You're going out of town. There are a few things that you must do do to protect your pool. While you're away. Otherwise you could come back home an algae infestation or even a burned out pump.

So here's a step by step guide on how to prep your pool before you go on vacation. Let's dive in real quick if you want more help taking care of your pool be sure to grab our free pool care cheat sheet at swimuniversitycom. Cheat sheet it's totally free and will help keep your pool clean and clear all season long number one check your water level make sure your water level is a little above normal to help offset evaporation when you're away. If your water dips below your skimmer.

While your pump is running your system could overheat number two remove debris from the water make sure you skim any debris out of your water before you leave anything left to decompose in your pool can contribute to cloudy or green water. And consider running your filter system all day before you leave town to help pick up smaller contaminants and if you haven't backwashed or cleaned your filter in a while now would be a good time number three remove anything from your skimmer. You don't want anything blocking the flow of water while you're gone so remove any debris skimmer socks or pantyhose from the skimmer and empty your pump baskets too if you're gone for more than a week. Ask a neighbor to empty the skimmer basket periodically number four test and balance your water make sure your ph alkalinity and free.

Chlorine are within range your ph can be on the lower side. Since you'll be adding chlorine shock in the next step. And that can elevate your ph levels number five shock your pool depending on how long you'll be away add a single or double dose of chlorine shock to your water this will help prevent algae and contaminants from building up. While you're away just be sure to let the filter run for a few hours after you've added.

It and if you've used an unstabilized shock. Like cal hypo. You'll want to add it at night. If you need more help knowing what shock to add to your water be sure to check out our other videos number six add extra chlorine tablets.

Add several chlorine plucks to your floating dispenser or chlorinator to help keep your water continuously sanitized while you're away if you usually add tablets directly to your skimmer that can be risky if your pump shuts off when you're out of town so consider using a floater or investing in a chlorinator number seven keep your pump and filter running. Ideally you'll want to run your filter. 24. Hours a day to keep everything circulating and sanitized.

But you'll want to run your filter at least eight hours daily while you're gone. So make sure you've set up your automatic timer and turn off other components like your heater number eight remove solar blankets and install your safety cover set up your automatic cover or safety cover. While you're away to keep your pool water protected and be sure to lock and secure. Any gates or security devices around your pool perimeter after you get back from vacation be sure to retest your water and adjust your alkalinity ph and chlorine.

If necessary if your water is over chlorinated wait to swim. Until your chlorine levels have returned to normal. If your pool isn't over chlorinated shock your pool to kill any contaminants. That might have built up.

While you were away and refill your chlorine supply in your chlorinator or floater finally. If for some reason you come back to a big algae infestation be sure to check out our other video on getting rid of green water. And that's it if you need more help with pool maintenance be sure to grab our free pool care cheat sheet at swimuniversitycom. Cheat sheet and if you found this video helpful leave a comment hit the like button and subscribe for more pool maintenance tutorials throughout the season that's it thanks again and happy swimming.