Caring For Your Pool Throughout Winter
Of course, everyone uses their swimming pool almost daily during spring and summer, but when fall comes around it becomes less of a focus. However, even if you aren’t enjoying your pool as much as you would during the summertime, it’s still important for you to care for it. Below are six pool care tips to help you take care of your pool throughout the winter.
1. Keep It Clean
Don’t skimp out on doing this because your pool appears clean. This might seem weird, but pools often appear cleaner during winter because the cold inhibits the growth of algae and bacteria. That doesn’t mean it’s ok to ignore it. The algae and bacteria will continue to grow when temperatures allow, and that can really add up by springtime. Plus, leaves and debris will keep falling in, so be sure to remove these when necessary.
2. Keep the Pumps Running
This will help keep the pool water from freezing over and from freezing inside the pump. Your best bet is to run the pump from 12 to 24 hours daily. This is especially needed when the temperature outside is close to 32oF. This is assuming you haven’t already closed your pool.
Pro tip: Use a thermometer to be certain of the temperature. Install a timer that will automatically turn the pump on when the temperature drops below a certain level.
3. Invest in a Heater
A pool heater can keep your pool at a steady and comfortable temperature more often during the year. This will help to keep your pool open more often throughout the season. So when it comes to taking care of your pool in winter, that’s less time your pool will sit without being used and possibly being neglected.
4. Balance Your Chemicals
It’s important to continue to properly balance your water chemistry throughout the wintertime. Be sure to test your water weekly with an at-home kit to ensure you keep the water healthy and clear.
First, chlorinate your pool constantly throughout the winter. On average, you’ll need to check your chlorine levels two to three times per week. Do not add chlorine without checking your current level first. A chlorine level of between 10 and 13 PPM (parts per million) is necessary to prevent the buildup of algae.
Next, you need to balance the pH of your pool. Also, check this before adjusting. You should aim for a pH of between 7.0 and 7.4.
Just try to maintain your chemicals at the usual level. The only difference here is that you will need to adjust the frequency and quantity of chemicals you add to achieve this level.
5. Monitor the Water Level
During winter, there is typically less rain and the temperature is cooler and drier. This causes water to evaporate in the pool. The pool water level could drop one or two inches lower every week during winter. Simply adding extra water will not account for the shift in pool chemistry that comes with this evaporation. Refill your pool when it drops and adjust the chemicals as needed.
6. Leave your valves open
From vacuum lines, cleaner lines, and waterfall lines to skimmers and drains, keeping these valves open is necessary to maintain good water flow and avoid freeze damage should an unexpected drop in temperature occur.
Contact Your Local Pool Care Experts
Leaving your pool open longer is a great way to relax with your friends and family. Plus, you get to enjoy your investment more often. Implementing the tips above will help you maximize your pool’s efficiency and keep the water crystal clear. If you have any questions regarding how to help care for your pool, contact your local pool care experts to learn more.