Nothing can ruin the perfect holiday glow than coming home to a swampy swimming pool. If you are away for more than a week, your unattended pool will collect debris and bacteria that can affect the water balance. Before you go away, follow these tips to keep your pool sparkling during your absence
Shock your pool
The term, shock your pool, means super chlorinating your pool with more acid and chlorine than usual. We recommend shocking your pool with 2-3 times what you would usually use and then letting the pump run for a few hours before heading away.
Add algaecide
Algaecide should be used after each shock treatment so it has a better chance to support your chlorine as it works its magic. Add 100ml of algaecide per 10,000 litres of water for every week that the pool will be unattended. For salt pools, use a salt pool protector.
Empty your skimmer basket
Empty your skimmer basket and make sure the level of your pool water is well above the bottom of the skimmer box. If you plan to go away for a few weeks or months, ask a neighbour, family member or friend to empty your skimmer basket in your absence.
Check your filter pressure
Check your filter pressure and clean your filter. Depending on the type of pool filter you have – cartridge, sand or diatomaceous earth (D.E.), the proper cleaning method will vary.
Clean your salt chlorinator cell
Clean your salt cell, even it is ‘self-cleaning.’ You should do this every 6 months or so to remove any calcium build-up and to clean the sensor.
Take a water sample to your local pool shop when you return
When you return from your trip, take a water sample into your local pool shop to ensure that your pool water is properly balanced and ready for swimming.
Should I turn off the pool pump while on holiday?
We recommend that you continue normal filtration and circulation for up to 12 hours per day (depending on the season) using a pool timer. Although you may have gotten away with less, keep in mind that you won’t be home to see what condition your pool will be in if conditions take a turn for the worse while you’re away. A timer is useful in maintaining your pool while you are on holidays and makes pool maintenance more enjoyable. If you don’t have a timer, you can ask a neighbour to switch on / switch off your pool pump during certain times of the day.
Seek advice from your local pool cleaning experts
Going on holidays should be relaxing. You shouldn’t have to worry about pool maintenance while you are away. Starting from $75 per hour, the pool cleaning experts at Sunderlands Cleaning and Pool Supplies are leaders in pool care in Inverell. Our mobile pool cleaning team can clean your pool, clean up after a storm, repair your pool pump or automatic cleaner and help with pool stain removal. Our fully trained technicians offer all the pool maintenance support and help you need.
Sunderlands Cleaning and Pool Supplies – leading the way in quality cleaning products and pool supplies in Inverell
Looking for quality pool supplies in Inverell? Sunderlands Cleaning and Pool Supplies are a one-stop shop for all your pool supplies and equipment, commercial-grade cleaning products, and industrial and catering supplies. For more information on our products and services, contact our friendly Inverell team on 02 6722 1130 or find us online here.
