Seasonal Pool Maintenance and Security Tips

The leaves are turning, and the air is cool and crisp. It's a sure sign that fall is here and winter a close step behind. In Western New York, this marks the end of the 2022 swim season. Here are a few basic tips to prepare your pool for its closing:

1. Remove Debris: Most homeowners take extra care to remove leaves and other surface debris (toys, floats, etc) from the pool. If there are leaves at the bottom of the pool, we suggest removing them as soon as possible because they could stain or cause algae growth.

2. General Cleaning: Once debris and pool toys have been removed, you should scrub the walls and tiles (if you have tiling) and use the pool vacuum to ensure the bottom of the pool has been thoroughly cleaned.

3. Filter Check: Clean filters after a busy summer pool season to keep them working into the fall, even if they plan to close the pool. No one wants to open the pool in the spring with dirt and grime from the last season, especially if you’re the one opening the pool.

4. Chemical Check: As you would during peak swim season, please ensure your water is properly balanced, especially going into your pool closing. If you need help balancing the pool, bring a water sample in to your local Colley’s retail store, or give them a call!

5. Perimeter Security: For pool owners, protecting the backyard and the pool area is year-round. It is not unheard of, especially locally, to have animals such as deer fall into pool and cause damage to the cover and/or pool during the fall/winter. A fence or secure perimeter may help to mitigate any unwanted guests from entering the pool area.

Ways You Can Keep Your Pool Area Safe

Your backyard oasis can be the most used space on your property, and rightfully so! That being said, your pool comes with a unique set of responsibilities. The last thing anyone wants when enjoying their pool is for someone to get hurt. There are laws and regulations to be sure to follow and best practices that will make your swimming experience more enjoyable!

Pool Covers: Covers are a great way to maintain a safe environment, even when the pool is not in use. Covers not only keep children from inadvertently falling into the pool, but also keep unwanted leaves, debris and animals out of the pool. Furthermore, covers help to save energy and conserve water by helping to keep in water, heat and chemicals that could otherwise evaporate into the atmosphere.

Fence or Barrier: A fence gives owners a sense of relief that a child, grandchild, young neighbor or pet are prevented from wandering into the pool. There are plenty of options for fences that meet code requirements without disrupting the aesthetics of your yard. It is always best to consult your local laws to determine if a fence is required and what standards the fence must meet.

Pool Alarm: There are several types of alarms that signal when the pool area is being disturbed, such as when the back door or the gate is opened, or when someone has entered the water. Water alarms are usually able to tell the difference between a larger creature versus a toy or rain, thereby possibly reducing the nuisance of an alarm constantly going off. Test the alarms from time to time to ensure they are in working order.

Lighting: Light all safety areas such as pool steps, entrances and exits.

Other suggestions:

• Ensure your swimming pool and/or hot tub complies with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act (VGBA), which requires features to prevent entrapment. Entrapment can occur when a pool/spa suction outlet (drain) creates higher than allowable suction forces and can hold a bather/swimmer down at the suction outlet/drain cover, trapping them below the surface of the water. Make sure that the suction outlet (drain) covers are in good shape, not cracked/broken, and properly secured in place.

• Keep a float or ring nearby- handy for emergency use.

• Ensure your ladders and handrails are properly secured.

• Routinely check over your pool equipment to make sure everything is operable.

• With children around, designate someone to be in charge of watching and keeping a steady on the children.

• Maintain proper water chemistry to preserve the condition of your pool and its equipment as well as to avoid irritation of swimmer’s skin and eyes.

• Make sure all who use the pool can swim and feel comfortable using your pool and practice protocol that would prepare for an accident.

We want you to love your Colley’s Oasis while also maintaining an atmosphere of safety. Luckily, both can be done!

Hot Tub Maintenance Tips

The winter season can be the most relaxing time of year to use your Marquis hot tub, so it’s important to keep your hot tub in working order! Here are a few tips for maintaining your hot tub!

Clean the Filter(s): This is one of the most important aspects of maintaining your spa. A regular cleaning routine will help your spa’s filtration system run as efficiently as possible. It can also help to extend the lifespan of your filter(s), which may help to save money in the long run. How often you clean the filters depends on how much you use your hot tub.

Keep a spare set of hot tub filters in a clean, dry place. When you remove the dirty filters from your hot tub for cleaning and air drying, swap in your spare set from storage. Once your dirty filters are cleaned and air dried, they become your spare set for storage. Repeat this process as necessary.

Rinse Off First: Prior to entering your spa, if possible, rinse off completely in the shower. Showering removes skin residue like deodorant, lotion and makeup which can impact the cleanliness of your hot tub. Additionally, rinsing your bathing suit reduces residue from detergent and fabric softeners.

Top it Off: Regular spa usage and evaporation will gradually reduce your spa’s water level. Without people in the spa, the water should reach about two thirds of the way up the skimmer opening. If you notice the pumps “surging”- meaning repeatedly starting and stopping- it can mean your water level is too low.