Although the swimming season has ended, pool cleaning responsibilities do not. Your pool should look beautiful, clean, and healthy all year long, and by maintaining it properly in colder temperatures, you can prevent future problems with algae, corrosion, and buildup. When pool weather rolls around again next year, you’ll be all set for afternoons of fun with family and friends or even a staycation right in your backyard!
Once you’ve closed your pool for winter, proper maintenance can:
- Extend its working life
- Keep the water clean and safe
- Save you money on repair costs
In this blog, the team at Green Collar Landscaping presents pool maintenance tips for winter.
Tip# 1: Clean Pool Surfaces
Algae growth can be prevented by keeping walls, floors, and other surfaces of the pool clean. Off-season pool care habits like skimming, vacuuming, and brushing organic debris will save you time in the spring because you won’t have to deal with green, dirty water.
Tip# 2: Keep Water pH Balanced
When pH, alkalinity, cyanuric acid, and calcium hardness are out of proper range for an extended period of time, they can adversely affect your pool equipment. During the winter, check your pool’s pH at least once a week. To prevent new algae development, use an algaecide.
Tip# 3: Clean the Filter Regularly
Periodically clean the filter and remove all grease and oils. It is important to repeat this cleaning throughout the winter season since any oils or grease left in the pool filters will harden over time and become even more difficult to clean in the spring.
Tip #4: Use a Pool Cover
Cover your swimming pool during the winter, so that leaves and other organic materials will not end up in the water. Pool covers also reduce chemical evaporation, saving you time and money. Be sure to get the water level below the skimmer before placing the cover.
In addition:
- Remove tree branches that hang over the swimming pool.
- Secure the pool cover tightly to prevent it from being blown away by strong winter winds or damaged.
- If you find ice or water on the cover, clean it carefully. When you try to pull chunks of ice off the pool cover, you could accidentally cut it. Let the ice melt first and then pump off the water.
Tip #5: Check the Equipment Regularly
Dirt, pollen, and other contaminants can still enter your pool, even when it’s covered and not in use. Keep an eye on the filter gauge and perform backwashing as directed by the manufacturer. You should also check your pool pump, heater, and exposed plumbing to ensure everything is working correctly.
Tip #6: Monitor Water Level
Make sure the water level in your pool is always appropriately topped off to protect the pump. In a cold environment like Ontario, pool water should be four to six inches below the skimmer in the winter months.
Pool Cover and Pool Closing
When you’ve never carried out winter pool maintenance, you may not be sure how to begin. The tips in this article can help ensure a successful outcome for spring. If you need a cover to protect your pool throughout the winter or need your pool closed, Green Collar Landscaping can help. Please call 289-778-3273.