How to keep your pool clean and clear: Seasonal filtration tips
Concerned that your swimming pool filtration system isn’t working as it should be following a change in the seasons? Pool filtration systems require some degree of regular maintenance throughout the year to ensure they continue doing their job.
Whether you’re facing filtration issues with your commercial or domestic pool, the knowledgeable experts at Chemsol Group are on hand to help. Below, we share our top pool filtration tips to help you optimise filtration performance for every season of the year.
Why seasonal filtration adjustments matter
Temperature, usage, and weather conditions can all have a substantial impact on your swimming pool filtration system. This is why adopting your approach to pool filter maintenance according to seasonal changes is so important if you want to maintain the system’s performance.
For example, the higher temperatures most common over the summer months in the UK creates the perfect environment for algae growth in your pool which can subsequently clog the filter, leading to poor water circulation and filtration.
During this time, it’s therefore important to regularly monitor the water quality and ensure the chemicals are well-balanced as this will help to tackle algae growth.
Spring filtration tips
Spring is typically the beginning of pool season in the UK, so cleaning the filter (as well as the rest of the pool) is always a good place to start – especially if the pool hasn’t been emptied over the winter. You can do this using a combination of algaecides and sanitisers which combat algae and bacteria.
Once it’s clean and full, you should check the pool’s pH and chlorine levels. Any chemical imbalance can be subsequently rectified with adding chlorine or a pH increaser. Pollen and insects are also common types of pool debris associated with spring, so you may want to skim your pool more regularly.
Summer filtration tips
As touched on above, the return of the hotter weather in the summer can lead to the faster growth of algae in your pool. Not to mention, this time of the year is often when pools receive the most usage in the UK, meaning oil, skin, hair, bugs, as well as algae can all contribute the blockage of your pool filter.
To help prevent the key components of your pool filtration system from becoming clogged during the summer, it’s therefore important to backwash the filters (if you have a sand or diatomaceous earth filter) every couple of weeks. For pools with cartridge filters, frequent cleaning with a hose and replacement (if you spot any cracks or rips), is equally as vital.
We also recommend regularly testing the pool’s pH, chlorine, and alkalinity levels several times a week to ensure the chemicals are well-balanced as this will help to kill bacteria and algae growth.
Autumn filtration tips
The biggest threat to your pool filtration system in the autumn is leaves, leaves, and more leaves. Falling leaves can easily land in your pool where they’re quickly sucked in by the skimmer and pool pump, but end up stuck in your filter.
Ultimately, these leaves prevent the filter from working effectively and will only sit in the system and decompose, creating unwanted mould and mulch. To prevent this from happening, you may want to consider using a long-handled pool skimmer daily as well as raking leaves away from the outskirts of your pool.
If there’s more leaves and debris at the bottom of your pool than on the surface, an automatic or manual pool vacuum cleaner should do the trick.
Winter filtration tips
Cold, windy, and wet – all three of these common UK winter weather conditions can have a negative impact on your pool environment.
Despite many UK pools not being used in the winter, you should still consider taking some precautions to keep your pool and the filtration system in good condition even when it’s not in use – this is a process known informally as ‘winterising’ your pool.
While a pool cover can help to stop debris from landing in your pool, there are certain chemicals that are essential to protecting your pool when closing over the winter. This includes chlorine shock (or a non-chlorine alternative), algaecide, and pH balancer.
If you don’t blow out your pool lines for winter, then you should also consider using pool antifreeze to prevent expansion from damaging the pipes.
Additional filtration advice for year-round efficiency
Searching for a more efficient way to keep your pool clean and clear all year round? For comprehensive swimming pool filtration, we recommend using smart pool systems with automation, seasonal pool accessories, and carrying out periodic deep cleaning.
One common theme shared amongst all seasons is making sure the chemical balance is right. However, with a smart pool system and automated chemical dosing, this regular, time-consuming task can be taken out of your hands.
Not to mention, investing in seasonal accessories like pool covers, leaf nets, and automatic skimmers can all play an important role in protecting your filtration system and reducing the maintenance and cleaning requirements of each season.
Periodic deep cleaning of all pool filtration systems is also wise as regular maintenance is not always strong enough to remove all the built-up dirt, debris, and algae.
For more advice and customised seasonal pool maintenance plans, however, you should consult with a pool care specialist, like Chemsol Group.
Ready to upgrade your pool filtration system?
If your existing swimming pool filtration system is due an upgrade or replacement, get in touch with the experienced team at Chemsol Group today.
Our team can offer initial consultancy and site visits to assess the best solution to upgrade your swimming pool filtration to meet the current PWTAG guidelines.
We provide a range of pool filtration packages, varying in price, features, and technical support, for both commercial and domestic pools. To find out more about swimming pool filtration systems, simply give us a call on 01492 582 888 , email us at info@chemsol.co.uk or by fill out our online contact form