Leaves are fascinating. They grow in the spring, keep you cool in the summer, and provide a fiery show in the fall. But when they find their way into your pool, they can be annoying. This article teaches you how to keep leaves out of your pool and why it’s important to do so before it’s too late.
Fallen leaves make the pool unsightly and can turn it into a swampy mess of brown sludge. No one wants to swim in that!
Well, leaves are a nuisance that can’t be avoided. However, they don’t have to ruin your pool. There are simple tools and tricks to keep your pool free of pesky leaves and debris.
Why leaves are such a problem
- Leaves in the pool are unsightly
- They make the water look murky and brown as well as create an unpleasant smell
- Over time, leaves can lead to algae bloom
- It can clog up the filter making it less effective over time
- It can lead to increased chlorine use to make the water clean and clear
Why do leaves collect in the pool?
You might not know that leaves collect in your pool because of three simple reasons:
- Trees with shallow root systems are more likely to drop leaves when their leaves change color
- Leaves are heavier than water but less dense than air, so they float on top of the water
- The wind blows them off trees or up against fences or houses
So the next time you’re stuck with a leaf-filled pool, these are the culprits.
How to keep leaves out of your pool
1.Invest in a leaf net pool cover
A leaf net traps leaves in one place so that they don’t end up in your pool. It collects them until they can be removed by an easy scooping action.
It’s not hard to find one; in fact, most hardware stores carry them in their fall product line. However, we recommend leaf netting made from UV-stabilized polypropylene or nylon. They’re more durable and won’t fade in sunlight.
The good thing about leaf nets is that they’re pretty affordable, which is always a bonus when it comes to cleaning products. Moreover, a leaf net is an easy-to-install solution.
2.Use a leaf skimmer/pool leaf rake
With the right leaf skimmer, you can keep your pool free of pesky leaves without any hassle. It collects all the leaves that get into your pool’s surface before they can sink to the bottom.
However, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind before making a purchase. First of all, size matters! You’ll want to find a leaf skimmer that’s appropriate for your pool’s size and shape.
In addition to size, you also have the option of choosing from two different styles: floating and stationary. Floating leaf skimmers can be moved around your pool with ease, while stationary leaf skimmers must be manually emptied by hand.
Some of the best pool leaf skimmers include ProTuff Pro Grade Skimmer Rake and OAI Gator Automatic Skimmer with Basket.
3.Use pool vac
Have you ever noticed your feet sinking into something squishy and slimy! That’s right; it’s all those pesky leaves and twigs.
So, the problem isn’t only on the pool surface. Leaves can also collect on the floor of your pool too.
A pool vac with help you get that leafy muck off your pool. This handy device will suck up any leaves on the floor, corners, and hard-to-reach places. Moreover, it’s easy to use, and it’s effective at removing pesky debris so you can spend more time enjoying your pool with family and friends!
4.Smart landscaping practices
One of the most effective methods is to plant grass next to the pool. Grass naturally creates a barrier that keeps other debris from falling or blowing into your pool.
Many varieties work for this purpose. For example, some plants that work well are ornamental grasses, perennials, or evergreens.
Plant grasses such as Bermuda Grass, Zoysia, and St. Augustine Grass are all good options for this situation. These plants grow quickly and will help keep leaves from getting into the pool.
There are also many other benefits of planting grass next to your pool. First, it provides an attractive backyard space. Also, they absorb minerals from the ground, so they don’t clog up your filter system.
Another option is to plant a hedge around your pool. The hedge will serve as a natural barrier to stop leaves from blowing in. Another way is to strategically place small bushes around your pool. They’ll act as obstacles for leaves on the windy days when they’re coming in.
5.Use a retaining wall
A retaining wall is an excellent investment if you live near a lot of trees. Built it around the perimeter of your pool or property to retain leaves in one place.
They’re easy to put up and can be built with concrete blocks or bricks. Retaining walls vary in height depending on the risk factor.
Besides keeping leaves from getting into the pool, a retaining wall can serve other purposes such as:
- Creating a level sidewalk or patio
- Holding back earth for an excavation project
- Provide soundproofing
- Provide privacy
6.Limit the number of deciduous trees near the pool
Are you tired of cleaning your pool every day because the leaves from the deciduous trees are in it? You don’t want to cut down these trees, but you also don’t want to spend all your time cleaning the pool.
The answer might be as simple as limiting how many deciduous trees there are near your pool. This will limit the number of leaves that fall into the pool and make it easier for you to keep it clean.
Conclusion
As you can see, there’s a ton of ways to keep leaves out of your pool. What method works best depends on the size of your pool and how much leaves collect in the pool.
If you have a large pool or live in an area with lots of deciduous, we recommend pool covers. It can be a winter pool cover, mesh cover, or leaf net cover. Also, putting up a retaining wall or having smart landscaping techniques will help.
For quick daily removal, however, use leaf removal devices. These include leaf skimmers, leaf vacs, or pool rakes. They provide n easy way to clean leaves out of your pool on a budget.
However, nothing should stop you from using more than one method. After all, it gives you more edge when battling leaves.
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