How Leaves Can Damage Your Pool

Watching orange and brown autumn leaves fall can be a beautiful sight. However, for those who own pools, it may be a different story. The extra debris that falls into them can lead to a series of problems, from chemical to filter issues. Sometimes, scooping them up with a net isn’t enough.

An accumulation of leaves in an outdoor pool can be a significant cause for concern if left unchecked. We’ll explore the damage that leaves can do to pools and how you can prevent any troubles in the future.

Leaves affect pool chemistry

Leaves can significantly harm your pool’s pH levels. The main issue is that it can interfere with existing chemicals such as chlorine, resulting in higher acidity levels. The longer you allow the leaves in the pool, the worse the damage.

The changes in chemical compounds from the decomposing leaves in the water can also lead to an algae build-up over time. If this happens, it can result in many dangerous side effects, including bacterial infections, low visibility, and physical injury due to slipperiness.

Invest in a quality pool cover

Most pool owners might own a standard cover. But, more often than not, these are made out of flimsy materials. And these materials do little to stop excess debris from entering the pool when not in use.

When dealing with outdoor pools, it’s worth investing in a quality pool cover, especially during the off-season. In doing so, the likelihood of leaves falling into the pool and causing damage decreases significantly.

The main types of covers available are winter pool covers or mesh leaf covers. Both options offer solutions to the problem of falling leaves.

Let’s take a closer look:

Winter pool covers

A winter pool cover is a definite upgrade from a standard cover and is a great way to protect the pool from excessive damage from leaves during winter. These purpose-built covers come in different styles and thicknesses and can be customized depending on the pool.

Typically, an inground pool installation involves water bags. In comparison, an above-ground pool installation requires a winch and cable.

The winter pool cover is strong enough to withstand people and pets walking across it while preventing leaves and other debris from entering. This type of cover can also prevent UV damage.

Winter pool covers are available in two forms: solid and mesh. The solid covers are the more expensive of the two but are more robust and generally longer lasting. On the other hand, mesh covers are less pricey but effectively keep out any falling debris such as leaves.

Mesh leaf covers

Some homeowners may consider investing in a mesh leaf cover. This option may be more cost-effective than a winter pool cover. It consists of a polyethylene material that only allows rainwater to pass through. Again, these pool covers can be customized to fit specific pool sizes.

You can install a leaf pool cover over a pool safety net for additional durability. This extra precaution prevents leaves from entering the pool and reduces the risk of any accidents occurring from children or pets that may walk across.

A mesh leaf cover is also far simpler to navigate, and you can remove it within 15 minutes. It’s worth getting in touch with a pool service to maximize the benefits from your pool cover. Also, when the time comes to remove the cover, a specialist will use the correct tools for the process.

Avoid future problems

A pool is a significant investment, and protecting it is crucial. Leaves falling into an outdoor pool is a relatively common occurrence. However, if left unchecked, it can cause a lot of harm in the long run.

Having a suitable cover installed can save homeowners a lot of time and unnecessary hassle. The type of cover used largely depends on personal preference as well as budget.

Alternately, when pool use is in full swing at the height of summer, some extra landscaping could help maintain the problem. Hiring a landscaper to regularly trim the trees around the pool can prevent any further leaves from getting into the pool once heavier winds appear and seasons change.

Dog Days Pool Service is a pool service company serving Clearwater, Safety Harbor, and all surrounding areas. We offer pool cleaning, maintenance, troubleshooting and more and would love to hear from you! (727) 791-6012