Summer is when Glendale pools get the most use, and it is also when they are hardest to keep balanced. Long stretches of hot, sunny days change pool water in ways that are easy to miss until the water turns cloudy or green.
Understanding what heat does to your pool makes it much easier to stay ahead of problems.
Sunlight Breaks Down Chlorine
Ultraviolet light from the sun breaks down chlorine in pool water. On bright summer days, an unprotected pool can lose much of its sanitizer in a matter of hours. Stabilizer, also called cyanuric acid, acts like sunscreen for chlorine and slows that loss. Keeping stabilizer in the right range is one of the most important steps for summer pool care, but too much stabilizer can make chlorine less effective, so it should be tested rather than guessed.
Warm Water Speeds Up Algae
Algae grows faster in warm water. When water temperature climbs and sanitizer drops at the same time, algae has its best chance to take hold. That is why many green pools appear during or right after a heat wave. Steady sanitizer levels and good circulation are the best defense.
Evaporation Lowers Water and Concentrates Minerals
Hot, dry air pulls water out of the pool every day. As the level drops, skimmers can start to pull air, which strains the pump. Each time you top off the pool, you add more minerals from the tap. Because the City of Glendale describes its water as very hard, summer top offs steadily raise calcium hardness, leading to scale on tile, heaters, and salt cells.
More Swimmers, More Demand
Summer also brings more swimmers. Sunscreen, sweat, and body oils use up sanitizer and leave film on the waterline. A pool that stays clear during a quiet week can turn dull after a weekend of guests.
Summer Pool Care Checklist
- Test chlorine and pH more often, at least a few times a week during heat waves.
- Check stabilizer and calcium hardness periodically.
- Keep the water level in the middle of the skimmer opening.
- Run the pump long enough to circulate the whole pool each day.
- Brush the walls and tile line to prevent algae and film.
- Clean the filter when pressure rises.
Summer Help for Glendale Pools
Our pool water testing and pool chemical balancing services keep chemistry on track through the hottest months. Traveling this summer? Vacation pool maintenance keeps your pool cared for while you are away. Contact Glendale Pool Service to plan summer service.