Winter is here, which means you need to start your winter swimming pool maintenance if you haven’t already. As we all know, the entire winterization process can be pretty complicated, especially if you are a novice. And, if done incorrectly, it can cause a lot of damage to your swimming pool. Luckily we are here today to educate you all about winter swimming pool maintenance, the dos and don’ts to keep your pool in the best condition throughout winter.
Let us start with everything we must do to ensure your pool doesn’t turn into a safe haven for bacteria, germs, algae and dirt.
Winter Swimming Pool Maintenance – What To Do?
DO – Check On Your Pool System
When winter temperatures drop below 0 degrees Celsius or 32 degrees Fahrenheit, you should check on your pool system, especially the pipes. You must ensure that the pool water is completely drained from the following:
- The pool filter
- The pool heater
- The pump
- The pool pipes.
This check ensures the pool system is dry because water will expand at that temperature and can do immense damage, like cracking pipes.
DO – Examine, Clean And Dry Your Pool Cover
Let’s be honest; most homeowners neglect winter pool care until it is too late. Checking the condition of the pool cover is one of them. First, check if the pool cover is tight enough to fit tautly over your pool. Doing so will ensure that no dirt, debris, dust or leaves can enter the pool.
You should also check if the cover is completely dry or not. If there is any form of water accumulation on the pool cover, it will freeze. This will damage the cover, and when summer rolls around, dirty stagnant water will get into your pool when you try to remove the cover. This advice applies if dirt, leaves, or branches are on your pool cover.
DO – Add Algaecide Mid-Winter
If you live in Canada and do not have an indoor or a heated pool, your winter swimming pool maintenance needs to be extensive. Adding a potent mid-winter algaecide is critical, especially when your pool is closed for months. The algaecide is essential for winter pool care as it reduces the growth of the green algae and additional pool cleaning when you open your pool again. Allow the algaecide to be pumped through the pool for 24 hours to ensure it is thoroughly incorporated.
DO – Reduce The Water Level
During summertime, the heat causes pool water to evaporate. Although during winter months, evaporation does not take place. If you do not adjust the water level, the pool water will freeze and can crack your pool tiles. Hence, an essential winter pool care tip is to decrease the water level about two to six inches below the skimmer (But don’t drain the pool completely).
DO – Add The Proper Chemicals
After you have done a basic cleaning of your pool, you must add chlorine and enzyme. The enzyme’s job is to break down any pollutants or contaminants that can infiltrate the pool and also deters the formation of the waterline ring.
On the other hand, chlorine’s job is to ensure the water is clean till summer.
DO – Ensure Proper Pool Accessories Storage
Ensure that your pool accessories and equipment are stored properly in a clean and dry place. They should be stored away from the sunlight to enhance their longevity and potency (in the case of pool chemicals).
Winter Swimming Pool Maintenance – What Not To Do?
DO NOT – Close Your Pool Early
Warm water and algae are a match made in heaven. This means if you start your winterization process too early and start closing your pool before the temperature drops, you will facilitate algae growth under the pool cover.
Closing the pool too early means the chemicals that fight algae will lose their potency and will not last all throughout winter as they ideally should. Therefore, wait till the temperature drops to start your winter swimming pool maintenance.
DO NOT – Empty Your Pool
Do not empty your pool just to prevent algae growth. While trying to avoid algae growth, draining the pool will cause more damage and expose your pool to many risks. If you have an above-ground pool, the water’s weight maintains the ground’s structure and does not allow any form of shifting. So avoid draining the pool completely and winterize it.
DO NOT – Avoid Checking Your Equipment
One thing you should ensure is that all your equipment is working before closing the pool for the winter months. Check to ensure that your pool pump is functioning and does not have any calcium buildup and chlorination in the salt cell. You should also inspect the sand filter and backwash and rinse. The cartridge filter is often neglected, so do not forget to remove the filter and clean it with the help of a filter cleaner.
DO NOT – Use The Wrong Type of Algaecide
Not algaecides are created the same. You need an algaecide to be able to
- Last more than three months
- Withstand the fluctuating pH level of a pool.
Check if your algaecide has copper mentioned as an active ingredient, as they make for the perfect algaecide and are specially designed for long winterization. Also, ensure that the product you are using avoids algae bloom to protect yourself from an expensive clean-up cost.
DO NOT – Fail To Affix Your Pool Cover Properly
Do not use objects such as bricks, rocks or stones to affix your pool cover during winter.It is one of the biggest mistakes in winter pool care as it can damage your pool cover and the liner, fall into the pool. Invest in specific water tubes and weights designed to hold a pool cover and stay worry-free.
DO NOT – Leave Metal Equipment Out
When you do your winter swimming pool maintenance, make a note of all the metal equipment, like ladders and diving boards. Store them away somewhere dry and indoors. Doing this will protect your metal equipment from developing rust, cracks and more.
Where To Find The Best Swimming Pools in Canada?
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