Can Leaves Damage My Swimming Pool?

During the fall, you may notice more leaves than usual in your pool, particularly if your backyard has lots of overhanging trees. While you may assume that this is a minor issue, leaves can build up if left ignored and result in major problems for your pool.

But just what do leaves do to a pool? And how can you protect your pool? The team at Miller Pools is here to explain all.

What do leaves do to a pool?

Leaves are an unsightly addition to your pool and are just generally unpleasant to swim among. However, not only are they an annoyance, but they can also cause some major damage to your pool:

• Introduces contaminants: Whenever a leaf enters your pool, all the contaminants and chemicals present on that leaf also get washed into the water, including any pesticides or fertilizers. Balancing your pool correctly is already a delicate process and once you add these extra contaminants into the mix, the task becomes much trickier, potentially leaving you swimming in harmful substances.
• Damages pump: Leaves tend to fall in large quantities and it only takes a few to cause a nasty blockage to the plumbing lines of your pool. Any kind of clog will leave your pump motor working overtime, potentially damaging your pool equipment and putting a strain on the entire system.

• Pests: Leaves attract pests, such as bugs and frogs. Your pool water offers ideal conditions for pests to thrive, particularly if the chemistry of your pool has been compromised — this in turn means it’s a great place to lay eggs. What was a minor problem can turn into an infestation if you’re not careful.

How to keep leaves out of your pool

The best and most obvious way to keep leaves out of your pool is to invest in a reliable pool cover. Typically made from mesh, this cover securely covers your entire pool to act as a barrier, preventing leaves and other debris from infiltrating your pool during periods of disuse.

It’s also a good idea to regularly scoop your pool with a pool rake, and this inexpensive tool features a deep net that can gather up leaves to prevent them from clogging the filter. It’s best to regularly check your filter and frequently empty and clean the skimmer and pump baskets; this can prevent your pool water from becoming cloudy and potentially growing bacteria. If you don’t have the time to carry out this maintenance work yourself, contact a local pool professional like Miller Pools. We provide a wide range of pool maintenance services and use the latest equipment, such as pool vacuum cleaners, to remove all debris and keep your pool safe and ready to use.

Can chlorine break down leaves?

Chlorine is a powerful substance, used to disinfect your pool water and kill any harmful microorganisms. Therefore, when chlorine reacts with leaves, it can cause them to break down. However, it’s important to note that this process can deplete your chlorine levels, meaning that regular adjustment may be necessary to ensure your pool water remains safe and ready to swim in.

So the answer is yes, leaves can cause damage to your swimming pool and create issues for several essential pool components, especially during the fall months. A buildup of leaves can clog your pool drains and filters, limiting water flow. This means your pump will be left working overtime to circulate water, leading to premature wear. There’s also the matter of pests to consider, as a buildup of leaves can attract bugs that disrupt the delicate balance of your pool water.

If you’re worried about leaves damaging your swimming pool, contact the team at Miller Pools today. Our experts boast decades of experience and offer a variety of pool maintenance services to homes and businesses throughout Pasadena, Humble & Atascocita, TX, and beyond.