers a wonderful experience from beginning to end. 

Visit The Pool Doctor of Rhode Island at 2200 Nooseneck Hill Road in Coventry or at splashtime.com or give them a call at (401) 392-1300. They serve all of Rhode Island, including Coventry, West Greenwich, East Greenwich, North Kingstown, South Kingstown, Exeter, Richmond, and Hopkinton.