Fall in East Tennessee means cooler temperatures, changing colors, and eventually, a whole lot of leaves.

If you have a backyard pool surrounded by mature trees, those leaves aren't just something you'll be raking out of the yard. Once they start landing in the water, they can change the way you care for your pool during the fall months.

For homeowners with pools in Maryville, TN, a little extra attention during leaf season can help keep the pool looking better and prevent small issues from becoming bigger ones.

Don't Let Leaves Sit in the Water

A few leaves floating across the surface aren't a problem. Letting large amounts of organic debris remain in the pool is another story.

As leaves become saturated, they sink. Once they're sitting on the floor of the pool, they begin to break down and can become more difficult to remove.

Certain leaves and other organic debris can also contribute to staining if they're allowed to remain against a pool surface for an extended period.

During peak leaf season, removing debris regularly is much easier than waiting until the bottom of the pool is covered.

Check the Skimmer Basket More Often

Your skimmer helps collect floating debris before it sinks, which makes it particularly important during fall.

A basket that might normally go several days without needing attention can fill much more quickly when leaves are dropping heavily. If it becomes packed with debris, water flow through the skimmer can be restricted.

How often you'll need to check it depends largely on your property. A pool surrounded by mature trees may require considerably more attention than one in a more open backyard.

This is one of those times of year when simply taking a quick look at the pool each day can make maintenance easier.

Leaves Can Affect More Than Appearance

Leaves aren't only a cosmetic issue.

When leaves, twigs, pollen, and other organic materials enter the water and begin decomposing, they add organic material that the pool's sanitizer has to handle.

Heavy debris loads can therefore affect water chemistry and sanitizer demand. Exactly how much depends on the pool, the amount of debris, weather conditions, and other factors.

Continue testing your water according to the recommendations for your pool and equipment, and address changes as needed rather than assuming cooler weather means water chemistry no longer matters.

Think About What's Growing Around Your Pool

Landscaping can completely change the look of a finished pool, but plant selection and placement can also affect how much work the pool requires.

Trees provide beautiful surroundings and valuable shade, but trees positioned close to a pool can also mean more leaves, seeds, blossoms, and other debris in the water throughout the year.

That doesn't mean a pool shouldn't be near trees. Mature landscaping is one of the things that makes many East Tennessee backyards so beautiful.

It simply means landscaping should be part of the conversation when you're planning the overall space.

If you're considering a new fiberglass pool in Maryville, TN, think about how existing trees interact with the potential pool location as well as any new landscaping you plan to add.

Would a Pool Cover Help?

A properly selected pool cover can be helpful during periods when a pool isn't being used as frequently, particularly on properties with significant leaf debris.

There are different types of pool covers designed for different purposes, so homeowners should choose a cover that's appropriate for their specific pool and follow the manufacturer's recommendations for installation and use.

A cover doesn't eliminate seasonal pool care, but it may reduce the amount of leaves and other debris entering the water.

Don't Forget About the Patio

Leaves don't stop at the water's edge.

Allowing wet leaves to accumulate on patios and walkways can create slippery areas and may leave organic staining on some surfaces. Regularly clearing leaves from the area surrounding the pool helps keep pathways usable and the entire outdoor space looking better.

It's another reason we like to think beyond the pool itself when designing a backyard.

Fall Pool Care in East Tennessee

Pool season may slow down as temperatures drop, but your pool still needs attention.

Keeping leaves out of the water, checking skimmer baskets, monitoring water chemistry, clearing surrounding surfaces, and paying attention to seasonal debris can make fall pool care much more manageable.

And if you're currently researching pools in Maryville, TN, fall is also a good reminder that your backyard changes throughout the year. Trees, landscaping, sun, shade, and seasonal conditions are all worth considering when deciding how a pool should fit into your property.

Foothills Outdoor Designs installs fiberglass pools and creates outdoor living spaces throughout Maryville, Knoxville, and East Tennessee.

If a new pool is part of your plans, contact Foothills Outdoor Designs to start planning your outdoor space.

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