How to Prepare Your Pool to Survive Autumn

No one thinks about the pool when it’s already chilly in the mornings and the swimsuit has been in the drawer for weeks. And that’s exactly the problem. The water is still there, the leaves from the trees are too, and between one thing and another, what was an oasis in summer turns into a green soup before November arrives. Taking care of the pool in autumn is not optional if you don’t want to start the next season spending on shock products and hours of cleaning that you could have saved.

Those who have been through this know that maintaining Poolaria pools in good condition during this time makes the difference between a quick spring setup or a full-blown battle against algae. The good news is that with a little planning, the process is much simpler than it seems.

Before Covering the Water, There’s Work to Be Done

This is where many people make the first mistake: covering it all up and crossing their fingers. Before thinking about covers, there are a series of tasks you cannot skip, no matter how tempting it is to close the pool and forget about it until May.

Cleaning and Chemical Balance

First, a thorough cleaning is essential. Bottom, walls, and waterline, leaving no trace of dirt that could later become the perfect breeding ground for algae and bacteria. Once clean, it’s time to check the chemical balance of the water: pH, chlorine, and alkalinity must be at the correct levels before temperatures drop, because the cold slows down chemical reactions, and what can be corrected in a day in September may take a week in December.

The Water Level Matters (A Lot)

This detail is constantly overlooked. The water level should be lowered slightly, especially if you live in an area where temperatures can approach zero at some point in winter. Water expands when it freezes, and if the pool is filled to the brim, the ice can end up damaging the skimmers or even cracking the lining. Lowering the level by a few centimetres is free and saves you a costly headache.

The Cover, Your Best Ally These Weeks

Once the water is clean and balanced, it’s time to protect it from autumn’s main enemy: everything that falls from the trees. Leaves, branches, pollen, and other debris that the wind generously spreads over any water surface it finds.

This is where Poolaria pool covers come into play, which not only prevent you from having to use the net every couple of days but also reduce evaporation and help keep the water cleaner throughout the off-season. In short, it’s the difference between finding a reasonable pool in spring or a swamp with fermented leaves.

How to Choose the Right Cover

Not all covers are suitable for the same purpose, and choosing the wrong one is throwing money away. For autumn, the ideal is a protective or mesh cover, specifically designed to retain dirt without accumulating rainwater on top, which is exactly what can happen with the most basic tarps. If your pool is surrounded by trees, this point becomes even more important, as the amount of leaves that can fall in just a few weeks is hard to imagine until you experience it.

The Filtration Equipment Also Needs Attention

The pool is not just the body of water, and this is forgotten all too often. The pump and filter continue to work even if no one swims, and maintenance reduced to half the usual time is usually sufficient during this period, as long as the water remains in acceptable condition.

It’s also a good time to check the general condition of the filter, clean it or replace it if necessary, and ensure there are no leaks or strange noises from the pump. Detecting a problem now, with time and without stress, is always cheaper than discovering it in June when everyone wants to open the pool at the same time and technicians are fully booked.