As summer comes to an end and the holiday season approaches, it’s important not to forget about your pool. After all, your pool’s not just a summer fling—it’s a long-term commitment. Neglecting your pool during the colder months can lead to a host of problems, like frozen pipes, damaged equipment or unwanted algae blooms. So what can you do to care for your pool during the cold months?
We’re here to help you winter-proof your pool like a pro and keep it in tip-top shape until the sun returns.
The Risks of Ignoring Your Pool in Winter
While winter might seem like the perfect time to forget about your pool, there are some very real risks to consider and avoid:
- Frozen Pipes: When water freezes, it expands. This can cause pipes to burst or crack, leading to costly repairs. A little attention now can save you a sizable headache later.
- Algae Alert: Even in chilly weather, algae can thrive if your pool isn’t properly closed. Algae loves stagnant water, and without regular maintenance, your sparkling pool can turn into a murky swamp.
- Damaged Plaster: Dropping temperatures can wear down your pool plaster, causing permanent damage. Proper winterization and chemical balancing can help maintain its integrity.
- Dropping Debris: Falling leaves and debris can quickly clog drains and filters, creating blockages that are a pain to clear up when the opening season rolls around again.
- Equipment Problems: Pool equipment needs to be properly cared for in the Winter to ensure it can function again next year. Ignoring your equipment when it’s cold can easily lead to needing new equipment in the Spring.
How to Prevent Winter Pool Problems
Now that you know the risks, here are the steps you need to take to protect your modern pool this winter:
1. Clean Before You Close
A clean pool is a happy pool, even in the Winter. Skim the surface to remove leaves, twigs, and debris. Brush the pool walls and vacuum the floor thoroughly. If you have an automatic cleaner, remove and clean it and store it somewhere out of the elements.
2. Balance The Water
Before you tuck your pool in for its winter nap, ensure the water is balanced. Aim for a pH level between 7.5 and 7.8, keep alkalinity between 80-120 ppm and maintain calcium hardness between 300-400 ppm. This will help protect the pool’s surface and prevent corrosion. Balanced water chemistry is also crucial to preventing algae growth and equipment damage. And if all this sounds like gibberish to you, a reputable pool company can simplify the process.
3. Lower The Water
Lowering the water level is an essential step in protecting your pool. Dropping the water level to just below the skimmers will ensure your pool tiles are protected and will keep water from entering the skimmers. You can lower the water level by closing off your skimmer lines and running your pump in the backwash or waste setting. You can also turn your equipment OFF and use a submersible pump to lower the water level.
4. Protect Your Equipment
Next, it’s important to disconnect and drain all of your pool equipment to make sure there’s no water sitting inside. Make sure to completely drain all of your pumps, filters, and heaters. You’ll also want to clean your filter so it’s fresh and ready to use in the Spring. Store all of the drain plugs in a safe, secure place where you can easily find them next year.
5. Drain The Pipes
To prevent your pipes from expanding and cracking, all the water must be blown out of them and the openings plugged. First, remove the return fittings from the pool’s wall returns. Then, blow all the remaining water out of your plumbing into the pool and plug the openings. Finally, add antifreeze to the pipes as an extra layer of protection.
6. Invest in a Quality Pool Cover
Your final line of defense against winter issues is a high-quality modern pool cover. It keeps debris out and helps maintain water temperature. Look for a durable cover that can withstand harsh weather conditions and fits snugly over your pool to provide complete coverage. Opt for a cover that’s easy to install and remove.
7. Wait For Spring
Now that your pool has been properly closed and your pool equipment protected, you can breathe a little easier during the holidays. Keep an eye on the pool cover and If there’s heavy snowfall, use a broom to carefully remove excess snow. Other than that, you can rest easy knowing that your pool will be safe until opening in the Spring.
Take Care of Your Modern Pool with Liquidus
Winter may not be your pool’s favorite season but with the right care, your pool can make it through the cold months unscathed. If you’d like help preparing your pool for the winter, please reach out to Liquidus Pools. Our team of experts can walk you through every step of the winterization process and help provide peace of mind this holiday season. Don’t leave your pool out in the cold—get in touch with us today. And if you don’t want to invest the time and energy to winterize your pool, you may want to continue maintaining your pool during the winter months.