How do I maintain my pool while I am away on holiday?

Ah, the summer holidays! The perfect moment to relax, explore new places and... worry about the state of your pool back home... But don’t panic! Follow our advice to maintain your pool during your holidays and prevent your precious pool turning into a green swamp while you are away. After all, nobody wants to come back from holiday to discover that the frogs have organised a party in their pool! 

1. Deep clean your pool before you go away 

Before you pack your suitcases, take a moment to give your pool a good clean. Think of it a bit like you are preparing your house for the arrival of important visitors. Suction clean your pool to remove leaves, insects and other undesired guests. Don’t forget to clean the skimmer and empty the filter strainer to avoid any obstructions. You can also use a pool cleaning robot which will do most of the cleaning for you. A clean pool is the first step to ensuring healthy water while you are away... and peaceful holidays! 

2. Adjust the water parameters 

Make sure the pH, alkalinity and chlorine levels are correctly balanced. Well-balanced water is less likely to develop algae and bacteria. Use a high-quality test kit to check the parameters of your water, and make adjustments as required. By doing this, your water will be ready for a few weeks without you. 

3. Use a slow-release treatment product 

You wouldn’t want your pool to feel abandoned, would you? To maintain chlorine levels in your absence, consider using slow-release chlorine tablets. These products ensure continuous disinfection and prevent proliferation of micro-organisms.

4. Cover the pool 

Covering your pool with a pool cover or a rolling shutter is an excellent way to protect the water from debris and contaminants. It also reduces evaporation and helps to maintain the water at a stable temperature. 

5. Use an automated filtration system

 An automated filtration system is of great value for maintaining your pool during your holidays. Make sure your pump is programmed to operate for long enough every day to keep the water moving and filtered. For maximum peace of mind, Hayward filtration systems offer robust and reliable options to meet your requirements. 

6. Ask for help from your neighbour or a professional 

Why not ask a nice neighbour or use a professional service to keep an eye on your pool while you are away sunbathing? A quick visit once a week can make all the difference to detect problems before they become catastrophic. 

What should you do when you get back from holiday? 

Once you are well-rested, it is essential to make a few checks before diving straight into your pool. Start by checking the water balance, verifying the pH and the chlorine level. Then, backwash the filter to clean it and eliminate all accumulations. Lastly, perform a boost treatment, leaving the filtration on. A few days later, your pool will again be ready for you to take refreshing swims. If, despite your efforts, you see green water when you return, take a look at our advice on how to treat green water. 

Hayward solutions for an impeccable pool

At Hayward, we understand the importance of maintaining your pool in perfect condition, even when you are not there. Our products are designed to offer you total peace of mind:

• Filtration systems: our filters are perfect for keeping the water in your pool clean and clear. The Hayward SwimClearTM cartridge filter is ideal for those looking for a maintenance-free solution. 
• Heat pumps: maintain a comfortable water temperature with the Hayward EnergyLine Pro heat pump, which is both effective and silent. 
• Automatic cleaners: for effortless cleaning, Hayward pool cleaners guarantee youFiltro a cartuccia SwimClear™ Haywardr pool remains clean. 

Filter SwimClear™

By following this advice and using Hayward products, you can go away on holiday with total peace of mind, knowing that your pool will be impatiently waiting for you for a refreshing swim on your return. So, close your eyes and enjoy your cocktail on the beach, we will look after the rest.