Fall Pool Care in Bakersfield: What to Do as the Weather Cools
In Bakersfield you don't need to close your pool for fall and winter. Keep the pump running on a shorter schedule, keep chlorine and pH in range, and stay ahead of leaves and wind-blown debris, which break down in the water, use up chlorine, and feed algae. Clean the filter once the leaves stop falling, and test your water every week or two.
What changes for my pool in the fall?
- Cooler water. Chlorine lasts longer and algae grows more slowly, but it does not stop.
- Leaves and debris. Leaves that sit on the bottom break down, use up chlorine, add phosphates, and can leave brown stains.
- Wind storms. A windy day can drop dust and leaves into the pool all at once.
- Less swimming. With nobody in the pool, it is easy to skip testing until a problem shows up.
What should my fall pool routine be?
- Step 1: Skim and empty the skimmer basket a few times a week while leaves are falling.
- Step 2: Brush the walls and floor once a week.
- Step 3: Test the water every week or two, and keep free chlorine and pH in range.
- Step 4: Shorten the pump schedule as the water cools, but keep it long enough to filter all of the water at least once a day.
- Step 5: Clean the filter once the leaves stop falling. Leaf season loads filters up fast.
- Step 6: Consider a leaf net or cover if you have trees near the pool.
Do I need to winterize my pool in Bakersfield?
Not the way pools in snowy climates do. Bakersfield pools stay open all year. Keep the water circulating and the chlorine in range through the winter. On the few nights that drop below freezing, run the pump overnight so water keeps moving through the pipes and equipment. Many automation systems have a freeze protection setting that does this for you.
How do I keep leaves from turning into algae or stains?
Get leaves out within a day or two, before they sink and start breaking down. After heavy leaf fall or a storm, test the water and shock in the evening if chlorine is low. If phosphates test high, ask us whether a phosphate remover such as Orenda PR-10,000 makes sense for your pool. Brown spots on the floor where leaves sat are usually tannin stains, and they often fade once the leaves are out and chlorine is back in range.
Should I keep running my pool pump in winter?
Yes. Run it on a shorter schedule, but keep the water filtering at least once a day. On freezing nights, run the pump overnight or use your automation system's freeze protection.
Do I need to shock my pool in the fall?
After heavy leaf fall, a wind storm, or rain, often yes. Otherwise, keeping free chlorine steadily in range is enough. Test first, and shock in the evening if chlorine is low.
How often should I test my pool water in the fall?
Every week or two. Cooler water is more forgiving, but leaves and storms can still pull chlorine and pH out of range quickly.
Why are there brown stains on my pool floor in the fall?
They are usually tannin stains from leaves that sat on the bottom. Remove the leaves, brush the spots, and keep chlorine in range. If they don't fade, bring in a water sample or a photo and we'll help you figure out the right fix.
Don't cry, we can help
Bring a water sample to Top Dog Pool Supply. Local pool owners get a free water test on our Taylor Xpress Flex system, and we'll tell you what to add, and how much, for your pool's size.
Visit us at 7440 District Blvd Suite B, Bakersfield, CA 93313, or call (661) 664-9000. We're open Monday to Friday 9 to 5, Saturday 9 to 4, and Sundays 10 to 4 from April through September.
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