How to Take Care of Your Pool During a Heat Wave

When temperatures soar during a summer heat wave, your pool becomes the ultimate backyard escape—but it also needs more attention than usual. High heat can cause chemical imbalances, algae growth, and water loss, making your pool harder to manage if left unchecked.

Here’s how to protect your pool during extreme heat, so it stays clean, safe, and ready to enjoy.

1. Test and Balance Your Water Daily

High temperatures can throw off your pool chemistry fast.

1. Chlorine levels drop quickly in heat and sunlight.

2. pH and alkalinity can swing out of range.

3. Algae thrives in warm, unbalanced water.

What should you do to keep your pool chemistry in check?

• Test your water daily during a heat wave

• Adjust chlorine, pH, and stabilizer as needed

• Use a chlorine stabilizer (cyanuric acid) to reduce chlorine burn-off from the sun

2. Run Your Pump Longer

Your pool’s circulation system is your first defense against bacteria and algae. In extreme heat, consider running your pump 10–12 hours per day (or more) to keep water moving and clean.

This also ensures proper distribution of chlorine and other chemicals.

3. Shock Your Pool Regularly

More swimmers, more sun, and warmer water all mean your pool needs more help fighting off contaminants. Shock the pool at least once a week during a heat wave, or more often if:

• The water looks cloudy

• Chlorine levels keep dropping

• You’ve had a lot of pool traffic

Shocking helps kill bacteria, break down body oils, and keep algae at bay.

4. Monitor Water Levels Closely

Evaporation increases dramatically in the heat. If water gets too low, your pump can suck in air and cause damage. If you’re refilling with fresh water, don’t forget to rebalance chemicals after.

Bonus tip: Add a solar cover at night to reduce evaporation.

5. Brush and Skim More Frequently

Algae can bloom overnight when the water is warm and still. Help prevent it by:

• Brushing walls and steps daily

• Skimming leaves and debris to prevent buildup

• Vacuuming or using a robotic cleaner regularly

These simple steps also help reduce strain on your filter.

6. Watch for Signs of Trouble

Keep an eye out for:

• Cloudy or green-tinted water

• A strong chlorine smell (a sign of imbalance)

• Slippery or slimy pool walls

If anything looks off, act fast—heat can turn a small issue into a major repair within days.

Stay Cool, Stay Safe

Pools should be relaxing—not stressful. With a little extra care during a heat wave, you can avoid common issues and keep your pool crystal clear and swim-ready all summer long.

And if you notice damage to your tile, coping, deck, or finish, it might be time for a renovation. Eterno Pools specializes in transforming aging pools across the GTA.