Renovating your pool can do wonders for your backyard, but let’s be honest: construction always stirs up a mess. If you’re a Wisconsin homeowner gearing up for a pool project, keeping your water clean and safe during renovations isn’t just smart—it’s essential. Here’s a straightforward guide to making sure your pool water stays in good shape, even while the work is underway.
Assessing Your Pool’s Current Water Condition
Before any renovation begins, it’s important to know exactly what you’re working with. Test your pool water using a reliable test kit or take a sample to your local pool supply store. You’ll want to check for pH, chlorine or sanitizer levels, alkalinity, and calcium hardness. This baseline tells you if you’re starting with balanced water or if you need to correct issues like high chloramine, cloudy water, or algae.
If you notice anything out of the ordinary—like strong odors, discolored water, or slimy surfaces—deal with those problems before construction starts. For example, if you spot green algae, shock the pool and brush the surfaces thoroughly. Starting with clean, properly balanced water makes it easier to maintain quality throughout the renovation process.
Choosing Safe Filtration and Circulation Methods
It’s tempting to shut the whole system down while workers are in and out of the pool, but stagnant water is a recipe for trouble. If possible, keep your pump and filtration system running on a reduced schedule. Even running the system a few hours a day can help keep debris moving toward the skimmer and prevent water from turning cloudy or green.
That said, always check with your contractor. If the renovation involves plumbing or electrical work, you might need to turn off the equipment for safety. In those cases, consider using a submersible pump to circulate the water for short periods, just to keep things from settling. Remember, equipment can get clogged with construction debris, so clean out pump baskets and filters more frequently than usual during the project.
Managing Debris and Contamination During Construction
During renovations, dust, leaves, sawdust, and bits of construction material have a bad habit of landing in your pool. Covering the pool with a heavy-duty tarp or safety cover when work isn’t happening is your best defense, especially during Wisconsin’s windy days. Make sure the cover fits well and is weighted down so debris can’t sneak in around the edges.
If you find debris in the water, use a fine mesh skimmer or vacuum it out as soon as possible. Avoid letting organic matter sit on the bottom—it can quickly lead to stains or algae growth, especially if your renovation stretches over several days. Remind all workers to keep tools, paints, and chemicals away from the pool edge to avoid accidental spills or contamination.
Testing and Adjusting Water Chemistry Regularly
Renovations can throw your water chemistry off faster than you’d think. Dust, debris, and changing water levels all affect chlorine demand and pH balance. Make it a habit to test your water at least every other day during active construction. Focus on sanitizer levels, pH, and alkalinity, since these can swing wildly with all the extra dirt and activity.
If you notice chlorine dropping or pH shifting out of range, adjust promptly. Use granular chlorine for quick boosts, and soda ash or muriatic acid for pH control. Don’t wait for visible problems like cloudy water or algae—by then, you’ll have a much bigger mess on your hands. Remember, it’s much easier (and cheaper) to maintain water quality than to fix it after it goes bad.
Pool renovations can be disruptive, but your water quality doesn’t have to suffer. With a little attention and regular maintenance, you can keep your pool safe and clean—making your post-renovation swim all the more satisfying. Stay proactive, and you’ll protect your investment and your family’s enjoyment for seasons to come.
