Beat the Heat: Pool Water Care Tips During a Heat Wave

– Steve Jost June 24, 2025

When temperatures soar and the sun shows no mercy, your backyard pool becomes more than a luxury — it’s a necessary place to cool off. But extreme heat can take a toll on your water quality just as quickly as it does on your energy levels. Fortunately, with a few smart pool care tips, you can keep your water sparkling and your summer stress-free, even in the middle of a heat wave.

1. Swim Smart
Let’s start with the fun stuff! During a heat wave, your pool is the perfect place to cool off. But instead of braving the blazing sun at high noon, plan your swim time for the cooler parts of the day. Early mornings and late afternoons offer a more comfortable experience and help reduce swimmer-induced chlorine demand during peak UV hours.

2. Keep Chlorine Levels in Check
Heat and sunlight deplete chlorine levels faster than usual. During a heat wave, test your pool water daily and adjust sanitizer levels accordingly. Make sure your stabilizer (cyanuric acid) levels are in the proper range. Check your skimmer, floater, or chlorine feeder more often as tablets may dissolve faster with higher temperatures.

3. Shock More Often
With higher temperatures, heavier pool use, and more frequent sunscreen and other contamination, shocking your pool once a week may not be enough. During heat waves, consider shocking your pool every 4 to 5 days or after a heavy bather load to eliminate contaminants and keep the water crystal clear.

4. Run the Filter Longer
Your filtration system is your best friend in extreme heat. Run your pump longer — at least 10-12 hours a day — to keep water circulating and prevent algae growth. If you notice the cloudiness, consider running it 24/7 until clarity improves.

5. Stay Ahead of Algae
Hot, stagnant water is a breeding ground for algae. Use an algaecide weekly as a preventative measure, brush your pool walls often, and make sure your sanitizer levels stay in the proper range. A little prevention goes a long way! Poolife Defend Plus and Dover Pools Algaecide 60 are excellent products to keep your pool water crystal clear.

6. Watch Water Levels
Evaporation rates skyrocket in extreme heat. Keep an eye on water levels and top off as needed to ensure proper skimmer function. Avoid overfilling and make small adjustments if you notice your skimmer isn’t pulling water efficiently.

7. Bring a Sample to Dover Pools
When in doubt, stop by your nearest Dover Pools location with a water sample. Our team can run a free water test and recommend the right products to keep your pool clean, balanced, and swim-ready through the hottest days of summer.

Final Splash
A heat wave doesn’t have to mean extra work or green water. With just a few small adjustments to your pool care routine, you can stay cool, comfortable, and confident all summer long. So, grab your float, sip something cold, and let Dover Pools help you beat the heat!

About Dover Pools

Since 1976, Dover Pools has been Delmarva’s largest pool, hot tub, and swim spa dealer. Dover Pools has five locations conveniently serving Delmarva from Salisbury Maryland, Seaford, Milford and two locations in Dover. Dover Pools offers exceptional customer service, expert advice, free water testing, and quality chemicals, supplies, accessories, games, and toys for your backyard pool and hot tub. Whether you already have your own backyard oasis of are looking for a new above ground pools, hot tubs, or power pool swims spas; Dover Pools is here to help.