| If you're the type of person that doesn't like to | | | | easy way to check pH, alkalinity, hardness, |
| look out at your pool and see the dreaded | | | | sanitizer, and stabilizer levels. |
| swimming pool cover, this article is for you. | | | | 4. Backwash - Every pool and its surrounding |
| Keeping your pool open late into the fall often | | | | landscape is unique. You may need to backwash |
| requires more work and maintenance than during | | | | as often as once per week, or as little as once |
| the summer months. Most essential, is to ensure | | | | every 2 weeks. To keep your deep blue pool |
| proper circulation is maintained right up until the | | | | crystal clean, ensure you don't miss this step, and |
| moment you decide to close your pool. | | | | check your local bylaw requirements on |
| Four important steps this fall: | | | | backwashing wastewater. |
| | | | Many municipalities now require pool wastewater |
| 1. Empty skimmer baskets - Removing debris on | | | | to be chemically balanced and chlorine levels |
| a regular basis will prevent flow restrictions and | | | | neutralized. In an effort to minimize impact on the |
| possible equipment failure. If your backyard oasis | | | | environment, it's a good idea to practice safe |
| is heavily landscaped, then you may need to | | | | backwashing even if your city hasn't implemented |
| check your skimmers and empty them daily. | | | | any laws yet. |
| 2. Skim and vacuum - Removing debris from the | | | | Following these easy steps will ensure your pool |
| pool surface and bottom will reduce the demand | | | | will stay clean and continue to look its best right |
| of your sanitizer and circulation equipment. | | | | up until it's time to close your pool. |
| 3. Check your pools chemistry - If you aren't | | | | A final tip: Installing a timer on your pool pump can |
| already, get in the habit of checking your pool | | | | reduce your pools energy consumption this fall. |
| water once a week. Test strips are a quick and | | | | |