Maintaining a swimming pool before going on holiday

It's crucial to maintain your pool, especially during the summer when temperatures rise, to prevent algae and bacteria from multiplying in the water. If you're going away for a long time, it's best to leave the pool cleaning to someone you trust, such as a family member, friend or neighbour, because a maintenance weekly minimum is essential for keeping the water clear and clean, so you can enjoy your pool as soon as you get home. You might also consider offer your home in exchange for this maintenance or ask local youngsters to look after them in exchange for access to the pool!

Alternatively, you can contact a a company specialising inmaintenance swimming pool service provider who will take care of these tasks for you after signing a specific contract for the holiday period. Compare the different options according to your means and the length of your absence. You can also opt for a automated treatment such as salt electrolysis. Whichever solution you choose, it's essential not to underestimate the importance of this task or the preparation required before setting off, so that when you return you don't find a pond full of green water overgrown with algae and fungus!

Here are a few things you can do before you leave, and when you return, to make sure you can continue to enjoy your bathing at the start of the new school year!

Things to do before you go on holiday

Before you leave complete cleaning Remove sand and stones from the bottom of the pool, and use a landing net to remove surface impurities. Scrub the walls and waterline, then activate your pool hoover if you have one. Clean the skimmers and filters, check the pH of the water and the level of limescale, and make any necessary adjustments. It's generally advisable to raise the water level up to the skimmers and apply a preventive algaecide treatment to prevent the proliferation of algae while you're away.

To do when you leave

If you have a roller shutter or an opaque cover, cover the pool to prevent reduce evaporation and contamination by leaves, dust and other insects. We recommend that you keep the filtration system running, but reduce the filtration time by half. In addition, use slow-release chlorine blocks to disinfect the water for longer periods and prevent the appearance of algae over longer periods (from several weeks to several months for the most long-lasting). You can use this chlorine treatment even if you normally use active oxygen-based formulas, as the two solutions are compatible. On the other hand, avoid using chlorine if you prefer PHMB (polyhexamethylene biguanide), as it destroys chlorine completely.

To do on return from holiday

When you return, carry out another thorough cleaning of the pool and filtersIf, despite all the precautions taken, the water is cloudy or green, or if you notice algae in the pool, apply an intensive treatment to restore the water's balance and give it time to take effect before diving in!