Cicadas start up right when the heat finally lets go—like a switch flipped somewhere in the trees. That’s my favorite hour on a summer day, the one where the grill’s still warm, the sky turns soft gold, and the pool becomes the center of everything without you even trying. I’ve built a lot of backyards, and I can tell you this: the dream isn’t some magazine photo. It’s your family out there, barefoot, laughing, and staying out “just five more minutes.”
This article is about protecting that moment. Not with complicated routines or fussy rules—but with a few smart habits that keep the deck looking sharp, the water inviting, and the cover closing fast so you spend less time managing the pool and more time living in it.
Cicada-song evenings: set the scene for summer
There’s a certain kind of dusk that belongs to pools. The air cools off enough that you can breathe again, cicadas buzz like a soundtrack, and the water takes on that deep, glassy look that makes everyone wander over—even the folks who said they were “done swimming.” I’ve watched kids cannonball until the last possible second, parents claim a lounge chair with a cold drink, and neighbors drift in because they heard the splashing and smelled the BBQ.
If you want that scene to happen more often, you don’t need perfection—you need readiness. A tidy deck, a clear path around the pool, and a quick way to secure the water at night are what keep the evening effortless. When the pool area feels clean and open, people relax. They stay longer. They make memories without stepping around clutter or worrying about what needs fixing tomorrow.
And here’s the truth from the builder’s side: the best pools aren’t the ones with the fanciest tile or the biggest sun shelf. The best pools are the ones that get used, night after night, because the backyard feels welcoming. Dusk is when your pool becomes a gathering place, and a few small maintenance moves can keep that magic on repeat all summer.
Simple deck-line cleanup for carefree family nights
Let’s talk “deck lines”—the edge where the water meets the deck, and everything that collects right around it: wet footprints, leaf bits, grass clippings, sunscreen sheen, and that fine dust that settles during hot afternoons. This is the area that tells your guests, instantly, whether the backyard is ready for company. Clean deck lines don’t just look good; they make the whole pool feel fresher.
My go-to routine is simple and quick: a fast skim of the surface, then a brisk brush along the waterline and the first couple feet of the wall, followed by a quick rinse or blow-off of the deck (especially near the coping and any drainage channels). If you’ve got kids running in and out, you’ll be amazed what a two-minute sweep can do before the burgers come off the grill. It keeps grit from getting tracked into the house, reduces staining at the waterline, and makes the pool feel like it’s “on display” in the best way.
A couple practical tips from years of seeing what works: keep a dedicated deck broom or blower nearby so you’re not hunting tools when the fun is already happening, and encourage a quick rinse zone—an outdoor shower, hose sprayer, or even a small mat area—to knock grass and dirt off feet before they jump in. The goal isn’t to police the party. It’s to make the cleanup so easy you can do it while the hot dogs are finishing, then walk back into the laughter like you never left.
Close the cover quickly, savor more twilight memories
When dusk hits and the cicadas get louder, that’s not when you want to be wrestling with a cover that catches, drags, or takes two people to manage. A pool cover should feel like the final, smooth motion of the night—lights glowing, water calm, and a quick close that says, “We’ll do this again tomorrow.” The faster you can close it, the more likely you’ll actually use it consistently—and that’s where safety, cleanliness, and peace of mind really come from.
If you have an automatic cover, the secret is keeping the track and leading edge clean. A quick check for leaves, small pebbles, or stray toys before closing saves you from jams and wear. Make it a habit: call it the “last lap.” One walk around the pool, toss in any floaties, pull out goggles, skim big debris, then close. If it’s a manual safety cover, stage what you need ahead of time—anchors clear, straps untangled, and a simple storage spot so you’re not dragging fabric across the deck or fighting knots in the dark.
And don’t underestimate the emotional payoff of a cover that closes fast. It means you can linger. You can sit for a minute longer with your feet dangling in the water, listen to the night sounds, and let the kids dry off while the sky fades to purple. The backyard stays clean, the water stays protected, and you end the evening feeling proud—like your pool isn’t a project. It’s the best part of your home, waiting for the next twilight memory.
Cicadas at dusk, clean deck lines, cover closed fast—that’s the simple rhythm of a backyard that practically runs itself. Keep the pool area ready, and the fun shows up on its own: spontaneous swims, easy BBQ nights, and those quiet moments when the water reflects the last light of day. Your dream pool isn’t some far-off plan. If you build it with smart habits in mind—and set it up to be easy to live with—it’s already waiting for you, right out back.