Tips for Pool Winter Maintenance

The freezing winter months are not season for using the outdoor swimming pool. But not using the pool doesn't mean there is no need to take care about pool maintenance.

If not caring for your pool at all during the winter, by the following spring you may be dealing with a nasty case that will not only take more effort to cleaning, but also be at risk of damage to the pool equipment.

The following are six tips for swimming pool maintenance during the winter season, check out and keeping your swimming pool in the best condition.

1. Pay attention to temperatures and get ready for winterization in advance

It's time to start preparing for winterization when temperatures are between 53°F-59°F (12°C-15°C). In this temperature range, the growth of algae slows down, avoiding the deterioration of water and the risk of freezing.

2. Keep the pool filled with water

Perhaps you might have heard or considered to drain the pool during the non-use season.

Wrong!

Water pressure helps to protect the pool's structure. External forces will cause deformation of the pool rapidly, causing tiles to fall off or structural deformation.

If you are in an area where water freezes in the winter, please keep the water level down to about 1 to 6 inches below the skimmer, which can prevent tile cracking due to water freezing.

3. Clean the pool 

Skim out the leaves from the water and clean the interior and bottom of the pool, especially the water level. Use a vacuum cleaner to clean the entire pool at the end.

Having a complete pool cleaning before winterization helps prevent algae growth and will keep the water clean for as long as possible.

If you are using a cleaning filter, please use a specialized cleaning solutions and follow the instructions to clean the device.

Make sure a regular cleaning of the filters is carried out during the winter. The cold weather will harden grease and deposits. Not doing so in a prompt way will make the cleaning in the spring even more exhausting.

4. Check water chemistry indicators

Please test the water and balance the chemistry indicators a week before closing the pool.

It is usually recommended to keep the pH value around 7.4 when winterizing. It is also important to keep an eye on the FC, CYA and CH values.

Recommended maintenance values are listed as follows for your reference,

FC: 2-3PPM

CH: 200ppm minimum

Alkalinity: 80-120ppm

Conditioner/Stabilizer: 40ppm minimum

 

More details can be found at this link,

https://pinchapenny.com/pool-life/winter-swimming-pool-care-tips

There are also many high-quality overwintering solutions available on this market that will help keep your pool stable over the winter.

5. Clean the Pipes

If you are planning to shut down some pool equipment during the winter, please exclude all standing water from the equipment pipes to prevent deterioration or freezing.

It is recommended to consult the equipment service supplier to set the equipment to a mode suitable for winterization. It may be necessary to fix pipes and equipment for some equipment during winterization, please contact the equipment provider and follow the instructions accordingly. 

6. Using a Pool Cover

 The use of pool covers not only keeps leaves and other organics out of your pool, relieving the cleaning work you have to do and reducing the evaporation of chemicals. It is also a safety barrier to protect your children and pets.

Above are tips for pool maintenance during the winter months.

Please note that although all the preparations for winterization were made, it doesn't mean that the job is over. Even if the pool is closed, always remember to follow your weekly maintenance schedule.

Checking water chemistries on a regular basis, cleaning filters/skimmers, checking all running pool equipment, and keeping your pool in condition can save you a lot of effort in the future.