Here is your essential guide to seasonal pool maintenance to keep your backyard oasis dive-ready year-round

Whether you’re gearing up for the first splash of summer or tucking the pool away for a long winter nap, consistency is the key to crystal-clear water and a long-lasting liner. Neglecting your pool during the "off-season" usually leads to a swampy mess (and a massive bill) come springtime.

🚩 Spring: The "Wake Up" Call Spring is about more than just removing the cover; it’s about setting the chemical foundation for the rest of the year.

The Big Clean: Before removing the cover, pump off any standing water and debris so it doesn’t fall into your clean pool.

Water Levels & Filtration: Top off the water to its midpoint. Run your filter for 24 hours to scrub out any fine particles that settled over winter.

The Chemical Balance: Take a sample to a pro or use a high-quality kit. You’re looking for:

pH: 7.4 to 7.6

Alkalinity: 80 to 120 ppm

Shocking: Give it a "super-chlorination" boost to kill off any lingering winter bacteria.

☀️ Summer: The High-Traffic Season During the heat of July, your pool works the hardest. High bather loads and UV rays eat through chlorine rapidly.

Skim and Scrub: Spend 5 minutes every other day skimming leaves and brushing the walls. This prevents algae from taking root in "dead spots" where water doesn't circulate.

The "Post-Party" Shock: If you had a big weekend bash with kids and sunscreen, shock the pool that evening to reset the chemistry.

Check the Basket: Empty your skimmer and pump baskets weekly. A clogged basket puts unnecessary strain on your pump motor—a costly part to replace!

🍂 Autumn: The Leaf Battle As the temperature drops, your main enemy is organic debris.

Consistent Skimming: Don't let leaves sit on the bottom. They can stain your plaster or vinyl and provide food for algae.

Lower the Run Time: As the water cools, you can usually reduce your pump's daily run time, saving you money on your electric bill.

Tree Pruning: Now is a great time to trim back overhanging branches before the winter winds do it for you (and drop them into your pool).

❄️ Winter: Protecting Your Investment Unless you live in a climate where you can swim year-round, proper "winterization" is a must to prevent pipe bursts.

Balance Before Closing: Ensure your pH and alkalinity are perfect before putting the cover on.

Winterizing Chemicals: Add a long-life algaecide to keep the water clear even while the pump is off.

Blow Out the Lines: In freezing climates, use a shop vac or specialized blower to get water out of the pipes. Use anti-freeze specifically designed for pools—never use automotive anti-freeze.

The Safety Cover: Ensure your cover is pulled taut. A sagging cover is a safety hazard and collects dirty "tea water" that can seep into your pool.

Need a Hand Getting Your Backyard Ready? Pool maintenance is a science, but keeping the rest of your deck, patio, and outdoor structures in top shape is a craft. If your pool deck needs a power wash, your fence needs a repair, or you’re looking to install a new outdoor equipment shed, The Handy Family Inc. is here to help.

Contact us today to cross those outdoor "to-dos" off your list!