How To Prep Your Pool Before Going On Vacation - House Digest

How To Prep Your Pool Before Going On Vacation - House Digest,One thing you will definitely want to know before going on a weeks-long vacation is how to prep your pool and keep it clean while you're away.

How To Prep Your Pool Before Going On Vacation – House Digest

It’s almost time for summer vacation, and you’re trying to check everything off your list. There are so many things to remember, from calling to double-check reservations to last-minute shopping for the trip. One thing you will definitely want to know is how to prep your pool before going on vacation. You don’t want to forget about this asset, especially if you still look forward to a post-vacation swim.

In fact, you might be surprised at how many steps there are to ensure your pool stays healthy while you’re gone. You might even want to enlist a friend or a neighbor to take care of the pool for you while you’re gone, especially if it’s going to be longer than a couple of weeks. You should consider purchasing a pool cover, as well as a timer for the pool filter. These things will help you keep your pool safe and running like clockwork while you’re away.

Cleaning and maintenance

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First, thoroughly clean and vacuum the pool and empty the skimmer basket. Run the backwash setting if you have one, or soak and clean the filter separately, if not. Set the pool timer so the filter runs for 12 hours a day while you’re gone — setting it from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. should be ideal. Since water tends to evaporate over time and is exacerbated by the sun and heat, make sure the water level is slightly higher than recommended before you go. Overall, you want to make certain the system is running its best and prepared for your absence.

One of the most important steps is to double-shock the pool before you go. Since shocking the pool is normally a weekly routine maintenance task in warm weather, you should use double the chlorine to shock it before you leave, in the event you’ll be gone for two weeks. Additionally, if you have an automatic chlorinator, turn up the dial a couple of notches. If not, put an extra chlorine tablet in the skimmer as you’re walking out the door. Lastly, use an algaecide treatment. These things will keep the pool clean and healthy while you’re away.

Security and safety

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The real concern should always be safety, especially when you won’t be around to keep an eye on things for yourself. As previously suggested, invest in a pool cover if you don’t have one, as you can also utilize it during the cooler months or extended periods when you’re not using it. This will help keep debris out and reduce evaporation to a minimum, eliminating the need for slightly overfilling it before you leave. Depending on the type of cover, it will also greatly reduce the risk of potential accidents while you’re away.

If you have a gate or a fence around the pool, make sure it’s securely closed and latched. Additionally, when you know you’re going to be gone for a while, put a padlock on the gate or fence around your property as well as your pool. Consider installing a smart home security system with cameras around the pool area. The importance of vigilance with pool safety cannot be overstated. Last but not least, make some amazing memories and have a phenomenal vacation!