Beat the heat: Make the most of your pool this summer
With the school holidays approaching and the UK heat showing no signs of slowing down, your pool is likely to become the heart of your home. It’s the perfect way to cool off, spend time with family, and make the most of the sunny weather. However, with more people using the pool, it’s essential to stay on top of maintenance to keep everything clean, safe, and enjoyable.
Here are a few simple ways to keep your pool in top condition this summer.
1. More swimmers means more maintenance
When your pool is in frequent use, there’s more going into the water - from sun cream and body oils to grass, hair and sweat. This can quickly lead to cloudy water, low chlorine levels and unpleasant smells if not properly managed.
If your pool is being used daily or you’re hosting friends and family, we recommend:
- Testing the water more regularly – ideally every day or two during hot weather
- Running the pump for longer, especially after evening swims
- Using a shock treatment once a week, or after particularly busy days
2. Sun cream is essential – but it can affect your water
While it’s important to protect your skin from the sun, sun cream can create a greasy film on the water and clog filters. To help reduce the impact, encourage swimmers to apply sun cream at least 20 minutes before getting in. This allows time for it to absorb properly and minimises what washes off into the pool.
3. A quick rinse goes a long way
A quick shower before swimming can make a big difference. Rinsing off helps remove sweat, lotion, dirt and other debris that can unbalance your water. It’s particularly useful for children who have been playing outside. If you’ve got an outdoor shower or hose nearby, even better.
4. Cloudy or smelly water? Here’s what to do
If your pool water looks dull or has a stronger smell than usual, it might be due to chloramines – a by-product of chlorine reacting with contaminants. This is often what causes that classic ‘chlorine’ smell.
To clear things up, try:
- Shocking the pool
- Cleaning or backwashing the filter
- Checking and adjusting your chlorine and pH levels
If you're unsure, we're always happy to help.
5. Preparing for guests? Party-proof your pool
If you’re planning a pool party or expecting more guests over the summer, a bit of preparation can help everything go smoothly:
- Test and balance the water before people arrive
- Skim the surface to remove leaves and debris
- Keep a net or vacuum nearby for quick clean-ups
- Use a clarifier to keep the water looking clear and inviting
Your pool is the perfect place to relax and cool off during the summer, but it does need a little extra care when it’s being used more often. With a few easy steps, you can keep your pool water clear, safe and ready to enjoy all season long.
Need help, advice, or simply want someone to take the strain and manage your pool maintenance for you? Get in touch, we're here to help make pool care simple, so you can get back to enjoying it.