So, you’re going away and you’re wondering how to prevent your pool from turning green? Well not to worry, we’ve got you covered!

Here are some best practices for preparing your pool before you head out on that well deserved break.

Going-Away Checklist:
  1. Top up your pool’s water level
    Ensure that the water is at least 3/4 of the way up the skimmer or more. While you’re away, evaporation and water loss will happen, so it’s always best to fill the pool above the normal level to prevent your pump running dry.
  2. Test your water
    Test your pool water to ensure sanitiser levels are stable and pH, alkalinity and stabiliser levels are balanced correctly.
  3. Shock the water
    Once chemical levels are balanced, it’s time to shock the pool. For shocking, there are many types of chlorines that can be used. We recommend using a calcium based chlorine like HY-CLOR Super Shock to not unnecessarily raise your stabiliser levels. For dosage measurements, refer to the product instructions.
  4. 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, or if you have a cartridge filter, hose down the cartridge.
  5. Keep the pump and filter on while you are away
    Most pump systems have an automatic timer. Set it before you leave to ensure the pool filter system will run at least 4 to 8 hours per day, depending on the size of the pool.
  6. Have a friend or neighbour check on your pool
    For extra peace of mind, have a trusted caretaker keep an eye on the pool. They can check the water levels, the skimmer basket and any problems that may occur.
  7. 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 ensuring gate latches are securely locked and remove the solar cover to prevent potential harm to small animals, pets and children.This post is sponsored by our partners Wigs
  8. Winterise your pool
    If you plan to be gone for more than a month, you may want to consider winterising the pool which involves adding a copper based algaecide such as HY-CLOR’s Long Life Algaecide. This extra strength algaecide will work in tandem with the chlorine to prevent algae from blooming.