Fall Leaves and Your Pool: Keeping It Clean in North Atlanta
North Atlanta's trees look great in fall. Here is how to stop them wrecking your pool.
Leaves that sit in your pool stain the surface, clog skimmers and pump baskets, use up chlorine and feed algae. The fix is simple: get leaves out before they sink, empty baskets more often during leaf season, keep an eye on filter pressure and test your water regularly. A few minutes a day in fall saves hours of cleanup later.
Why leaves are a bigger problem than they look
A few floating leaves seem harmless, but once they sink they start breaking down. That releases tannins that can leave brown stains on plaster, along with organic matter and phosphates that use up your chlorine and give algae something to feed on. Leaves also pile up in skimmer and pump baskets, cutting water flow and making your pump and filter work harder.
Get leaves out before they sink
Floating leaves are easy to remove. Sunken leaves are not. Skim the surface every day or two during peak leaf fall, especially after windy days or storms. A leaf rake with a deep net makes quick work of the floor if leaves do sink.
Keep baskets and filters clear
- •Empty skimmer baskets often. In heavy leaf season that can mean every day.
- •Check the pump basket at least once a week. A packed basket starves the pump of water.
- •Watch your filter pressure gauge. A rise of several PSI above your normal clean reading usually means the filter needs cleaning.
- •If you use an automatic cleaner, empty its bag or canister more often than usual.
Not sure what will work best for your pool and trees? Ask us in our Alpharetta store at 2900 Holcomb Bridge Rd. We will help you pick the right setup for your pool.
A simple fall routine
| How often | What to do |
|---|---|
| Every day or two | Skim floating leaves and empty skimmer baskets |
| Weekly | Check the pump basket, brush walls and floor, check filter pressure |
| Every week or two | Test your water, especially chlorine and pH |
| After storms | Skim, empty all baskets and check chlorine |
Your water chemistry in leaf season
Leaves increase the demand on your chlorine. If you notice chlorine dropping faster than usual, cloudy water or a green tint starting, test your water. A free computerized test at our store tells you exactly what your pool needs. Read more about free pool water testing.
Thinking long term
Trimming overhanging branches cuts down on leaves for years to come. A pool cover also stops most leaves from ever reaching the water, which is especially useful if you plan to close your pool for winter. If you are still deciding, read our guide to winterizing a pool in Georgia.
Frequently asked questions
Leaf season help in Alpharetta
Pool Supply Atlanta helps pool owners across Alpharetta, Roswell, Milton, Johns Creek and Sandy Springs. Visit us at 2900 Holcomb Bridge Rd, Alpharetta, GA 30022 (Mon to Fri 9am to 5pm, Sat 9am to 4pm) or call 678-691-6124.
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