DIY Tips
Autumn doesn’t have to mean the end of swimming
Addressing the issues that can arise when the cooler months come around can extend the time you and your family can enjoy in your pool.
Sadly, March signals the end of summer; however this doesn’t have to mean the end of your swim season.
Problem No. 1: It’s getting a bit cool outside
Solution: Sustainable heating
There are a range of options to keep your pool a more comfortable temperature for you during the cooler months. Solar is the most environmentally friendly, with a strong return on investment because of our (mostly) sunny weather; plus, they have virtually no operating costs, just the cost of the electricity required to pump the pool water through the solar absorber on the roof.
Another environmentally friendly option is a heat pump, which is more energy efficient than gas. If you have a pool cover, using it will help your pool maintain its warmth.
Problem No. 2: The days are shorter
Solution: Efficient lighting
Adequate lighting can increase the appeal of your pool on days when the sun isn’t shining as bright as it would during the height of summer.
There is a strong movement towards LED lighting at the moment; this is due to their energy efficiency and long lifespan. However currently, the majority of pools still feature halogen lighting, which are cheap and easy to replace.
Swimart stocks a range of LED and halogen pool lights to cater to your needs, including multi-coloured, blue and white.
Problem No. 3: The water chemistry is off balance
Solution: Ongoing maintenance
Keeping up your regular maintenance routine during autumn and winter will make your pool much more appealing to swim in, and will save you a lot of work restoring your pool to top condition when summer rolls back around.
All it takes is a quick, once a week inspection of your pool; check your equipment is working properly (especially your filter, which should be running for three to four hours a day), check the water level, empty the skimmer basket and check your chlorine and pH levels. The pool’s pH level needs to be between 7.2 and 7.6. Taking a sample of pool water to your local Swimart store will tell you exactly what the pH is.