Keeping your pool in optimal condition requires pool maintenance on a regular basis. Many people make a mistake by neglecting their pool during cold days. Generally, the pool in winter is more prone to deterioration if not being properly serviced. Even when you’re not using it, your pool still needs taking care of. To prevent damages caused by freezing temperatures, polluted water, or debris, pool maintenance during winter is essential.
Experts responsible for pool and spa services, improvements, and repairs at Florida Pool Patio recommend regular check-ups on your pool, no matter the season. Since pools are disposed to damages like mechanical issues or unbalanced water chemistry, you should consider pool maintenance service at least a couple of times per month. Reacting on time by learning what to do with the pool in winter can stop unforeseen surprises regarding your pool condition since these can further worsen if not taken care of promptly.
There are several things you can do to ensure the good condition of your pool during the winter period.
The preventive actions depend on how harsh the winter is in the area you live in and the type of pool you have. We made a helpful checklist of tasks important for proper pool maintenance during these months to get introduced to what to do with the pool in winter.
1. Have Your Pool Estimated for Any Possible Damages
Before you start the prep of your pool for the winter months, get in touch with the professionals to inspect the pool equipment, drains, and plumbing for any potential deterioration. If your pool requires any repairs, a prompt reaction is crucial. Although it may have been functional during swimming season, it doesn’t mean it wasn’t exposed to damage. If you delay pool maintenance during winter, minor issues may lead to more demanding and expensive solutions. Learning about what to do with the pool in winter will be both beneficial and time-efficient down the road.
2. Clean Your Pool
Draining all the water from your swimming pool allows you to clean the entire pool. Skim off all the dirt from the surface and vacuum leaves and grass off the ground of the pool. Use a chlorine-based cleaner to remove stains from the tiles and the pool liner. If you live in an area where the winters are cold, these steps will prevent the pool equipment from freezing. On the other hand, if your winters are not that harsh and you don’t want to empty your pool completely, draining a small amount of water would do the job. If you decide to drain your pool just a bit, pay attention to the water level that is supposed to be below the pool skimmer and that the filter, heater, and pump are drained too. Pool in winter requires regular maintenance, but if you keep your pool filter running 3-4 hours a day during the cold months, it will save you time and money on keeping your water feature in a good state.
3. Take Care of the Winter Pool Chemistry
Since you most likely won’t be using your pool during the winter months, there is a low chance that the chlorine level in the water will be disturbed. Still, even though there is no water circulation in the pool in winter, testing your pool water by taking a water sample from elbow deep and doing this once per week is the best way to keep chlorine and pH levels optimal. The ideal chlorine level is between 1ppm and 3ppm. The pool’s pH level must be between 7.2 and 7.6 for the water to be chemically balanced. Regular pool maintenance during winter includes adding the appropriate treatment for keeping the chemicals in the water stabilized. Your local experts can inform you about what to do with the pool in winter and how to keep the chemicals in the water steady.
4. Prevent the Algae Growth
Your pool becomes a breeding ground for algae and bacteria if it goes untreated. If you skip on pool maintenance during winter, you increase the possibility of algae growth which can, later on, lead to health issues if not taken care of properly. Using sanitizer in your pool can control and kill algae, but being uninformed about which chemicals to use and whether you should use additives at the same time can result in contaminated water. You should consult a reliable and trustworthy company that can help you balance the pool chemicals during the cold season for all of the reasons mentioned above.
5. Consider Installing a Pool Cover
Deciding on which pool cover to use depends on whether you have an in-ground or an above-ground pool. Either way, the first thing you need to check with pool covers is how well they fit and if the cover clips secure the pool. With an above-ground pool tightening the cable, inflating the air pillow, and ensuring that the cover clips are safely attached, you prevent any possible inconvenience that may occur. Regularly cleaning and vacuuming the pool cover on the above-ground pools will stop any excess weight from causing damage. The same goes for in-ground pools. Doing the last check-up when covering your in-ground pool requires making sure that the water blocks are secured, and the cover fits the size of the pool. Choose a cover that is made from long-lasting materials and is simple to take off and put on again.
6. Do Weekly Inspections of the Pool
After you’ve ensured that everything is in its place, the only thing left is to follow up on a pool maintenance schedule. Ensure that all of the equipment is working properly, that the pool is securely covered, and that the level of chlorine and pH in the water is correct, at least once per week. A simple visual inspection will save you money and time once spring arrives.
Being aware of the importance of covering the pool, maintaining equipment, taking care of pool chemistry, and regular cleaning will extend the longevity of your pool. It will also make the preparation for the next swimming season run smoothly and decrease the amount of work when spring arrives,
All in all, these are the necessary steps you need to take to ensure there won’t be any problems with your pool during these cold months. If it helps, make a checklist or refer to this blog, ensuring you won’t forget anything.
To make certain that your pool or spa installing, remodeling, and fixing runs smoothly, hiring a reliable company is of crucial importance. You should look for licensed and insured professionals whose years of experience will guarantee that the work will be done properly. Florida Pool Patio is a team of competent and trustworthy individuals with over 25 years of experience. We are an established business offering impeccable and quality service. If you are considering enhancing your outdoor living space with a pool or a spa, do not hesitate to contact us.
