As you ease into a brand-new year, you may be setting resolutions to take better care of your home, including your swimming pool. Even though winter has settled in and the pool isn’t seeing much action, the work you put in now can make a world of difference when warmer weather returns. If you own a home with a pool, consider these simple wintertime pool care tips to keep your pool water healthy, balanced, and sparkling all season long.
1. Keep Water Chemistry on Point
Even in the off-season, pool water doesn’t get a free pass from chemical balancing. Cold temperatures can slow the growth of bacteria and other contaminants, but they don’t stop it completely. Test the water every few weeks to keep pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels in the safe zone. This prevents equipment corrosion, cloudy water, and staining on your pool surfaces. More importantly, it prevents the dreaded algae bloom that leads to green pool water, allowing you to open your pool back up for summer without having to play chemical catch-up.
2. Give Equipment a Winter Checkup
Winter is the perfect time to give your pool’s equipment a quick once-over. Make sure your filter is clean, the pressure gauge is functioning, and any timers or automation systems are operating like they should. Take a close look at the pool cover for rips or sagging, and check exposed pipes or pump fittings for signs of wear.
3. Skim and Clear Debris
Just because the pool isn’t in use doesn’t mean nature won’t try to claim it. Leaves, wind-blown debris, and even small animals can weigh down your cover or slip underneath it, introducing contaminants to the water. Regularly brushing off the cover and removing anything that’s collected around the edges helps keep your water cleaner and prevents unnecessary strain on your equipment. If you use a solid cover, periodically check underneath it for hidden debris that may be affecting circulation or water quality.
4. Stay Ahead of Freezing Temps
Winter weather can be unpredictable, and a sudden cold snap is all it takes to freeze vulnerable parts of your pool system. To minimize this as much as possible, make a habit of checking the weather forecast. If temperatures dip, run your pump to keep water moving and reduce the risk of ice forming in your pipes or equipment. For areas prone to hard freezes, consider using freeze-protection settings or adding insulation to your exposed plumbing.
Get Professional Help
With winter in full swing, there’s no better time to reset your intentions for the new year. Giving your pool a little off-season attention is an easy resolution that pays off in a big way. For professional pool cleaning or advice about wintertime pool care in Orlando, FL, contact the friendly experts at Pooltek Pool Services.