Getting your pool ready for fall is easier than you might think. With just six essential products—a cleaning sponge, soft bristle brush, pool shock chemicals, pool vacuum, skimmer net or leaf rake, and a telescopic pole—you can keep your vinyl liner or fiberglass pool clean and healthy. Remove Floating Debris Remove all pool toys, accessories and floating debris, such as leaves, twigs, hair ties or insects. Use a telescopic pole with a skimmer or leaf rake attachment to scoop objects floating on the surface. Scrub the Pool Walls & Steps Attach a nylon bristle brush to a telescopic pole and thoroughly buff the walls and floor, using friction to gently lift away caked-on algae and sediment. For tougher spots, you may need extra force or a small amount of pool-safe cleaning chemicals. Vacuum the Pool Vacuum at least once a week to remove debris and objects that have sunk to the bottom, such as pebbles or clumps of dirt. Choose from suction vacuums (suction-side cleaners), pressure vacuums (pressure-side cleaners), robotic (automatic) vacuums or manual vacuums. Empty the Pool Skimmers Check your pool skimmers near the waterline around the pool’s perimeter. Unlike a skimmer net, skimmers are part of your filtration system and capture debris and loose objects. If not emptied regularly, debris can accumulate, break down and cause clogs. Empty your skimmers at least once a week, and more often after heavy use, such as a pool party or a storm. Check the Filters Pool filters are separate from pool skimmers and require their own maintenance. While skimmers catch most of the large debris, your cartridge, sand or diatomaceous earth (DE) filters can become blocked by smaller particles. To keep your filters running efficiently and your water clean, check them periodically following the manufacturer’s instructions. 

 

Test & Adjust the Pool Water

Maintain balanced water by keeping pH, chlorine and other chemical levels in check using basic tools and chemicals, such as pool test strips, calcium hardness increasers, and pH adjusters like sodium carbonate.

 

Shock the Swimming Pool

Your pool needs periodic shock treatments to temporarily raise chlorine levels and eliminate algae, bacteria, and other contaminants. Non-chlorine shocks (oxidizers) can be used as an alternative to chlorine-based options like di-chlor, though they may be less effective for tough cleaning tasks.

 

Run the Pump Daily

Running your pump circulates the water and helps prevent algae growth, similar to a flowing stream compared with a stagnant pond. Proper circulation also ensures filters and skimmers work effectively, improving the health and appearance of your pool. The longer you run your pump, the healthier your water will be. This may slightly increase electricity costs, you’ll spend less chemicals and less time scrubbing.