November 2011
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Changing Your Hot Tub Water in 4 Simple Steps
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How to Choose the Right In-ground Pool for You
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For many pool owners, Labor Day marks the end of the summer, taking the swimming season along with it. “We have many customers that start to close the pool as soon as school starts,” says Jennifer Clements, co-owner of Mechanicsville, Va.-based Pla-mor Pools.
But with summer-like weather extending well into October in many parts of the country, the pool season can be extended as well. For pool owners like Clements, autumn simply offers new ways to relax and incorporate pool use into her family’s fall schedule.
With less intense heat, you don’t have to worry as much about sunburns and dehydration. As long as the water stays warm, some swimmers find a dip in the fall an exhilarating contrast to the autumn air. But keep in mind there are some differences between summer and fall pool use.
Turn up the heat
In cooler climates, you may need to adjust the temperature of the water in order to swim comfortably. A heat pump might even add a month or two at the beginning and end of each season.
“It’s inexpensive in comparison to natural gas or propane,” Clements says.
The heat pump simply attaches to your existing pump and filter, but you’ll still need an electrician to do the wiring. This allows the water from the pool to flow through a heat exchanger in the heat pump, sending warm water back into the pool.
One thing to consider, however, is the cost of a heat pump, which can run up to several thousand dollars. For a thriftier option, consider using a solar blanket. During the day it absorbs heat from the sun and warms the water. And if you leave it on at night, it will help maintain a warmer temperature the next day.
Continue your maintenance
Even in the fall, be sure to continue regular maintenance.
“A lot of times when it’s not quite as hot outside, people start to slack off on their chemical applications,” Clements says.
As long as the water is warm, it’s vulnerable to algae and other problems that occur during the summer. Follow a weekly maintenance schedule, such as testing pH and total alkalinity (TA) levels and vacuuming. If leaves start to fall near your pool, consider removing any overhanging branches, and be sure to cover your pool while it’s not in use.
Fall pool activities
Clement offers 3 ways to adjust your pool use:
1. Create an exercise routine
The fall means more me-time for many of Clement’s clients. “A lot of times when the kids go back to school, it’s the first time the mothers can get back into an exercise routine,” she says.
Doing laps can be a great workout, but if you want to take it up a notch, the market is rife with everything from buoyancy exercise belts to chlorine-resistant dumbbells to underwater treadmills.
2. Involve the kids
When school starts, children’s schedules typically become more sedentary, making it difficult for them to get the exercise and fresh air they need. Why not encourage swimming as an after-school activity? “That way the kids don’t plop down in front of the TV,” Clements says.
3. Autumn entertainment
With temperatures dipping at night, your pool can still be a centerpiece for barbecues and other outdoor gatherings. Your guests may even appreciate an opportunity to take a dip before dinner.
There are also many ways to add warmth, both visually and literally, from a poolside fire pit to floating fire features that glimmer at night.
There’s no reason to rush to close your pool. Instead, find new ways to savor the experience that you can share with friends and family alike.
