As the crisp air of early autumn begins to set in, it’s the perfect time to start preparing your pool for the colder months ahead. While full winterisation may still be a few weeks away, there are essential autumn pool care tasks you can tackle now to ensure your pool remains in top condition as temperatures begin to drop.
Taking a few proactive steps during early autumn will make the full winterisation process much easier and help protect your pool through the colder weather. Here are the key tasks to focus on during this transitional period.
1. Remove Debris Regularly
One of the first tasks as autumn begins is staying on top of debris removal. As trees start to shed their leaves, they can easily end up in your pool, clogging filters and making the water look less inviting. Regularly skimming the surface to remove leaves, twigs, and any other debris will keep your pool looking fresh and prevent more significant problems later.
Keeping your pool free of debris at this stage is also essential for reducing the strain on your pool’s filtration system, which is critical as temperatures start to cool.
2. Adjust Chemical Levels
As the weather cools, it’s important to monitor and adjust your pool’s chemical levels. The cooler temperatures slow down chemical reactions, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore them. Maintaining proper water balance ensures the pool stays clean and safe, especially if you’re still using it.
Key chemicals to check include:
pH levels: Ensure they’re within the recommended range to prevent algae growth or scaling.
Chlorine levels: Keep an eye on sanitiser levels to maintain water clarity and hygiene.
Alkalinity: Balancing alkalinity will help stabilise the pH, keeping your pool chemistry in check.
Regular chemical maintenance at this stage will not only keep the water clean now but also make the winterisation process smoother later on.
3. Check Water Levels
Fluctuating temperatures during early autumn can affect your pool’s water levels. Rain, cooler nights, and evaporation can all contribute to changes in water height. It’s important to maintain a proper water level - typically about halfway up your skimmer opening - to ensure the pump and filter continue to operate efficiently.
As part of your early autumn routine, keep an eye on water levels and top off as necessary to avoid overburdening your equipment.
4. Inspect Pool Equipment
With the colder months approaching, now is the ideal time to give your pool equipment a thorough inspection. Check that your filters, pumps, and heaters are working as they should. Catching any issues early means you can have repairs or replacements done before the colder weather sets in, avoiding any unexpected problems during the winter months.
If you spot any issues, whether it’s a drop in water pressure or unusual noises from the pump, it's best to address them before temperatures drop further.
5. Prepare Your Pool Cover
Even if you’re not fully winterising just yet, now is a good time to inspect your pool cover. Make sure it’s in good condition and ready to be used when the time comes. If you have a safety cover or a solar cover, ensure it’s clean, free of damage, and easy to use.
Preparing your cover in early autumn ensures you’ll have no surprises when it’s time to cover the pool for the winter. A properly maintained cover will also protect your pool from falling leaves and debris in the coming weeks.
Early Autumn Pool Care Saves Time Later
By taking these steps now, you’ll keep your pool in great shape throughout early autumn and make the eventual winterisation process much easier.
For more advice on how to keep your pool pristine through the colder months or to schedule a winterisation service, get in touch today. We’ve been helping pool owners in Gloucestershire, the Cotswolds, Oxfordshire, and beyond with expert pool care and maintenance for over 30 years. Let us help you prepare your pool for every season.
About Aquascape
For over 30 years, Aquascape Swimming Pools has been a leader in pool design, construction, renovation, and maintenance services across Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Bristol, and the South West. We specialise in bespoke pools, offering concrete, stainless steel, and liner options, tailored for both indoor and outdoor environments. Our expert craftsmanship, attention to detail, and exceptional customer service set us apart. Whether you're building a new pool or enhancing an existing one, we provide comprehensive swimming pool repairs, renovations, and regular or seasonal maintenance. Get in touch today to discuss your pool needs, and let us help you create and maintain the perfect pool for your home.
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