Huntsville-Specific Pool Care: Beating the Heat, Pollen, and Hard Water

Jacob Hicks
Jul 17, 2025
1 min read

Updated: Aug 8, 2025

How Huntsville’s Unique Climate Demands Specialized Pool Maintenance

Huntsville’s weather—hot summers, high humidity, and mild winters—creates distinct challenges for pool owners. Add in Alabama’s hard water (average 7–10 grains per gallon) and heavy pollen counts, and it’s clear why local pools need tailored care.

1. Summer: Algae & Evaporation Battles

Temperatures above 90°F accelerate chlorine loss (up to 50% faster in direct sunlight).
Algae doubles every 3–5 hours in untreated water, requiring weekly brushing and algaecide treatments.
Evaporation rates spike, losing ¼–½ inch of water daily. Auto-fill systems or weekly top-offs are essential.

2. Spring/Fall: Pollen & Debris Overload

Huntsville ranks #2 in Alabama for high pollen counts, clogging filters and creating oily surface film.
Daily skimming and cartridge filter cleanings every 2 weeks are recommended.

3. Winter: Mild but Not Maintenance-Free

While freezing is rare, temps below 40°F can crack pipes if water isn’t circulated.
Partial winterization (covering + antifreeze in plumbing) prevents damage without full shutdowns.

4. Hard Water: The Silent Pool Killer

Alabama’s calcium-rich water leads to scale buildup, reducing heater efficiency by 20% and causing $400+ in descaling costs.
Solutions:
- Sequestering agents (like HEDP) to bind minerals
- Quarterly acid washes for tile lines