Vacation is the best for destressing and taking a break from everyday tasks that life demands, and while we encourage you to forget for a while and to take a breather, we don’t want you to forget too much about your pool! Leaving your pool for long periods of time can risk damage and cleanliness, which would create more stress for you to come back to.
Learn more about the steps to take before you leave for your worthwhile vacations to enjoy your time stress-free and to come back to a clean, usable pool.
Click to download a quick checklist
Pre-Vacation Pool Care Checklist
1. Check Water Level
Check the water level. Ensure that the water is at or slightly above adequate levels.
2. Test Pool Water
Test your water. We recommend taking a water sample to your local Zagers store and having it professionally tested to ensure sanitizer levels are correct and pH and alkalinity are properly balanced.
3. Shock Your Pool
Shock your pool water. Shocking the water means adding higher levels of chlorine or other chemical agents that can raise chlorine in a short amount of time. This will help keep your pool clean while you’re away.
4. Remove All Pool Debris
Remove debris. Ensure that the skimmer baskets, filter, and pump are clean and free from debris before you leave. If your system has a backwash option, now would be the time to run it. Invest in a pool safety cover to keep your pool free of debris from Michigan weather.
5. Ensure Pump & Filter Stay On
Keep the pump and filter on while you are away. Most pumps have an automatic timer that makes this very easy. Set it before you leave to ensure the pool filter system will run at least 8 to 12 hours per day.
6. Check Chlorinator
Ensure the chlorinator is full and functioning. To prevent algae growth, continuous sanitization is essential.
7. Schedule Pool Maintenance
[body] Have a friend or pool company look after your pool. This will be helpful with day-to-day upkeep. This trusted caretaker will also be able to keep an eye on water levels, the skimmer basket, and any problems that could occur. It will also add peace of mind for your vacation, knowing that your pool is being taken care of while you are away.
8. Take Preventive Measures to Prevent Accidents
Put all safety measures in place. Safety is incredibly important when you are leaving your pool unattended. Make sure you have the proper safeguards in place to prevent an accident. This includes setting pool alarms, ensuring gate latches are securely locked, using a safety cover, and removing the solar cover to prevent small animals, pets, or children from getting trapped, should they accidentally fall into the pool.
9. Winterize Your Pool
If you plan to be gone for more than a month, you may want to consider closing (winterizing) the pool—especially if you do not have someone to “pool-sit.”
Receive Pool Service Care With Zagers
Worried about leaving your pool for vacation? Connect with Zagers with any questions or call our phone at 616.896.1717, and schedule our pool service to ensure your pool is safe and sound while you’re away.