As August rolls in and Labor Day weekend peeks around the corner, many New Jersey pool owners are savoring the last few weeks of prime swimming season. But don’t let your guard down just yet, late summer heatwaves, sudden storms, and heavy pool usage can quickly turn crystal-clear water into a murky mess.
Whether you’re hosting one last backyard BBQ or simply want a few more relaxing weekends by the pool, now is the time to double down on maintenance. Here are your August end-of-summer must-dos to keep your pool sparkling, safe, and swim-ready straight through Labor Day.
1. Stay on Top of Water Testing: Weekly or More
August heat means higher evaporation rates and increased swimmer load, both of which can wreak havoc on water balance. Testing your water at least once a week is a must.
Check for:
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Chlorine: Keep it within 1 to 3 ppm
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pH: Aim for 7.4 to 7.6
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Alkalinity: Between 80 to 120 ppm
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CYA (Stabilizer): Crucial for chlorine effectiveness in sunny weather
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Calcium Hardness: Especially important if you have a plaster or concrete pool
🎯 Jersey Tip: Bring your water sample to Jersey Chemicals and we’ll test it for you for FREE and recommend exactly what you need to adjust.
2. Shocking Is Not Just for Problem Pools
Even if your water looks clear, shocking the pool weekly in August is a smart move. High swimmer loads, sunscreen, sweat, and environmental debris can introduce invisible contaminants that regular chlorination can’t handle alone.
Use a non-chlorine shock if you’re swimming the same day, or a chlorine-based shock for weekly overnight treatments. Shocking helps:
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Break down organic waste
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Prevent chloramine build-up (the “chlorine smell” culprit)
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Keep algae at bay
3. Algae Prevention: It’s Easier Than Cure
August is prime time for green, yellow, and even black algae to make surprise appearances. Warm, stagnant water, inconsistent chlorine, or poor circulation can invite an unwanted bloom.
✔️ Use an algaecide weekly
✔️ Brush trouble areas regularly, especially steps and corners
✔️ Run your pump 8 to 12 hours daily
Visit Jersey Chemicals for our tried-and-true algae treatments, plus tips on how to spot the early signs before it spreads.
4. Skimming, Brushing, Vacuuming: Your Weekly Ritual
As leaves start to drop early or insects take a dive in the heat, your skimmer and vacuum become essential. Keep your pool inviting by:
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Skimming daily to remove surface debris
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Brushing walls and floor to prevent buildup
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Vacuuming weekly or using a robotic cleaner for deeper cleaning
Labor Day guests will notice a sparkling clean pool, and you’ll prevent algae and scale from gaining a foothold.
5. Check Your Filter and Pump System
Your filtration system has been working overtime all summer. Now’s the time to give it some TLC:
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Backwash your sand or DE filter if the pressure is 8 to 10 PSI over normal
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Clean or replace your cartridge filters as needed
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Inspect pump baskets and clear debris
If your circulation seems sluggish or water looks cloudy despite chemical balance, your filter might be due for attention.
6. Top Off Chemicals for the Final Stretch
Now is not the time to run low on chlorine tabs, shock, stabilizer, or pH balancers. A few missed treatments can undo an entire summer of good care. Stock up now to avoid that dreaded “pool store is closed” moment over Labor Day weekend.
🛒 Stop by Jersey Chemicals in Paterson—we’ve got everything you need in stock, and our pool pros are happy to help you prep for the final splash.
7. Plan for Post-Labor Day Closing or Transition
If you plan to close your pool after Labor Day, start thinking about:
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Final cleaning
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End-of-season shocking
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Filter backwashing or draining
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Winterizing kits
Not closing your pool yet? Keep maintaining regularly until your closing date. A few extra weeks of care now will save you major headaches next spring.
Make the Most of the Final Pool Days of Summer 🌞
Labor Day signals the unofficial end of summer, but that doesn’t mean your pool has to go out with a whimper. With just a little focused maintenance in August, you’ll enjoy a clean, clear, and comfortable pool that’s ready for every cannonball and sunset swim.
Need help or supplies?
👉 Come visit Jersey Chemicals at our Paterson, NJ retail store.
We’ve got the products, advice, and hometown service to make your final pool days the best ones yet.