Preparing Your Pool for Fall: Transitioning from Summer to Autumn

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As temperatures begin to dip and the Houston foliage starts to fall, your pool’s maintenance routine should shift too. At Church Pool Services, we know that seasonal transitions bring new challenges like leaf buildup and fluctuating chemical levels. This guide helps you keep your pool clean, balanced, and ready for the cooler months ahead.

1. Manage Leaves and Debris Early and Often

Falling leaves, pine needles, and other debris are part of autumn’s charm, but not for your pool. These materials clog filters, stain surfaces, and destabilize chemical levels.

Pro Tips:

• Skim the surface daily or every other day, especially after windy spells.
• Backwash or clean filters frequently.
• Aim to vacuum debris before it sinks and begins decomposing.

2. Rebalance Your Water Chemistry

With cooler air and declining sunlight, chemistry shifts can result in algae growth or cloudy water.

What to check and adjust:

• pH: Target 7.4–7.6. Cooler weather can cause pH drift; keep it stable.
• Alkalinity: Maintain between 80–120 ppm to buffer pH fluctuations.
• Chlorine: Stabilize at 1–3 ppm. Reduce it only if you’re covering the pool.
• Cyanuric Acid (Stabilizer): Keep between 30–50 ppm to guard against chlorine degradation from UV exposure.

3. Inspect and Protect Equipment for Cooler Temps

Autumn heat isn’t gone forever and winter could bring hard freezes.

Key steps:

• Clean skimmer and pump baskets, and check seals.
• Lubricate O-rings and check for leaks.
• Monitor pressure gauges and clean or replace filter cartridges.
• If freezing becomes a concern, add freeze protection solutions or consider reducing water levels (consult us first!).

4. Transition Your Cleaning Schedule

As you enter fall, adjust your cleaning and treatment schedule to match usage and environmental changes.

• Frequency: Maintain weekly service visits if leaves are heavy; otherwise, move to bi-weekly.
• Covering the Pool: Once leaf drop is high, use a durable cover or leaf net to minimize workload.
• Startup Prep: Use fall weather to prep for spring so your equipment gets a gentle review while still accessible.

Quick Maintenance Checklist

Why Houston Pools Need Specialized Fall Care

From scorching summers to rainy falls, the Houston climate demands a hands-on approach to pool transitions. Church Pool Services stays ahead with expertise in cleaning, equipment maintenance, and renovation, even during seasonal shifts. Whether your pool is inland or in leafy neighborhoods like Memorial or Cypress, we know the unique demands you face and we’re here to help!

Ready to transition your pool from summer to fall seamlessly? Schedule a seasonal tune-up today. Trust Houston’s most dependable pool experts. Call Church Pool Services at 713-545-0345 or book online for a free evaluation.