Before the pool parties begin, there’s the not-so-fun task of keeping it clean.
Garden debris – leaves, twigs, pollen, and more – can be a constant battle, clogging filters, affecting water quality, and adding unnecessary hours to your pool maintenance routine.
By taking some proactive steps, you can significantly reduce the amount of debris entering your pool, freeing up your time for more important things – like perfecting your poolside cocktails.
Types of garden debris
• Leaves: The most common culprit; leaves come in all shapes and sizes. Once they accumulate on the water’s surface, they can rot and turn your water murky with decomposed material.
• Twigs and small branches: Especially troublesome if you have overhanging trees near your pool. Twigs can damage the mechanics of your pool if left unchecked.
• Pollen: A springtime menace, pollen can cloud your pool water and irritate swimmers with allergies.
• Grass clippings: Mowing the lawn near the pool can result in a green, grassy mess.
• Dirt and dust: Windblown dust and soil can settle on your pool’s surface.
Preventing debris from getting in your pool
- Pool cover: A good quality pool cover is your first line of defence. Choose a cover that fits snugly and securely to prevent leaves and other debris from accumulating on the water’s surface.
- Leaf Mulcher: Having a leaf mulcher to deal with the leaves in your garden is much less noisy that a leaf blower. Plus, it has environmental benefits by giving you compost to enrich your top soil.
- Fencing: A fence around your pool acts as a barrier, stopping larger debris like leaves and branches from blowing in. Consider adding pool netting on the inside of the fence for extra protection.
- Tree pruning: If you have trees overhanging your pool, consider trimming back any branches that could shed leaves or debris directly into the water.
- Skimmer basket: A well-maintained skimmer basket efficiently traps leaves and debris before they sink to the bottom of the pool. Make sure to empty it regularly.
Clearing debris from your pool
Even with the best defences, some debris will inevitably make its way into your pool (or indeed, garden pond). Here’s how to tackle it efficiently.
• Hand net: A good pool net is essential for scooping out leaves and other floating debris.
• Surface skimmer: A manual or automatic surface skimmer can help remove leaves, pollen, and other small particles from the water’s surface.
• Vacuuming: Regularly vacuuming your pool removes debris from the bottom and helps maintain clean, clear water. Consider a robotic pool cleaner for a more hands-off approach.
• Other tools: For stubborn leaves clinging to the pool deck or surrounding areas, a battery-powered leaf blower is a quick and easy solution. You may also find that a good old-fashioned garden broom can help loosen stubborn sections.
More pool maintenance tips
• Maintain proper water balance: Maintaining a balanced pH helps keep the water clear and prevents algae growth, which can trap debris. Invest in a good pool test kit and adjust the chemicals as needed.
• Shock your pool regularly: Shocking your pool helps to kill bacteria and contaminants that can build up over time.
• Clean your pool filter: A clogged filter won’t be able to trap debris effectively. Clean your pool filter regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Main Image – Photo by Max Vakhtbovycn: https://www.pexels.com/photo/patio-swimming-pool-in-summer-8143681/