If you do plan on covering your pool for winter, do not leave unwanted leaves in the pool. This becomes more of a safety issue than anything else. This has to go back to algae, but it's more of a bacteria issue than anything else. Yes, algae will stain your floor and walls if you do leave it in there for too long.
It's not good to leave your pool empty when the weather gets cold. Leaving your pool filled with water can help prevent your vinyl or concrete foundation from being damaged.
Leaves on your pool surface will deteriorate and break into smaller pieces - these can provide the nutrients that algae require to grow. Dry leaves float on the water, but if left long enough, they will sink to the bottom and could take longer to remove..
An accumulation of leaves in your pool will throw the pH level out of balance, and can over-tax sanitizing chemicals like chlorine. Typically this means greater acidity, or a lower pH level. The longer leaves are in your pool, the greater the damage. Leaves are an additional surface that will host the growth of algae.
Environmental debris such as leaves, twigs and flowers can affect your pool's water quality particularly if your pool water circulation isn't optimal. Even the smallest debris such as pollen, dust and bird droppings will impact the appearance and can build up in your filter. Looking for the best pool cleaner?
You don't want to spend hours fishing for leaves by hand with a pool skimmer, but, if you leave the leaves where they are, they could clog your pool pump or vacuum. Most pool pumps and vacuums are designed to suck up small pieces of debris like dirt and dust.
For heavy pool leaf problems, there is no tool better suited than a good Leaf Rake. For surface work, you can drag it behind you at the tile line, or use a push and pull method across the pool surface, from side to side. Leaf Rakes are also great for scooping leaves off of the floor.
A nylon or rubber brush is the correct choice for scrubbing the sides of a soft-sided above-ground pool. A large pool brush makes quick work of the job, but you may need a smaller brush to clean corners. Once the particles have been removed from the sides of the pool, turn your filter back on and agitate the water.
Preparation for Shocking
If the pool is too dark green to see the bottom, use a Leaf Rake, or the Leaf Gulper and clean as much of the debris as you can from the pool before shocking the pool. 2. Lower the pH. Cal Hypo (and in fact all chlorine products) have greater efficacy at a lower pH level.
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.
Pools very rarely need to be drained completely. If you have a vinyl-lined above-ground pool, leaving it full for the winter will protect the vinyl liner from shrinkage and other damage. Since these pools are above ground level, keeping them full ensures that the wind will not damage the walls, liner, or frame.
Close the pool for winter – but don't drain it.
In winter, the water in your pool is still your friend. Especially when properly winterized, it helps to protect the pool liner, keep it clean and prevent unnecessary damage from debris, harsh weather and other factors.
Above-Ground Pools
If you have an above-ground pool with a vinyl pool liner, drain the pool to about 1 inch below the bottom of the skimmer mouth. It's acceptable to drain the pool a few more inches below that if you live in an area that gets heavy precipitation during the winter months.
If dirt is reappearing at the bottom of your swimming pool after you've vacuumed it your pool's filter may be working poorly. Pool filters often work poorly because they're in need of cleaning. If you have a sand filter for your pool you need to make sure that the sand is sharp and freshened up.
Optimize the Skimmer Flow
Be sure the skimmer “weir gate,” the paddle-like flap in the throat of the skimmer, are in place. These help the speed of suction, while also keeping the leaves locked inside the basket once the pump has shut off.
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate is naturally alkaline, with a pH of 8. When you add baking soda to your pool water, you will raise both the pH and the alkalinity, improving stability and clarity. Many commercial pool products for raising alkalinity utilize baking soda as their main active ingredient.
After the hose fills with water, backwash your sand filter for 2 - 3 minutes, or until water runs clear. Shut off the pump motor and push the T-handle back down into locked position. Turn your pump back on and note the lower pressure.
Pump motors can develop rust deep inside the motor which can keep the motor for working come springtime. Keeping pumps away from accumulating moisture (assuming you live in a place that gets considerable rain/snowfall) during the winter is a good way to protect the equipment.
Ordinary household vinegar could in theory be used to lower the pH of your pool. The pH of vinegar is about 2.5, which is quite acidic when compared to your pool water. Household vinegar is very weak though (when compared to a strong acid like muriatic acid), so you would need quite a bit to lower pH.
Using liquid chlorine raises the pH of the water.
When added to water, liquid chlorine (which has a pH of 13) makes HOCl (hypochlorous acid – the killing form of chlorine) and NaOH (sodium hydroxide), which raises pH.