As the warm summer days on the Mornington Peninsula slowly transition into the cooler autumn months, it’s time to think about preparing your pool for the change in season. Autumn is a great time to perform maintenance on your pool to ensure it stays in great shape through the colder months, and gets ready for the following summer. While it might seem like pool maintenance is only needed during the summer, the cooler months present unique challenges that need to be addressed.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through essential steps to get your Mornington Peninsula pool ready for autumn, from cleaning and water balance to equipment care and cover solutions. With a little attention, your pool will be ready to handle the seasonal changes, ensuring that you can get the most out of it when the warm weather returns.

1. Clean Your Pool Thoroughly

First and foremost, giving your pool a good clean is the key to preparing it for autumn. During autumn, trees start shedding their leaves, and your pool will likely collect debris, which can lead to clogged filters and potentially cause algae growth. Removing debris early will save you a lot of headaches down the line.

Start by skimming the surface with a leaf net. Ensure that you clean the skimmer baskets and pump basket regularly. In the cooler months, you may notice leaves and twigs starting to settle at the bottom of your pool, so make sure to vacuum thoroughly to remove all the debris. If you haven’t already, consider investing in an automatic pool cleaner to help with debris removal, especially during this leaf-heavy season.

By cleaning your Mornington Peninsula pool before the autumn weather fully sets in, you’re helping to maintain its overall cleanliness and prevent future build-up.

2. Adjust the Water Chemistry

Maintaining the right chemical balance is essential for your pool’s longevity and cleanliness. The water in your pool can be affected by cooler temperatures and the increased rainfall typical of autumn in the Mornington Peninsula.

Start by checking the pH levels of the water. The ideal pH for pool water is between 7.2 and 7.6. If it’s too high or too low, adjust the levels using appropriate pool chemicals. You’ll also want to check the alkalinity, calcium hardness, and chlorine levels. Autumn is a good time to ensure the pool’s chemicals are in balance before closing the pool for the winter months, as unbalanced water can damage your pool surfaces and equipment.

In addition, if you plan to continue using the pool into autumn, it’s worth testing the water every couple of weeks and making necessary adjustments to keep it clean. If you’re unsure about your pool’s water chemistry, consider calling a professional to help you get the balance right.

3. Run the Pool Pump Less Frequently

As the weather cools down, the demand for pool filtration drops. In the warmer months, your pool likely required regular filtration to keep the water fresh and clean, but in autumn, the need for frequent filtration decreases. To save on energy and costs, adjust your pool pump’s runtime.

During autumn, running your pool pump for 4-6 hours a day should be sufficient to keep the water clean, unless you’re experiencing high debris build-up from autumn leaves. Be sure to keep an eye on your pump’s operation and make adjustments based on usage.

4. Address the Pool Heater

If you have a pool heater, autumn is the time to start considering whether it’s still necessary to use it. While temperatures on the Mornington Peninsula can remain mild well into autumn, the evenings can get chilly, and you might not use your pool as frequently. To keep your pool ready for any warm spells, check the heater for any maintenance needs and ensure that it’s running efficiently.

A good practice in autumn is to turn the heater off and inspect it for any issues, ensuring that it will be ready to go when needed next season. Check the pool heater’s thermostat to make sure it’s functioning properly, and look for signs of wear or damage to ensure smooth operation for next spring.

5. Maintain Pool Equipment and Accessories

Autumn is the perfect time to check and maintain all your pool equipment, including pumps, filters, heaters, and automatic cleaners. As the water temperature drops, pool equipment may have to work a little harder to maintain a clean and clear pool, especially if the leaves begin to fall and clutter the water.

Make sure your filter is clean and in good working order. Consider cleaning or replacing the pool filter as needed. Inspect all hoses, connections, and the pump system for wear or damage. If your pool has any automated features, check the timers and programming to ensure everything is operating as it should.

Also, keep in mind that a clean pool cover is crucial in autumn when leaves and debris can accumulate quickly. If you haven’t already, consider investing in a solid pool cover that can help protect your pool from contaminants and keep it clean over the colder months.

6. Install a Pool Cover

As the weather cools, a good pool cover is essential for protecting your Mornington Peninsula pool from debris and keeping it clean. A pool cover will also help prevent heat loss, which is important if you plan to continue using your pool into autumn.

When selecting a pool cover, look for one that is durable and fits properly to keep debris out and reduce the need for constant cleaning. A solid or mesh cover will prevent leaves, dirt, and other debris from falling into your pool, making cleaning easier when the temperatures start warming up again.

7. Seasonal Pool Decorations and Maintenance

Autumn is also the time when you can take advantage of seasonal décor and maintenance to keep your pool area in tip-top shape. Consider placing potted plants or autumn-themed decorations around your pool to give the area a warm, cozy feel. Be sure to also check the surrounding landscaping for overgrown plants or bushes that could be shedding leaves into your pool.

Also, remember that your pool deck may need some attention during autumn. Check for any cracks, fading, or weathering from the summer months and apply necessary repairs or a fresh coat of sealant to protect it for the season ahead.

8. Get Professional Help for Your Mornington Peninsula Pool

While many of these maintenance tasks can be done on your own, it’s always a great idea to call in the experts to ensure your pool is ready for the cooler months. Professional pool cleaning and maintenance services can offer comprehensive support, from testing water chemistry to ensuring your equipment is in top working condition.

Choosing Bloomberry for your Mornington Peninsula pool ensures that the maintenance is handled expertly, giving you one less thing to worry about.