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Springtime brings warmer weather, blooming flowers, and unfortunately, an influx of pollen. If you have a pool, you may notice yellowish or greenish dust floating on the water’s surface or collecting along the edges. Not only does pollen make your pool look dirty, but it can also affect the water chemistry and potentially clog your pool filter. Luckily, removing pollen from your pool is easy with the right tools and techniques. Here’s how to tackle the problem and keep your pool clean and inviting.
The first step in removing pollen from your pool is to simply remove it from the surface. Use a skimmer net or a fine mesh leaf net to scoop up the pollen as soon as you notice it gathering. Pollen particles are lightweight and tend to float on the surface, so they’re relatively easy to remove with a quick skim. Make this a regular part of your pool maintenance routine, especially during peak pollen season.
Tip: Skim the pool early in the morning or after a rainstorm when pollen is most likely to be settled on the surface.
While skimming will take care of the pollen on the surface, some pollen may sink to the bottom of your pool. To tackle this, use your pool vacuum or an automatic cleaner to suck up the particles. A robotic pool cleaner works especially well for removing debris from the pool floor, while manual vacuums can be used to target specific spots. Make sure to adjust the vacuum’s settings to avoid stirring up too much debris and causing a mess.
Tip: If using a manual vacuum, attach a fine mesh bag to the vacuum head to trap pollen and prevent it from circulating back into the water.
Particles can also end up in your pool’s filtration system. To remove pollen that might be floating in the water or hiding in the filter, extend the runtime of your pool’s pump and filter. Running the filter for longer periods will give it more time to catch the fine particles. If you notice your filter is becoming clogged, clean it out regularly to keep it working efficiently.
Tip: Set your pool pump to run overnight or during off-peak hours when energy rates are lower.
If you’re dealing with a significant amount of pollen in your pool, a pool clarifier can help. Pool clarifiers are designed to bind tiny particles so they can be filtered out more easily. Add the clarifier to your pool according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and let it circulate for several hours before running the filter to remove the particles.
Tip: Clarifiers work best when the pool’s water chemistry is balanced, so make sure the pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness are all within the recommended ranges.
If you’ve noticed a buildup over time, it may have disrupted the chemical balance in your pool. Pollen can contribute to cloudy water and even algae growth, especially if it’s left unchecked. Shocking your pool with a chlorine or non-chlorine pool shock will help restore proper water chemistry and eliminate any organic matter that may be lingering in the water.
Tip: Test the water before and after shocking to make sure the chlorine or other chemicals are at safe levels.
Prevention is key when it comes to managing pollen in your pool. Keep the area around your pool clean by trimming trees and shrubs that are high producers. You can also consider installing a pool enclosure to keep airborne debris from settling on the water. While this may not completely eliminate the problem, it can significantly reduce the amount of organic material that makes its way into your pool.
Tip: Consider using a fine mesh screen for your pool enclosure to keep out both large debris and smaller particles like pollen.
Pollen can affect the pH and alkalinity of your pool water, making it more acidic or alkaline. This can lead to cloudy water or cause issues with your pool equipment. Regularly test your pool’s water chemistry and adjust the pH and alkalinity levels as needed. Keeping the water properly balanced will help prevent pollen from causing long-term damage to your pool.
Tip: Test your pool water every 1-2 weeks during pollen season to ensure the balance stays on track.
Dealing with pollen in your pool may feel like a never-ending battle during allergy season, but with the right approach, you can keep your pool sparkling clean. Regularly skimming the surface, vacuuming the bottom, running your filter longer, and using pool chemicals like clarifiers and shock will help keep pollen at bay. By staying on top of your pool maintenance and making a few small adjustments, you’ll be able to enjoy a clean, clear pool all season long, without letting the pollen take over.
Happy swimming!
