Going on vacation is one of the best parts of summer, but who is going to handle pool maintenance while you are gone? The last thing you want is to come home to a pool full of debris, algae, and a bunch of other gunk, so it’s important to prepare your pool before you head out of town. Summer vacations are a wonderful way to spend time with your loved ones and enjoy a different part of the country or the world. However, your pool will need a little TLC before you take off in order to avoid a huge mess on your hands when you return.

Here at Mid City Custom Pools, we believe in educating our clients on how to properly care for and clean their pool. We know what a luxury it is to have a swimming pool in your backyard – and how much more enjoyable it makes the hot Texas summers. But it also requires hard work and dedication in order to prevent costly repairs. If you have any questions about caring for your pool this summer, please do not hesitate to ask. We’ve prepared a quick checklist of some helpful tips to ensure you return to a sparkling clear pool after your vacation, but give us a call if you need additional assistance or information.

Tip #1: Check the Water Levels – Before you leave, make sure your water levels aren’t too low. When this happens, it could mean the pool filters aren’t working correctly. We suggest filling your pool higher than you normally would in order to avoid returning to a malfunctioning filtration system.

Tip #2: Check the Water Chemistry – Once you’ve got the water level sorted out, now it’s time to check the water chemistry. You can do it yourself or have Mid City Custom Pools come out and ensure the pH and alkalinity are properly balanced. This is also a good time to check the sanitizer levels. Here is a brief look at what your chemistry should read:

• pH: 7.4 – 7.6
• Alkalinity: 100-150 ppm
• Calcium Hardness – 175 – 225 ppm

Tip #3: Get an Automatic Timer – An automatic timer is an ultimate solution for vacationing pool owners. Their sole purpose is to provide power to your pump/filter system for pre-set times. This is a great investment if you are planning on heading out of town more than once or twice, or are just plain busy.

Tip #4: Talk to a Neighbor or Friend – As much as you can rely on all of the above, give yourself extra peace of mind by asking a neighbor or friend to check on your pool. Someone who owns a pool themselves would be perfect, but really anyone who is willing to check on your pool once a day will help you a ton.

Tip #5: Use a Pool Cover – Using a pool cover is another way to keep your pool clear and clean while you are on vacation. This can help reduce filtration and sanitation demand while keeping your pool clean at the same time.

Before you leave for summer vacation, make sure you know what it will take to keep your pool clean. If you have any questions or need additional assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact Mid City Custom Pools today.