Having a backyard pool allows you to enjoy the comfort and convenience of a private outdoor oasis where you can exercise, cool off, and relax. However, it is important to consider the maintenance needs of your swimming pool and know how those change in every season.
Tucson is known for mild, sunny winters and extremely hot, dry summers. While these conditions can simplify your pool service by eliminating the need to drain your pool every winter, they still present some unique pool maintenance challenges. Here’s a closer look at how Arizona’s weather will impact your pool maintenance all year round.
Extreme Heat Can Damage Pool Equipment
In the months of June, July, and August, Tucson regularly sees high temperatures exceeding 100 degrees. This kind of extreme heat can be detrimental to your pool equipment, especially if it is in an area that gets direct sun exposure throughout the day. While pool equipment is designed to be durable so that it can withstand outdoor conditions, it should be stored in a protected, shaded area to ensure that it works properly. Place your pool pumps, filters, and other equipment on a shaded side of the home or install a shade structure to keep these appliances safe. This will help prolong the life of your pool equipment and ensure it’s working properly. You should also store swimming pool supplies like chlorine tablets and other chemicals indoors or in your garage to limit their exposure to heat. Extreme temperatures may cause pool chemicals to degrade.
Evaporation Can Reduce Water Levels
Another effect of extreme summer heat is rapid water evaporation. Therefore, you should closely monitor water levels to ensure that they do not get too low. When water is low in your pool, your pool chemistry may be thrown off balance, and your pool equipment may become damaged. Many pool companies also recommend using a solar pool cover when the pool is not in use, as this will eliminate evaporation and prevent UV rays from degrading the chemicals in your pool water.
Monsoons May Throw Off Chemical Levels
Monsoons offer a much-needed break from the summer heat by bringing rain to the valley. Monsoons tend to bring sudden, heavy rainfall, which can quickly raise the water level in your pool and throw your pH and chlorine levels out of balance. After a big storm, you might schedule an extra visit from your local pool service company to test the water and adjust chemical levels accordingly. Avoid swimming directly after a storm and wait at least 24 hours to get into the water after chemicals have been adjusted.
Algae Growth Increases in Hot Weather
Tucson pool owners often assume that algae isn’t a big problem because the climate is so dry. However, algae love warm conditions, so it is important to remain vigilant with your pool care as temperatures rise. Proper chlorine levels and water circulation may be enough to prevent algae, but if you begin to spot green and yellow algae during the summer months, you may need to schedule pool service to deep clean the affected areas and treat the pool with algaecide.
Winter Pool Maintenance is a Must
Arizona winters are known for pleasant temperatures with minimal freezing. Because you don’t have to worry about snow, ice, and hard freezes, you might think that you can take a vacation from pool maintenance during the winter. However, you should still take steps to keep your pool fresh and clean so that it’s ready again in the spring. You don’t need to fully drain and winterize your pool in Arizona, but you should still keep the filter running, test and balance pool chemicals, and keep the pool clean.
Windy Conditions Can Clog Your Pool Filter
Tucson sees windy conditions all year round, and when the wind picks up, your pool may see an influx of debris like dead leaves. When there are high winds in the forecast, be sure to check your pool filter more often, as it may quickly become clogged with debris. Skimming your pool can also be helpful.
To ensure that your pool is on an optimal maintenance schedule, reach out to Valley Oasis Pools, one of the top pool companies in Tucson. Our pool technicians can provide regular weekly or monthly maintenance, equipment repairs, and seasonal openings and closings to keep your pool looking great throughout the year. Contact us to make pool ownership effortless with our professional pool service in Tucson.
