Pool & Spa: A Guide to Transitioning from Summer to Fall

As much as we might dislike acknowledging it, summer will soon come to an end. With children heading back to school in the next few weeks, you may begin thinking about how to get your pool or spa ready for the changing season. While cooler months offer a nice break from the heat, they also bring new challenges for keeping your pool or spa in good shape. The good news? By taking the right steps, you can keep enjoying your backyard retreat deep into fall while making sure it stays in excellent condition.

Use Your Spa All Year Long

One of the best aspects of owning a spa is that it isn’t just for summer. As the weather gets cooler, your spa becomes even more appealing—a warm, bubbling spot where you can relax under the stars or savor crisp autumn evenings.

Why Spas Shine in Fall:

• Warmth and Comfort:Heated water and massage jets make your spa the perfect place to unwind as temperatures drop.
• Stress Relief:Fall can be a busy time, especially as routines shift, but a soak in the spa can help ease tension and improve sleep.
• Social Time:Spas are great for small get-togethers or quality family moments, even when the pool is closed for the season.

To keep your spa ready for use, make sure it’s well-maintained. Test the water’s chemical balance regularly, clean the filters, and use a high-quality cover to hold in heat and keep out debris.

Making Your Pool Usable Longer into Fall

While pools are often thought of as summer fixtures, there are ways to keep using them as the weather cools. With a few tweaks, you can enjoy your pool for more time and get the most out of your backyard.

1. Heating Solutions:Getting a pool heater lets you keep the water at a comfortable temperature even as the air chills. Whether you’re swimming laps or having a fall pool party, a heater ensures the water stays inviting.

2. Covers to Keep Heat In:A good pool cover is a must for cooler weather. It helps hold onto heat, reduces water loss from evaporation, and keeps debris like falling leaves out of the pool.

3. Lighting for Shorter Days:As daylight fades earlier, adding or improving LED lights can let you use the pool into the evening or make early morning swims possible. It also creates a lovely atmosphere for nighttime dips or gatherings.

Adjusting Water Chemistry for Cooler Weather

As temperatures drop, the chemical balance of your pool and spa water will change. Staying on top of these adjustments is key to keeping the water clean and safe.

1. Test Water Often:Cooler weather can slow down chemical reactions, but it’s still important to test your water every week. Check pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels to make sure they’re in the ideal ranges:

• pH:2–7.8
• Alkalinity:80–120 ppm
• Chlorine:1–3 ppm

2. Use Stabilizers:Cyanuric acid helps protect chlorine from breaking down in UV light, even as sunlight becomes less intense.

3. Add Algaecide:Algae can become a problem when pools are used less. Adding algaecide helps stop growth and keeps the water clear.

If you’re unsure about your water’s chemistry, take a sample to a local showroom for complimentary expert testing. Professionals can offer personalized advice to keep your pool or spa balanced and fix any current issues.

Key Fall Maintenance Tasks

Even if you use your pool less than in summer, sticking to a regular maintenance schedule is crucial. Here are some important tasks to handle:

1. Clean and Check Equipment:

• Clean filters, skimmers, and pumps to ensure they work efficiently.
• Inspect equipment for damage and fix any issues before they get worse.

2. Clear Debris:

• Falling leaves and other debris can clog filters and lead to algae growth. Skim the pool regularly, and consider using a leaf net or cover to reduce debris.

3. Look for Leaks:

• Small leaks can turn into bigger problems over time. If you think there’s a leak, contact a service provider for professional detection and repairs.

Getting Ready for Winter (If Needed)

If you plan to close your pool or spa for the season, you’ll need to properly prepare it for winter to prevent damage and make reopening easier in spring.

When to Prepare for Winter:

• Pools: Prepare for winter when temperatures regularly go below freezing or when you no longer plan to use the pool.
• Spas: If you won’t use your spa in winter, it’s best to drain it and prepare it for the cold to avoid freezing damage.

Steps to Prepare a Pool for Winter:

• Lower the water level to below the skimmer.
• Clean the pool thoroughly and add winterizing chemicals.
• Cover the pool tightly to protect it from debris and freezing temperatures.

Steps to Prepare a Spa for Winter:

• Drain the spa and clean the interior.
• Remove water from pipes and equipment to prevent freezing.
• Use a high-quality cover to protect the spa during winter.

Doing this correctly is important, so professional winterization services are available to take the task off your hands.

Enjoy Your Pool or Spa

Switching your pool or spa from summer to fall doesn’t have to be hard. With the right steps, you can keep enjoying your backyard oasis while protecting it for the cooler months ahead.

Need help getting your pool or spa ready for fall? Visit a local showroom or contact a service provider to schedule maintenance or winterization. Let the experts help you make the most of your pool or spa, no matter the season!