What to Do With My Swimming Pool When Going On Vacation
The itinerary is set, the bags are packed, and the dogs are in the kennel (or at a friend’s house!). It is time to go on vacation.
While you jet set across the world, the last thing you want to happen upon returning from a trip is seeing a green swamp of a mess in your swimming pool!
Not to worry, however. Preparing your pool for when you are going on vacation isn’t too complicated.
Check the Water Levels
If it is going to be hot, dry, and sunny the whole time you are gone, consider topping off the pool to counter water evaporation.
If heavy showers and rainstorms are expected, perhaps it’s smart to drain the pool a little bit.
Weather can be unpredictable, so it’s best to err on the side of filling instead of draining. A neighbor can help if storms sweep across your area.
Clean the Pool and Check Your Skimmer Baskets
You should give the pool a little bit more attention than you normally would on a weekly basis. Clean it well, including brushing and vacuuming, to make it as clear and clean as possible.
Clear out the skimmer baskets, including the strainer basket by your pump.
The goal is to make sure any leaves and debris that do happen to fall don’t build up too much to damage any equipment or cause blockages.
Clean the Filter and Set the Pump Timer, if Necessary
Depending on how long you are gone, now would be a good time to clean the pool filter. Give the grids a good cleaning, or backwash for a sand and DE filter.
If your pump is running on a timer or schedule, try and have the pump run for at least 8 to 12 hours a day. The more the water moves, the better so it doesn’t get too stagnant.
Balance Water Chemistry
You want the chemistry levels balanced before you leave. Depending on how long you are gone, it might even be a good idea to add a little extra chlorine, to ensure proper sanitation for the first few days.
Using some trichlor pucks and a floating dispenser is perfect for vacations. This allows chlorine to dissipate over a longer period of time, prolonging the need to add it on a daily basis.
Large chlorine dispenser for 3-inch tablets to use in your swimming pool.
Recruit A Neighbor, Friend, or Family Member
If you are only gone for a few days, loading up your floater full of trichlor tabs should be OK. However, trips that take a week or longer will require somebody to look after the pool.
Ideally, you can have someone come daily, if not every other day, just to make sure everything is operational.
Even better if they know how to use your testing kit! Just make sure there is beer in the fridge.
If you don’t know anyone around, schedule a service visit with a pool company and let them know what needs to be done.
Overall, the goal here is to just have someone make sure the pool is still running properly and there is chlorine in the pool.
Gone For Months or Longer? Consider Closing or Covering the Pool
If you are going to be gone for an extended period of time, then it doesn’t make sense to try and keep it operational.
By all means, if you have a neighbor who would enjoy the pool during that time and you are comfortable allowing them to use it, then you can keep it open.
One option is to cover the pool and continue to run it as-is. This will limit the UV rays and extend the chlorine used in the pool, though it will require having somebody continuously add chlorine on a weekly or biweekly basis to ensure there is always free chlorine (FC) available.
The last resort option is to just go ahead and close it. Depending on how hot it is, you will more likely than not encounter a green pool the next time it opens.
But at least you know how to clear the pool to make it crystal clear again!
Enjoy the Trip!
Having to worry about the pool should be the last thing on your mind when taking a trip. At the end of the day, it’s not too big of a deal. If you come back to a green pool, then you are prepared to fix it.
Don’t let the thought of a swamp distract you from the important things: enjoying time with family and friends.