A swimming pool requires year-round maintenance. It is even more so if you live in an area that gets lots of snow and ice. Adequate maintenance and proper protection of your swimming pool in the winter months can potentially save you hundreds, even thousands of dollars, inexpensive swimming pool repairs in warmer months. Take the following steps to care for your pool during winter.
Regular Cleaning of the Pool
Brush the floor and walls. Then vacuum the entire swimming pool. Remove leaves from the lint basket of the pump and skimmer baskets. Doing all these on a regular basis, say every two to three weeks, will ensure your pool remains clean and functional. If you find this schedule difficult to keep up with, a weekly pool maintenance plan can take the burden off your hands.
Keep Water pH Balanced
Regularly check and apply appropriate treatment in order to maintain the pool water pH level between 7.2 and 7.6. Keeping the water pH around this level discourages the growth of bacteria and algae. A professional water analysis can help you identify exactly which chemicals and sanitizers your pool needs to stay balanced through the colder months.
Regular Cleaning of the Filter
Clean the pool filter and remove all oils or grease deposits from time to time. Repeat this cleaning throughout the winter months because any oils or grease left in the filter will harden over winter and become even more difficult to clean later.
Maintain proper Chemical Level
The chlorine available in your pool water must be around 2 to 3 ppm all through winter. Keeping chlorine at this level will ensure that your pool is clear and clean. If you use a pool cover, remember to keep the salt chlorinator output at 1 to 2 ppm. This is because pool covers trap chemicals. And trapped chlorine could result in higher chlorine content which could lead to the destruction of pool equipment. A chemical feeder can help regulate chlorine output and prevent these issues.
Clear off Algae
Once you notice an algal bloom, use your pool sanitizer to control and kill the algae. Make sure that they are all gone in order to keep the swimming pool water clean and healthy. Unresolved algae problems are often a sign of poor circulation, so have your swimming pool pump inspected if blooms keep returning.
Use Pool Cover
Make sure you cover your swimming pool during winter. A quality winter cover will ensure that leaves and other organic materials don’t fall into the water. That way, you’ll be depriving algae and bugs of food which means that they won’t thrive. Pool covers also reduce chemical evaporation, thereby saving you time and money. Remember to keep the water level a few inches below the skimmer before placing the cover.
Protect Pool Cover From Falling Branches and Whipping Wind
Cut off tree branches that are hanging over the swimming pool. You can also install a leaf net to trap falling leaves. Tightly secure the pool cover in order to keep it from being blown away by strong winter winds or at worse being shredded. For added protection, consider upgrading to a safety cover installation.
Care for the Pool Cover
Carefully clear any ice and/or water you find on the cover. You could accidentally cut the pool cover when trying to pull chunks of ice off it. Simply allow the ice to melt first. Then, pump off the water.
Continue Regular Maintenance
Running pool maintenance on a consistent schedule ensures your swimming pool stays clean and functional throughout the winter months. Do all the above and you’ll have a ready pool when the hot season comes around again. When spring arrives, a professional pool opening service will get everything up and running safely.
Learn more about our pool services and get a whole new pool experience at ML Pools. If your pool needs attention before winter sets in, schedule a pool closing to make sure everything is properly winterized. Contact us to get started.
