Swimming pools provide numerous benefits, especially for those of us who live in the hot desert climate of Arizona, but they also require many responsibilities—namely maintenance. Pools need maintenance year-round, including the winter. Here are several tips for maintaining your pool in the winter months.
1. Check the pool’s chemical levels before you close your pool
Make sure you test your pool’s water chemical levels before closing it for the winter; in this way, you can adjust the water to its proper chemical levels. If the levels are off, your pool is at risk for scale build up and corrosion while it’s not being used.
The alkalinity should be between 7.2 and 7.6 PH level; you should have a PPM of 80–120; calcium hardness needs to be between 175 and 220 PPM; and the chlorine level should fall between 1 and 3 PPM.
2. Properly clean the pool
Brush and vacuum the sides and bottom of the pool, and clean the tile and vinyl to remove the oil and scum lines. You’ll also want to set the filter to waste and bypass sand during the vacuuming. Use a clarifier, as well, to make your water crystal clear.
3. Make sure winter or safety pool cover is secure
Your pool cover can be damaged by heavy rain, snow, and wind, so it’s important that it’s properly secured. For above-ground pools, check that your heavy-duty air pillow is inflated and holding up the cover, the cover cable is tightened, the cover clips or winter seal wrap is secure, and the winter cover wall bags are holding the cover in place.
For in-ground pools, make sure your pool cover is being held in place by water blocks or water bags. If you have a pool safety cover, ensure that all the cover components are securing the cover to the deck or patio area.
4. Remove leaves and debris from the top of your cover
This helps prevent your pool cover from getting ripped, torn, or damaged in another way during the winter months. Wet leaves can get heavy and weigh the cover down. If you’re using a leaf net, make sure to dispose of leaves that have collected in the net. Removing leaves from the pool area also helps prevent water contamination if your pool isn’t covered.
5. Check your pool equipment for damage periodically
Check your pool pump, filter, heater, and pool surface every now and then to make sure they’re working properly. Repairs can be costly, so ensuring they’re in working order can save you a lot of money down the line.
In the winter months you may not use your pool as much—or you may cover it and not use it at all—but it’s important that your pool remains clean and protected from contamination and damage during this time. Be sure to check the pool’s chemical levels before you close it and clean the pool properly; ensure that the winter cover or safety cover is secure, remove debris from the top of the cover, and keep an eye on pool equipment to make sure it’s not damaged.
1. Check the pool’s chemical levels before you close your pool
Make sure you test your pool’s water chemical levels before closing it for the winter; in this way, you can adjust the water to its proper chemical levels. If the levels are off, your pool is at risk for scale build up and corrosion while it’s not being used.
The alkalinity should be between 7.2 and 7.6 PH level; you should have a PPM of 80–120; calcium hardness needs to be between 175 and 220 PPM; and the chlorine level should fall between 1 and 3 PPM.
2. Properly clean the pool
Brush and vacuum the sides and bottom of the pool, and clean the tile and vinyl to remove the oil and scum lines. You’ll also want to set the filter to waste and bypass sand during the vacuuming. Use a clarifier, as well, to make your water crystal clear.
3. Make sure winter or safety pool cover is secure
Your pool cover can be damaged by heavy rain, snow, and wind, so it’s important that it’s properly secured. For above-ground pools, check that your heavy-duty air pillow is inflated and holding up the cover, the cover cable is tightened, the cover clips or winter seal wrap is secure, and the winter cover wall bags are holding the cover in place.
For in-ground pools, make sure your pool cover is being held in place by water blocks or water bags. If you have a pool safety cover, ensure that all the cover components are securing the cover to the deck or patio area.
4. Remove leaves and debris from the top of your cover
This helps prevent your pool cover from getting ripped, torn, or damaged in another way during the winter months. Wet leaves can get heavy and weigh the cover down. If you’re using a leaf net, make sure to dispose of leaves that have collected in the net. Removing leaves from the pool area also helps prevent water contamination if your pool isn’t covered.
5. Check your pool equipment for damage periodically
Check your pool pump, filter, heater, and pool surface every now and then to make sure they’re working properly. Repairs can be costly, so ensuring they’re in working order can save you a lot of money down the line.
In the winter months you may not use your pool as much—or you may cover it and not use it at all—but it’s important that your pool remains clean and protected from contamination and damage during this time. Be sure to check the pool’s chemical levels before you close it and clean the pool properly; ensure that the winter cover or safety cover is secure, remove debris from the top of the cover, and keep an eye on pool equipment to make sure it’s not damaged.