Can I leave my pool while on a holiday ?
Yes, you can leave your pool while you're away, but a little preparation beforehand can save you from coming home to a green pool.
Before you leave
A few days before your holiday:
Test and balance your water chemistry.
Make sure your chlorine and salt levels are within the recommended range.
Clean or backwash your filter.
Empty the pump and skimmer baskets.
Remove any leaves and debris from the pool.
Check that your pump and chlorinator are operating normally.
If your pool is due for a service, it's a good idea to have it professionally cleaned before you leave.
Keep the system running
Don't switch your pool equipment off while you're away. Your pump and chlorinator should continue to operate on their normal schedule to keep the water circulating and sanitised.
If you're going away during summer, you may even want to slightly increase the chlorinator output, as chlorine demand can increase with hot weather and strong sunlight.
Use a pool blanket
If you have a pool blanket, putting it on before you leave will help reduce evaporation, keep leaves and debris out of the pool, and reduce chlorine loss from sunlight.
What if I'm going away for several weeks?
If you're planning to be away for more than two or three weeks, consider asking a friend, neighbour or professional pool technician to check on the pool every week or two. A quick inspection can catch problems such as a tripped circuit breaker, a pump failure or an empty skimmer basket before they lead to a green pool.
Alex’s Advice💡
With your pool properly prepared, you should be able to enjoy your holiday without worrying about it. A little maintenance before you leave is far easier—and much cheaper—than recovering a neglected pool when you return.
If you're planning a trip, feel free to book a pre-holiday pool service. I'll make sure your water is balanced, your equipment is working correctly, and your pool is ready to look after itself while you're away.