Fall is here, and brings the end of swimming season for many pool owners. If you are heating the pool, this is a good time to do routine cleaning and maintenance of the heater as described in the owner’s manual. If you are heating the pool it should be covered with a pool blanket to save money. Liquid pool blanket is the next best alternative to a pool blanket. All gas heaters should be turned off at least 15 minutes before the pump turns off. A fireman’s switch added to the time clock is the easiest way to do this.

Unfortunately, fall also means the trees will begin dropping their leaves and making a mess of the pool. Skimmer baskets and pump strainer baskets need to be emptied more often. Chemical consumption should decrease, be careful not to over chlorinate the pool. Leaves should be cleaned up around the pool pump to prevent fire and over-heating.

Fall is also a good time to remodel your pool before the next swimming season starts. This is also a good time to any other annual maintenance, for example de grid cleaning, salt cell cleaning, and leak repair. If you have not upgraded to an energy efficient pump, you may be able to decrease the amount of time you run the pool pump to 4 or 6 hours/day.