With fall now upon Alabama, custom pool owners may find themselves wondering how to prepare their backyard swimming pool for the upcoming colder months. While many Alabama residents may think pool season is over once the temperatures begin to drop, proper fall maintenance is crucial for keeping your investment running smoothly. Here are a few essential pool cleaning tips to help pool owners in Alabama prepare for the fall months from the new pool building team at Mr. Pool, offering new pool construction and weekly pool cleaning across Alabama. 

1. Skim and Remove Debris

If you own a swimming pool then you probably understand the constant battle with random debris falling into the pool. Yet, especially as leaves begin to fall, it is essential to start regularly skimming the surface of your pool. This skimming not only keeps your pool looking clean but also prevents organic matter from sinking to the bottom and starting the dreaded algae growth. 

2. Brush the Walls and Floor

Furthermore, before covering or closing your pool for the colder months, make sure to brush the walls and floor. This step is crucial as it helps dislodge dirt, algae growth, and other potential contaminants that may have settled. Take your time in this process and pay special attention to the corners and entry steps.

3. Check and Balance Water Chemistry

As temperatures drop, maintaining balanced swimming pool water chemistry is vital. Test your pool water for pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels. The ideal pH range is between 7.2 and 7.8, while alkalinity should be between 80 and 120 ppm. Adjust these levels as necessary to prevent corrosion or scale buildup. 

4. Clean the Filter

Your pool’s filter plays a crucial role in keeping the water clean. As part of your fall maintenance routine, inspect and clean the filter. If you have a cartridge filter, remove it and rinse it thoroughly. For sand filters, backwashing may be necessary to remove trapped dirt and debris. A clean filter ensures optimal performance and prolongs the life of your ever-important swimming pool equipment.

5. Winterize Your Pool Equipment

As temperatures begin to drop, it’s essential to winterize your pool equipment. This includes draining the water from pumps, heaters, and filters to prevent freezing damage. If you have a saltwater system, ensure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions for winterization.

Winterizing is a key step, so don’t hesitate to reach out to the new pool builders at Mr. Pool with any questions you may have about this process. 

6. Cover Your Pool

Finally, consider investing in a high-quality pool cover. A cover helps keep your pool free from leaves and debris during the fall and winter months, reducing the amount of cleaning you’ll need to do in the spring. Additionally, a cover can help retain heat, making it easier to maintain a comfortable temperature if you decide to use your pool during milder fall days.

Mr. Pool – Weekly Fall Pool Cleaning in Alabama

These steps may seem redundant over time, but remember that a custom swimming pool in Alabama is a large investment. So, much like oil changes in your car, cleaning your swimming pool is essential to the health and longevity of your investment. Thankfully, you don’t have to do all these steps alone. Mr. Pool is a new pool builder in Alabama who also offers experienced (and weekly) pool cleaning services. If you’re looking for a pool cleaner to take these steps off of your hands, look no further than the team at Mr. Pool!