The leaves are turning, and the air is cool and crisp. It's a sure sign that fall is right around the corner and winter a close step behind. For many pool owners, it's the end of swim season, and for others, less time in the pool. It's the perfect time to help customers transition or close the pool for the cooler months and ensure the backyard is secure.

Here are seven tips to help your customers make the fall — and winter — pool maintenance and security as simple as possible:

1. Remove debris. Most responsible homeowners take extra care to remove leaves and other surface debris from the pool surface. If there are leaves at the bottom of the pool, advise that they are removed as soon as possible because they could stain or cause algae growth.

2. General cleaning. Once debris and pool toys have been removed, notify customers to scrub the walls and tiles and use the pool vacuum to ensure the bottom of the pool has been thoroughly cleaned.

3. Filter check. Clean filters after a busy summer pool season to keep them working into the fall, even if they plan to close the pool. No one wants to open the pool in the spring with dirt and grime from the last season, especially if you’re the one opening the pool.

4. Heat cycle. For those using the pool year-round, adjusting the water temp for fall and winter comfort is key. Cover the pool in the evenings to save on heating costs during the cooler winter months.

5. Chemical check. Advise your customers that fewer chemicals are needed when the temperatures and the water level are lower.

6. Prepare for closure. For customers closing the pool for the fall and winter months:

  • Drain water below the skimmer and from the pumps, filters, pipes, and pool water. If you expect freezing temps, remove excess water as it can damage during the freeze and expand cycle.
  • Cover the pool to keep it clean and unexposed to the elements and advise your customers on the best cover for their pool.

7. Perimeter security. For pool owners, protecting the backyard and the pool area is year-round. Nationwide Industries offers year-round protection to secure the backyard pool with three layers of protection — perimeter fencing hinges and latches, pool cage easy access and bypass water system products, and their pool safety fence magnetic pool latch.

Now that the pool is secure for fall and winter use or closed for the season ensure your customer’s backyard area is protected by checking all latches, hinges, fences, and gates. Confirm that self-closing hinges are properly self-closing and that pool latches are properly latching to ensure no one gets past the pool fence.

Visit Nationwide Industries for more year-round pool safety tips and products.