Pool Maintenance Tips For Winters: Keep Your Swimming Pool Healthy All Season
Pool Maintenance Tips For Winters
As winter arrives, most pool owners think about putting away their swimming pools, not giving them a second thought at all, due to no one using them, so what’s the big deal about skipping out on the maintenance for the next few months, right?
Actually, winter months are among the most important times to give your swimming pool the proper attention. If your swimming pool is allowed to go unattended during the winter, it is subject to developing algae, bacteria, and equipment issues, as well as developing surface cracks. When these issues develop, not only do they incur costs associated with repairing them, but they will be a lot more expensive when it comes time to reopen your swimming pool in the summer.
The following list should give you the most important pool maintenance procedures to follow over the winter so that your swimming pool remains in good condition and ready for use when warmer weather arrives.
Do a complete cleaning of your swimming pool.
Before winter, you should give your swimming pool a complete and thorough deep cleaning. This includes the following:
Vacuuming
Scrubbing
De-leafing
Cleaning skimmer baskets and filters
If your swimming pool is not cleaned properly, it could lead to a serious issue of algae development since less circulation of water occurs during winter. Having a clean pool at winter's onset will lead to virtually no maintenance of the swimming pool during the winter months.
Water Chemistry Balance
While winter water doesn't feel warm to the touch, it's still essential to balance the chemical composition of your winter pool water accurately. If the pH and Alkalinity levels are unbalanced, this can lead to corrosion, staining, or scaling. The proper chemical balance of your winter pool water will help prevent long-term damage to your pool.
The recommended chemical balance for winter pool water includes:
pH: 7.2 - 7.6
Alkalinity: 100 - 150 PPM
Calcium Hardness: 200 - 400 PPM
Chlorine: 1 - 3 PPM
You should typically check and adjust these levels once every 3 to 4 weeks during the winter months.
Use the Proper Winterizing Chemicals
Winterizing chemicals will keep the pool clean for a longer time. These include:
Strong algaecides
Winter shock treatments
Chlorine stabilizers
Metal & Stain Control Products
These chemicals help fight algae, keep water clear, and maintain the integrity of your pool surface throughout the remainder of the winter season.
Reduce Water Levels Only As Necessary
The amount to decrease the water level depends on your pool and climate. For example:
Concrete Pools - Lower the water slightly below the skimmer level.
Vinyl Pools - The water should remain above the skimmer level to protect the liner.
If you're unsure, you should consult with a qualified pool service professional.
Protecting Pool Equipment from Winter Damage
There are certain forms of pool equipment that are more vulnerable during the winter months than during other times of the year. Trapped water inside pool equipment can freeze and expand, resulting in cracks and other structural damage. Thus, before closing your pool down for the season, Clean and backwash your pool filter. Drain all water out of your pool pump, heater, and any other pipes associated with your pool equipment. Disconnect and dry any removable equipment from your pool. Store any delicate equipment indoors. Such steps taken to prevent different types of winter weather will help ensure your equipment operates as it should once summertime rolls around again.
Invest in a Quality Pool Cover
A quality pool cover is one of the best ways to protect your pool during the winter season. It prevents leaves, dirt, and debris from entering your pool, as well as evaporating and losing chemicals that you have placed into your water. When purchasing a pool cover, make sure that it is a snug fit on your pool, that there are no loose edges, and that you do not allow water accumulation on top of the cover. You should check your pool cover every few weeks to ensure it is still secure and to tighten any loosened straps or loops.
Monthly Pool Inspections
Although you will have a covering for your pool, that does not mean that your pool will not require any attention each month. A simple monthly inspection of your pool can help prevent any surprises when it is time to use your pool. During a monthly inspection of your pool, you should: Test the chemical balance of the water, remove any debris from the cover, inspect the pool for algae or foul smells, and make sure the pool equipment remains dry and safe. If you make a habit of conducting a monthly check of your pool, you can help prevent expensive surprises in the spring.
Hiring Professionals for Winter Maintenance
An excellent option to ensure that your winter is hassle-free is to hire a professional. Professionals who specialize in winterizing pools can fully prepare your pool for the winter months.
In order to maintain a clear swimming pool all year long, the team at Swimming Pool Solution in Jaipur will be providing full service to ensure that your pool receives all necessary care and repairs during the winter months.
Conclusion
Taking the time and planning needed to keep a winter swimming pool properly cared for will pay off big time in the summertime. Through proper winter cleaning, chemical balance, and protection against cold weather, you will keep your costs down by avoiding costly repairs and enjoy having a clear swimming pool when summer rolls around. Well-cared-for winter pools have a longer overall lifespan as well as a greater efficiency rating and provide an attractive feature to your home throughout the year.