How to Keep Your Pool from Turning Green While on Vacation

Introduction

When you’re on vacation, the last thing you want to worry about is the state of your swimming pool back home. Even with responsible maintenance and chemical treatments, there’s always the chance that your pool can turn green while you’re away. A green pool is caused by an excess of algae growth and can make for an unpleasant swim when you return. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the risk of your pool turning green while you’re away.

Invest in a Pool Cover

A pool cover is the simplest way to prevent your pool from turning green while you’re away. Covers can help keep out debris and dirt, as well as limit the amount of sunlight that reaches the water. Sunlight helps promote algae growth, so limiting the amount of sunlight entering your pool can help inhibit the growth of algae. Pool covers also help keep your pool warm, reducing the need to heat the pool upon your return.

The two main types of pool covers are solid and mesh. Solid covers are made of vinyl and are designed to totally block the sun from entering the pool. These covers are typically more expensive, but they offer better insulation and protection from algae growth. Mesh covers are made from nylon or polyester and allow some sunlight to penetrate the pool. They are less expensive than solid covers, but are not as effective at preventing algae growth.

Add Pool Algaecide

Algaecides are chemicals specifically designed to kill and prevent algae growth. When added to the pool, these chemicals disrupt the cell walls of algae, killing them and preventing new growth. Pool algaecides are available in both liquid and granular form, and should be used regularly to ensure maximum effectiveness.

There are several types of algaecides available on the market. Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are the most commonly used type of algaecide. QACs are non-toxic and safe for use in pools, and are effective against a wide range of algae. Polymer algaecides are another type of algaecide that are more effective at killing certain types of algae, such as black algae. Copper-based algaecides are also available, which are best suited for killing blue-green algae.

Test and Balance Pool pH and Chlorine Levels

Maintaining proper pH and chlorine levels is essential for keeping your pool clean and free of algae. The pH level of the pool should be between 7.2 and 7.6, while the chlorine level should be between 1 and 3 parts per million. If either of these levels is too low, it can create an environment conducive to algae growth.

Testing and balancing the pH and chlorine levels of the pool can be done with test strips or a digital pool tester. Test strips are dipped into the pool and then compared to color charts to measure the pH and chlorine levels. Digital pool testers provide a more accurate reading, but are usually more expensive. Once the pH and chlorine levels have been tested, they can be adjusted with pool chemicals if necessary.

Use Automatic Pool Cleaner

Automatic pool cleaners can be a great way to keep your pool clean while you’re away. These cleaners run off of the pool’s filtration system and move around the bottom and sides of the pool, vacuuming up dirt and debris. They are especially useful for removing leaves, which can quickly accumulate and cause problems with algae growth. Automatic cleaners are available in both suction-side and pressure-side models.

Suction-side cleaners attach to the skimmer and use the pool’s pump and filter to move around the pool. Pressure-side cleaners attach to the return line and use the pressure of the water to propel them around the pool. Both types of cleaners are effective at removing dirt and debris, and they can save you time when you return from your vacation.

Clean Filter Regularly

Keeping your pool’s filter clean is another important step in preventing your pool from turning green. Filters should be cleaned regularly to remove any dirt and debris that has accumulated. This will help ensure that the pool’s water is being filtered properly and that the levels of contaminants are kept to a minimum.

Cleaning the filter can be done manually or with a filter cleaner. Manual cleaning involves disassembling the filter and cleaning each component with a hose. Filter cleaners are chemicals that are added to the pool and then circulated through the filter to break down any dirt and debris that has built up. Both methods should be done on a regular basis to ensure maximum efficiency.

Skim Pool of Leaves and Debris

Leaves and other debris can accumulate in your pool over time and cause problems with algae growth. To prevent this, it’s important to skim the pool of leaves and other debris on a regular basis. This can be done with a leaf skimmer, which is a pole with a net attached to the end. The net is used to scoop up leaves and other debris that have settled on the bottom and sides of the pool.

It’s important to pay close attention when skimming the pool, as even small pieces of debris can cause problems with algae growth. It’s also important to make sure that the skimmer is cleaned regularly to ensure that it is effective at removing debris from the pool.

Have Neighbor Check on Pool

If you’re going to be away for an extended period of time, it may be a good idea to have a neighbor check on your pool. This will give you peace of mind knowing that someone is keeping an eye on the pool and can alert you right away if there are any issues.

When asking a neighbor to check on your pool, it’s important to make sure they know what to look for. You should provide them with instructions on how to test and balance the pH and chlorine levels, as well as inform them of any maintenance that needs to be done. You should also provide them with contact information in case of an emergency.

Conclusion

Keeping your pool from turning green while you’re away on vacation doesn’t have to be a difficult task. By investing in a pool cover, adding pool algaecide, testing and balancing pH and chlorine levels, using an automatic pool cleaner, cleaning the filter regularly, skimming leaves and debris, and having a neighbor check on the pool, you can rest assured that your pool will be in good condition when you return.