Taking Care of Your Pool in the Fall

As the Texas heat starts to ease up and the evenings get a little cooler, pool days may slow down—but your backyard paradise still needs attention. Fall in the Gulf Coast isn’t exactly “cold,” but shifts in temperature, humidity, and debris levels can still affect your pool’s chemistry and equipment if left unchecked.

Even when you’re not swimming every weekend, staying consistent with your maintenance routine keeps your pool running efficiently and looking its best all year long.

Here’s how to keep your pool in top shape during the fall season.

Keep That Water Chemistry Balanced

Just because the water’s cooler doesn’t mean the work stops. Your pool’s water chemistry—specifically chlorine, pH, alkalinity, and calcium levels—still plays a major role in keeping everything clean and clear.

Since our Gulf Coast winters are mild, most Texas homeowners don’t fully “close” their pools, but they should reduce chlorine use and adjust their maintenance schedule for the season.

If your pump runs year-round (which we recommend in our climate):

✅ Chlorine: Keep levels between 1–3 ppm to prevent bacteria and algae growth.
✅ pH: Maintain between 7.2 and 7.6. Low pH can damage your pool’s surface, while high pH causes scaling and cloudy water.
✅ Alkalinity: Keep between 80–120 ppm to buffer pH properly.
✅ Calcium Hardness: Aim for 200–400 ppm to prevent corrosion or scaling.
✅ Algaecide: Add a Polyquat 30 or 60 as a preventive step if you notice any green tint or higher humidity levels.

If you’ve decided to turn off your system for a few weeks during travel or the off-season:

Keep chlorine tablets in a floater and test the water weekly.
Brush your pool regularly to mix chemicals and prevent buildup.
Cover your pool to reduce debris and evaporation.

Give Your Equipment Some TLC

Fall is the perfect time to inspect your pool system and catch any small issues before swim season kicks off again in spring. Check:

Pump and filter for cracks, leaks, or unusual noises
Gaskets and seals for wear and proper sealing
Heater and automation systems to ensure they’re working before cooler nights arrive
Pool finish and tile for small cracks or discoloration

If you spot anything off, reach out to your local pool experts (that’s us!) before it becomes a bigger issue.

Keep It Clean

Even when you’re not swimming, you’ll want to keep leaves, pollen, and other debris out of your pool. Fall winds and nearby trees can quickly clog up skimmers and pumps if you’re not keeping an eye on things.

Here’s what we recommend:

Skim the surface regularly 🍂
Vacuum and brush the pool walls weekly
Empty skimmer baskets often
Backwash your filter as needed

A few minutes a week now can save you major headaches (and expenses) come spring.

Your League City Pool Care Experts

At Southern Charm Pools, we know Texas weather doesn’t always play by the rules. Whether it’s a warm Thanksgiving weekend or a surprise cold snap, our team keeps your pool ready for anything.

We’ve been building and maintaining custom pools, spas, and outdoor living spaces for our neighbors in League City, Kemah, Friendswood, Clear Lake, and beyond since 2016—and we treat every backyard like it’s our own.

Ready to simplify your off-season pool care?
Let us handle the maintenance while you enjoy your outdoor space all year long.

📞 Call Southern Charm Pools today to schedule your seasonal service or inspection.