1. Balance the Water Chemistry

Before leaving, make sure your pool’s water chemistry is perfectly balanced. This means adjusting the pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels. The pH should be between 7.4 and 7.6, and the chlorine level should be around 1.0 to 3.0 ppm. Properly balanced water will help prevent algae growth and other water quality issues while you’re gone.

2. Shock the Pool

Give your pool a good shock treatment a day before you leave. Shocking the pool means adding a large dose of chlorine to kill any bacteria and organic contaminants. This step ensures that the water remains clean and clear, even if you’re away for an extended period.

3. Run the Filter

Set your pool filter to run for at least 8-12 hours each day. If you have a timer, use it to automate this process. Keeping the water circulating helps prevent algae growth and ensures that debris is captured in the filter. If you don’t have a timer or automations set up yet, give us a call to set you up before you leave.

4. Clean the Pool Thoroughly

Skim the surface of your pool to remove leaves, insects, and other debris. Vacuum the pool floor and walls to eliminate any dirt or algae buildup. Pay special attention to the pool’s steps, ladders, and other areas where dirt tends to accumulate. A clean pool is less likely to develop issues while you’re away.

5. Lower the Water Level (If Necessary)

If you’re expecting heavy rains while you’re gone, consider lowering the water level slightly to prevent the pool from overflowing. This is particularly important if your pool doesn’t have an automatic overflow feature. No matter what, check that your pool is filled to the proper level. Evaporation is common in Florida’s hot climate, and if the water level drops too low, your pump could run dry and cause expensive damage.

6. Check Equipment

Before leaving, inspect your pool equipment, including the pump, filter, and heater, to ensure everything is functioning properly. If any equipment appears to be faulty, have it repaired before you leave to avoid coming home to a malfunctioning pool.  Contact us for repairs.

7. Turn Off Non-Essential Features

If your pool has water features like fountains or waterfalls, it’s a good idea to turn them off while you’re away. These features can waste water and energy, and if something goes wrong, they might cause damage to your pool or surrounding area.

8. Secure the Pool Area

Ensure that your pool area is secure. Lock any gates to reduce the risk of unauthorized access and keeps the area safe while you’re gone.

9. Adjust the Thermostat

If your pool is heated, consider lowering the thermostat to save energy while you’re away. However, don’t turn it off completely, as a sudden drop in temperature can affect your pool’s water balance.

10. Add an Algaecide

Consider adding a preventative algaecide to the pool. This will help keep algae at bay and ensure your pool remains clean and clear while you’re enjoying your vacation.

11. Set Up a Monitoring System

If you’re tech-savvy, consider installing a pool monitoring system that can alert you to any issues while you’re away. Some systems can even be controlled remotely, allowing you to adjust the pool settings from your smartphone.

12. Trim Nearby Trees and Bushes

If you have trees or bushes near your pool, trim them before you leave. This will reduce the amount of leaves, pollen, and debris that can blow into your pool, keeping it cleaner for longer.

13. Secure the Pool Pump

If you’re concerned about power outages, you might want to turn off the pool pump and secure it before leaving. This will prevent the pump from burning out if the power goes off and then back on while you’re away. Consider at least getting a smart plug that you can check or reset from your phone.

14. Check for Leaks

Do a quick inspection for any leaks in the pool or its equipment. Addressing leaks before you leave can prevent them from worsening and causing more significant problems while you’re away.

15. Inform Your Pool Service Provider

Let us know you are traveling and we will continue to maintain your pool while you are away

16. Prepare for Hurricane Season

If you’re traveling during hurricane season, ensure your pool area is secure. Remove any loose objects around the pool that could become projectiles in strong winds, and consider lowering the water level to prevent overflow.

By following these steps, you can leave your pool in excellent condition, allowing you to relax and enjoy your vacation without worrying about coming home to expensive pool problems. Proper preparation ensures that your pool remains a refreshing oasis when you return.

About Swim N Fun
Owning an inground pool in Central Florida comes with unique challenges due to our tropical climate and environmental conditions. By staying proactive and investing in regular maintenance, pool owners can address common issues quickly to keep their pools in the best shape all year. Regular professional inspections, prompt repairs, and the use of quality materials are key to preserving your investment.  You spent plenty of money to enjoy your backyard oasis, now protect it by properly maintaining it.

Swim ‘N Fun is fully licensed and insured and has been serving Central Florida since 1986. Our pool company is ready to help you with any pool repairs that you may need such as repairing a broken pool pump, pool filter, pool vacuum, pool filtration system or pool lights. Our pool technicians will arrive at your home in our fully stocked service trucks. They will evaluate the problem and then make the repair. Many times, an extensive or expensive pool repair is not needed. No job is too big or too small!

We service all major brands. Let us help you with your pool repairs and maintenance. Please give us a call at 407-699-5588.