Seasonal Pool Maintenance and Security Tips

The leaves are turning, and the air is cool and crisp. It's a sure sign that fall is here and winter a close step behind. In Western New York, this marks the end of the 2022 swim season. Here are a few basic tips to prepare your pool for its closing:

1. Remove Debris: Most homeowners take extra care to remove leaves and other surface debris (toys, floats, etc) from the pool. If there are leaves at the bottom of the pool, we suggest removing them as soon as possible because they could stain or cause algae growth.

2. General Cleaning: Once debris and pool toys have been removed, you should scrub the walls and tiles (if you have tiling) and use the pool vacuum to ensure the bottom of the pool has been thoroughly cleaned.

3. Filter Check: Clean filters after a busy summer pool season to keep them working into the fall, even if they plan to close the pool. No one wants to open the pool in the spring with dirt and grime from the last season, especially if you’re the one opening the pool.

4. Chemical Check: As you would during peak swim season, please ensure your water is properly balanced, especially going into your pool closing. If you need help balancing the pool, bring a water sample in to your local Colley’s retail store, or give them a call!

5. Perimeter Security: For pool owners, protecting the backyard and the pool area is year-round. It is not unheard of, especially locally, to have animals such as deer fall into pool and cause damage to the cover and/or pool during the fall/winter. A fence or secure perimeter may help to mitigate any unwanted guests from entering the pool area.

Hot Tub Safety Tips

As we enter into the fall season we are also entering arguably the best time of year for western New Yorkers to enjoy their hot tubs! That being said, it is important to maintain an atmosphere of safety in your hot tub, just as you would with your pool! Here are some hot tub safety tips!

1. Adjust heating settings to a comfortable temperature- those with sensitive skin or sensitivities to heat may need to take extra precautions before entering a hot tub.

2. Always enter the hot tub feet first, and hold on to edges for stability. To prevent slipping, ensure footing is in place before stepping further into the hot tub.

3. Sitting for long periods in hot water can be troublesome for individuals who are not accustomed to it, so make sure you’re listening to warning signs that you need to leave the hot tub. Examples include increased heart rate, nausea and lightheadedness. Getting your heart above the water level will allow for more rapid cool-down.

4. Hydrate and continue hydrating. Sitting for too long in hot water can cause your body to become dehydrated. Drink water before, during and after soaking in a hot tub to prevent dehydration, headaches or fatigue.

5. This should go without saying but, no diving into the hot tub at any time!

6. Try to stay away from drains and other openings that cause suction.

Water safety is important for everyone. Hot tub and swim spa users of all ages can enjoy the water as long as everyone does their part to ensure there is an atmosphere of safety.

Tips for Properly Storing your Chemicals

Safely storing pool chemicals is an important part of keeping your pool environment safe. Pool chemicals are essential to keep your pool water clean and clear and free of contaminants. However, they can be dangerous if they aren’t stored or handled properly. Additionally, chemicals can be costly so it is important you store them properly.

Over time, pool chemicals can naturally break down. This process can be accelerated if the chemicals are not stored properly. Here are some tips to make sure your pool chemicals are stored in a safe environment:

1. Do Not Reuse or Switch Containers: Reusing pool chemical containers or transferring chemicals to another container is never recommended as it can create a dangerous situation. When storing pool chemicals, always use the original containers with their labels clearly legible. Each container was designed for the specific storage requirements of the chemical it contains, so it is never advisable to switch containers. Even if you’re handling the same type of chemical, mixing a new batch of a chemical with a leftover batch of the same chemical can lead to a reaction from the older residue, or create fumes.

2. Keep Chemicals Away From Flammable Items: It should go without saying but, outdoor storage areas for pool chemicals should be out of the reach of anything flammable. Keep any gas-powered equipment, like your lawnmower, in a completely different location. The storage site should also be away from sources of heat, like an outdoor fire pit or grill.

3. Provide Plenty of Ventilation: Choose a location with ample ventilation for storing pool chemicals. In areas with little airflow, dangerous fumes can quickly accumulate if chemicals do start to react.

4. Avoid Exposure to Sunlight and Humidity: When considering where to store pool chemicals, the best storage locations are areas out of direct sunlight. Pool chemicals react poorly to sunshine and heat, and require a dark, cool environment to control for any potential reactions. Humidity or even small amounts of pool water can cause chemical reactions that could lead to dangerous fumes.

Ways You Can Keep Your Pool Area Safe

Your backyard oasis can be the most used space on your property, and rightfully so! That being said, your pool comes with a unique set of responsibilities. The last thing anyone wants when enjoying their pool is for someone to get hurt. There are laws and regulations to be sure to follow and best practices that will make your swimming experience more enjoyable!

Pool Covers: Covers are a great way to maintain a safe environment, even when the pool is not in use. Covers not only keep children from inadvertently falling into the pool, but also keep unwanted leaves, debris and animals out of the pool. Furthermore, covers help to save energy and conserve water by helping to keep in water, heat and chemicals that could otherwise evaporate into the atmosphere.

Fence or Barrier: A fence gives owners a sense of relief that a child, grandchild, young neighbor or pet are prevented from wandering into the pool. There are plenty of options for fences that meet code requirements without disrupting the aesthetics of your yard. It is always best to consult your local laws to determine if a fence is required and what standards the fence must meet.

Pool Alarm: There are several types of alarms that signal when the pool area is being disturbed, such as when the back door or the gate is opened, or when someone has entered the water. Water alarms are usually able to tell the difference between a larger creature versus a toy or rain, thereby possibly reducing the nuisance of an alarm constantly going off. Test the alarms from time to time to ensure they are in working order.

Lighting: Light all safety areas such as pool steps, entrances and exits.

Other suggestions:

• Ensure your swimming pool and/or hot tub complies with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act (VGBA), which requires features to prevent entrapment. Entrapment can occur when a pool/spa suction outlet (drain) creates higher than allowable suction forces and can hold a bather/swimmer down at the suction outlet/drain cover, trapping them below the surface of the water. Make sure that the suction outlet (drain) covers are in good shape, not cracked/broken, and properly secured in place.

• Keep a float or ring nearby- handy for emergency use.

• Ensure your ladders and handrails are properly secured.

• Routinely check over your pool equipment to make sure everything is operable.

• With children around, designate someone to be in charge of watching and keeping a steady on the children.

• Maintain proper water chemistry to preserve the condition of your pool and its equipment as well as to avoid irritation of swimmer’s skin and eyes.

• Make sure all who use the pool can swim and feel comfortable using your pool and practice protocol that would prepare for an accident.

We want you to love your Colley’s Oasis while also maintaining an atmosphere of safety. Luckily, both can be done!