Heading away for a summer excursion? You know to stop your mail and lock up the house, but how do you prepare your pool for the time you’ll be away?

In today’s blog, we’ll be exploring a few of the easy things you can do to ensure that your pool is safe and secure while you’re not home. Take a look.

Keep your pool filled

If you plan to be away for an extended amount of time, it may seem wise to drain your pool completely to prepare it for the possibility of summer storms and hurricanes. However, you should do the opposite: that is, fill your pool to its proper level, if not a bit higher than normal. This will help the water to maintain its natural chemistry while you’re away, and it can ensure that the foundation of your pool won’t “buckle” under pressure due to strong winds. (When you drain the pool completely, you displace pressure and actually make it easier for hurricanes to do long-term damage to your pool.)

Secure the surface in ways both big…

When you’re gone, you will of course want to relax knowing that the surface of your pool is protected! This can mean a few things. For long-term trips, you might appreciate covering your pool completely with a mesh cover. However, that’s not the only way to safeguard your space. Using a fence and pool enclosure (which can be installed before you leave) can keep your pool protected from unwanted visitors, while still preserving its enjoyment for family and friends who may want to use your pool while you’re away—with your permission, of course!

… and small

In addition to large-scale security options, it’s also helpful to consider small ways you can make your pool a safer space. If you do plan to let loved ones use your pool while you’re away, keep some handy safety gear, goggles, a skimmer, and other tools nearby. Consider adding a small “escape ladder” to your pool that will let frogs and other small critters get out of the water safely should they find a way in.

Appoint a “pool-sitter” friend or family member

Appointing a close friend or family member to watch your pool while you’re away can be a great idea. This isn’t a full-time job—they won’t have to sit and watch the pool for hours on end! Rather, it can be helpful to have someone you trust check in on the water periodically, be there for your regularly scheduled service, and simply keep an eye out for the wellbeing of your space.

By following these simple tips, you can enjoy peace of mind while you’re away, the confidence that—once you get home—you’ll have a clean, beautiful pool worth jumping right into!