How to Maintain Your Pool While You’re on Holiday

Heading away on holiday? Great for you — but not so great for your pool. Without regular care, even a week of neglect can lead to cloudy water, algae outbreaks, or expensive equipment issues.

The good news is you don’t need a pool sitter if you prep properly. In this guide, we’ll show you how to maintain your pool while away, so you can relax without coming home to green water and nasty surprises.

---

Why Holiday Pool Maintenance Matters

Even if no one’s swimming, your pool water is still exposed to:

• Sunlight (which burns off chlorine)

• Rain and debris (which throws off water balance)

• Heat (which speeds up algae growth)

Skipping a week or more of care can undo all the work you’ve put in. Staying ahead of the game with a solid pre-holiday routine makes all the difference.

---

1. Deep Clean Before You Leave

Give your pool a proper clean 1–2 days before departure:

• Scoop out leaves and debris

• Vacuum the floor

• Brush the walls, steps and corners

• Empty skimmer and pump baskets

This clears organics that would otherwise feed algae or clog filters while you’re away.

---

2. Balance Your Water

Test and adjust your water balance:

• Chlorine: 1–3 ppm

• pH: 7.2–7.6

• Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm

• Stabiliser (CYA): 30–50 ppm

Correcting these levels helps maintain sanitation and prevents corrosion or scale.

---

3. Shock the Pool

Apply a chlorine shock treatment the night before you leave. This boosts sanitiser levels and gives your water a strong foundation to fight algae and bacteria while you’re gone.

Choose a fast-acting or slow-release product, depending on how long you’ll be away. You’ll find both in our reliable pool products collection.

---

4. Run the Pump on a Timer

Your pump should run for 6–8 hours a day while you’re away. Set a timer to automate the schedule. If you don’t have a timer:

• Install a plug-in timer at the power point

• Ask a neighbour to manually switch it on and off (less ideal)

Good water circulation keeps chlorine working and prevents stagnant zones.

---

5. Use a Pool Cover

A pool cover reduces:

• Chlorine loss from UV rays

• Debris entering the water

• Water evaporation

• Algae growth (by limiting light)

If you’re away during summer, a solar cover helps retain heat too. Just make sure the water is properly balanced before covering it.

---

6. Add an Algaecide (Optional But Smart)

An algaecide gives your pool an extra layer of protection — especially in hot or humid weather.

Choose:

• A long-life, non-foaming algaecide

• Dose according to your pool size

• Add after shock treatment (wait 12–24 hours)

This can be a backup if chlorine levels dip too low while you’re gone.

---

7. Top Up the Water

Make sure your pool is filled to the correct level — about halfway up the skimmer opening.

Low water:

• Affects filtration

• May cause air to enter the pump

• Can trigger pump damage if the system runs dry

Consider using an auto-fill valve if you’re away for more than 10 days.

---

8. Secure Chemicals and Equipment

Store pool chemicals:

• In a cool, dry place

• Away from children or pets

• Clearly labelled and sealed

Turn off heaters if not needed. Ensure robotic cleaners are stored safely and aren’t left in the pool during long absences.

---

9. Ask a Friend or Neighbour to Check In (Optional)

If you’re gone more than 2 weeks, have someone:

• Check the water level

• Clear leaves or debris

• Make sure the pump is working

Leave simple instructions and contact info for your local pool shop just in case.

---

10. After You Return: Post-Holiday Pool Check

As soon as you’re home:

• Remove the cover (if used)

• Test and adjust chlorine, pH and alkalinity

• Check for algae or cloudy water

• Brush and vacuum thoroughly

• Backwash or clean the filter

If needed, shock the pool again to restore sanitation quickly.

---

Bonus Tip: Consider an Automatic Chlorinator

Saltwater and tablet feeders provide a steady dose of chlorine without daily input. They’re perfect for holidays and long weekends away.

Browse our range of auto-chlorinators and dosing tools in the pool products section to simplify your next trip.

---

Conclusion

Taking a break doesn’t mean your pool has to suffer. With the right prep and tools, you can leave knowing your water will stay clean, balanced and swim-ready while you’re away.

Stock up on shock treatments, timers, algaecide and test kits from our trusted pool products — and come home to a pool that’s just as ready to relax as you are.

---

Frequently Asked Questions