The outdoor positioning of swimming pools makes them susceptible to the foreign elements of nature entering the pool water.
Getting leaves in your pool can be a headache, as no one wants to swim in water that’s filled with a bunch of debris.
So how can you get leaves out of your pool, and keep them out?
Are Leaves A Problem?
Leaves are the most common debris that can accumulate in your pool, as they fall off the trees in your backyard on a daily basis.
To answer the question, yes – they’re a problem. Depending on the type of foliage, how much there is, and the location in relation to your pool, you may have a small problem, or a very big one.
Not only do leaves make for an unattractive pool, but they also affect the pool’s water chemistry. Chlorine recognizes this pollutant and works to sanitize it, getting used up in the process. This means you’ll also be adding more chlorine to the pool to replace its depleted levels, effectively costing you more money.
Also, if leaves are left in the water for extended periods of time, they can leave stains on the walls and floor of the pool, as well as in the skimmer basket. This is due to the tannin oils in the leaves bleeding off. Some finishes like plaster are more susceptible to this than others.
How To Remove Leaves From Your Pool
While leaves can do some damage, they’re one of the easiest things to remove from your pool if you have the right tools.
Use A Skimmer Net Or Leaf Rake
Skimmer nets and leaf rakes essentially do the same job, but one can be more effective than the other.
Both are attached to a long pole, allowing you to “skim” the surface of the water, catching leaves, bugs, and other minor debris.
Where they differ is in their design.
A skimmer net is a flat netting in the shape of a square, and for lightweight removal.
A leaf rake is rectangular, has a deep mesh pocket for scooping, and is similar to a goldfish net, but obviously a lot larger. It also has a lip on it that helps when scooping leaves that have settled on the floor of the pool.
The skimmer net is priced under $15, whereas the leaf rake can range from $15 to $30.
Use A Leaf Vacuum
A leaf vacuum, while more expensive than a net, can be highly effective in removing leaves from the pool.
Also known as a leaf eater, bagger, gulper, or leaf master, the leaf vacuum inhales leaves from the floor of the pool and catches them in an attached mesh sleeve.
It works by hooking up a garden hose from your outdoor spigot to the vacuum, and the water from the spigot creates suction as the vacuum passes over the leaves. Of note, the leaf vacuum will add water to your pool, and can potentially dilute your water chemistry.
Additionally, a leaf canister can be used for cleaning large amounts of leaves. Also known as leaf traps, this canister is installed between your pool vacuum and skimmer. Instead of all the leaves getting trapped by the smaller skimmer basket, the canister intercepts and collects them.
Optimize Your Skimmer For Leaves
A way to help clear up leaves is to adjust your skimmers so that they’re pulling at their maximum strength.
Most pools will have dual skimmers with a main drain. Completely closing the main drain valve (or even partially closing it), can increase the suction power at the skimmers.
Making sure the skimmer weirs are in place is also important, as they keep the leaves locked in the skimmer once the pump turns off. Furthermore, you can line the skimmer basket with a fine-mesh skimmer sock to help catch very fine debris, lessening the load on your filter.
How To Prevent Leaves In Your Pool
If you can prevent leaves from falling into the pool in the first place, you’ve already won half the battle. Here are a few prevention tips:
Use A Pool Cover
Obviously, putting a cover on the pool will reduce the amount of leaves that enter it. What’s less obvious, though, is the different types of pool covers you can use to achieve this:
- Winter cover. A winter cover is used during the months your pool isn’t in use. It’s a tarp-like material that covers the entire pool, keeping both debris and sunlight out. It can last anywhere from 1 to 3 seasons, and on average costs around $150.
- Safety cover. A safety cover is considerably more expensive between $1000 and $3000, but it’s also an excellent choice for your pool. Made from solid vinyl or mesh, it resembles a trampoline and is anchored to your pool deck using spring-loaded straps. Fitting snugly, the vinyl version requires a pump to move water off it to avoid caving in, while the mesh version lets water pass through and still acts as a barrier for the leaves.
- Solar cover. A solar cover looks like bubble wrap and is used to help keep the pool water warm. Putting the cover on when the pool isn’t in use is also a good way to help keep leaves from sinking to the bottom of it. Depending on pool size, material quality, and if the cover is on a reel, the price ranges from $75 to $500.
- Leaf net cover (leaf catcher). A leaf net cover is usually used over top of a winter cover, but you can use it on its own if you wish. It will help catch leaves but smaller debris and water will be able to pass through it. You’ll also need to keep it anchored down either with water bags or tie downs, and it will run you anywhere from $100 to $300.
Shield Your Pool
Leaves don’t just enter the pool from falling into it. Sometimes they land on your property and are then blown into the pool.
Installing some kind of shielding around the pool can protect it. For example, low fences, hedges/bushes, and retaining walls can all be designed into your landscaping to keep debris at bay.
Tackle It At The Source
They say you shouldn’t just treat the symptom, but also the cause.
Take a look around your backyard and see what needs to be trimmed up and landscaped. Chances are, if you stay on top of things like pruning and lawn care, you’ll end up with far less debris in your pool.
Leave, Sunken Leaves!
Leaves in the pool don’t have to be a major issue, but you should get rid of them a few times a week.
By using any of the methods outlined in this article, you can leave sunken leaves behind for good!
