Some might look at you a little funny for going on a vacation when you have a private pool, but everyone deserves a chance to get away from it all now and then. Having a pool doesn’t change that. What it might change, however, is how you approach taking a vacation. What do you need to do to make sure your pool is taken care of while you’re gone?

Ask a Friend or Hire Professionals

Your pool doesn’t just stop needing maintenance just because you aren’t around. If you’re going to be gone for more than a few days, ask a friend or neighbor to come by and take care of your pool while you’re away. Ideally, the person you ask will have a pool of their own, as they’ll be more likely to know their way around a pool. Give them a list that includes tasks like emptying skimmer baskets, skimming the pool, checking the filter pressure and backwashing it if needed, testing the water, and balancing the chemicals (provided they know what they’re doing). If that seems like a bit much to ask of a friend or neighbor, consider hiring professional pool cleaners to maintain it while you’re away instead.

Use a Pool Pump Timer

Pool pumps are a crucial part of your pool. They help keep the water clean and circulating properly. If your pool pump has a timer, set it to run 8-12 hours a day to keep everything moving smoothly. If it doesn’t have a timer, consider investing in one. It’s a much more reliable way to keep things running than relying on a human to do it manually. 

Check Your Water Before You Go

Get things started off right by making sure your water is in great shape before you leave. Take a sample of your pool water to your local pool store to get it professionally checked. Make note of any issues they bring up and correct them before you go. Leaving a clean, balanced pool behind is sure to decrease the amount of work it will take to get your pool back into working order upon your return.

Vacations can be fantastic, but take measures to ensure that everything is taken care of back at home before you leave. That way, you can enjoy your vacation with peace of mind knowing that your pool is in good hands and will be well taken care of in your absence. Just test the water before you jump in to make sure everything is good to go when you get back.

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