Living in Golden Shores, Arizona, means long, hot summers and year-round sun that make your pool one of the best parts of your home. But the same desert climate that makes pools so appealing also creates unique maintenance challenges. One of the most overlooked yet crucial steps in pool care is a seasonal drain and refill in the spring.
Many pool owners put this task off, believing regular chemical balancing is enough. However, if you want to protect your investment, extend the life of your equipment, and enjoy a safe swimming season, springtime draining and refilling should be on your to-do list. Here’s why.
1. Combatting Chemical Buildup
Over time, even with regular maintenance, your pool water accumulates dissolved solids from chemicals, dust, sunscreen, and even sweat. In Golden Shores, where evaporation rates are high, this buildup becomes concentrated quickly.
The problem with chemical buildup:
- Chlorine loses effectiveness when total dissolved solids (TDS) get too high.
- Alkalinity and pH are harder to balance, requiring more frequent (and costly) adjustments.
- Cloudy water and scaling become common, no matter how much you clean.
Why a spring drain helps: Replacing old water with fresh water resets the balance, giving you a clean slate for the upcoming summer season. This saves you money on chemicals and helps your water stay crystal clear.
2. Protecting Pool Surfaces and Equipment
Golden Shores pools endure strong sun, dust storms, and hard water—all of which take a toll on pool surfaces and equipment. When mineral and chemical buildup is left unchecked, it causes:
- Scaling on tiles and pool walls from calcium hardness.
- Corrosion in pumps and heaters due to unbalanced water chemistry.
- Staining on plaster or vinyl liners from metals and organic matter.
A spring drain and refill helps dilute calcium hardness and mineral levels before they cause lasting damage. Think of it as preventative care that can extend the lifespan of your pool equipment and finish.
3. Prepping for Peak Swimming Season
Spring is the perfect time to refresh your pool because it lines up with the start of heavy use. By April and May, temperatures in Golden Shores are already climbing, and families begin spending more time outdoors.
Why timing matters:
- Starting fresh in spring ensures your pool is ready for the most demanding months of the year.
- Balanced, fresh water is easier to manage as swimmers, sunscreen, and debris increase during summer.
- You avoid last-minute problems—like algae blooms or cloudy water—right when you want to use your pool the most.
4. Reducing Algae Growth
Monsoon season later in the year brings dust, wind, and rain, which can create algae-friendly conditions. Beginning the season with clean, fresh water significantly lowers the chance of algae taking hold.
The science: Old water contains phosphates and nitrates from yard debris, rain, and chemical residue. These are natural food sources for algae. A spring drain and refill clears them out, leaving fewer nutrients for algae to thrive.
5. Improving Swimmer Comfort and Safety
Nobody wants red eyes, itchy skin, or faded swimsuits from pool water that’s out of balance. Old water with high TDS can irritate skin and eyes and even give off unpleasant odors.
By refilling with fresh water, you make your pool more comfortable and enjoyable for everyone who swims. Families with kids especially benefit from cleaner, safer water during the long summer ahead.
6. When and How Often Should You Drain?
For most Golden Shores pool owners, draining and refilling once every 2–3 years is recommended. But given the area’s extreme sun exposure and hard water, many professionals suggest doing it annually—ideally in spring.
Best practices:
- Avoid draining in peak summer, as empty pools can crack in extreme heat.
- Hire a local pool professional to handle the process safely. Improper draining can damage plaster, vinyl liners, or even cause structural issues.
- Consider partial draining if your water isn’t too imbalanced—sometimes replacing just 50–70% of the water does the trick.
7. Professional vs. DIY Draining
While some homeowners attempt to drain their pool on their own, it’s often safer and more efficient to call a local pool service in Golden Shores. Professionals use the right equipment, test water quality, and ensure the refill process doesn’t introduce new imbalances.
Hiring a service also gives you the opportunity to schedule other spring maintenance tasks, such as filter cleaning, equipment inspection, and tile descaling.
For pool owners in Golden Shores, a spring drain and refill isn’t just a chore—it’s a smart investment in your pool’s health and your family’s enjoyment. By clearing out chemical buildup, protecting equipment, preventing algae, and prepping for summer, you’ll save money and stress in the long run.
Instead of waiting for cloudy water or algae blooms to force your hand, be proactive this spring. With fresh water, balanced chemistry, and a little professional help, your Golden Shores pool will be ready to deliver another season of cool, refreshing fun in the Arizona sun.