How to Maintain Your Pool in Winter Weather

While you may not be swimming in your pool during the chilly winter months, it’s important to not ignore it. Maintaining your pool in winter weather can save you time and money from the damaging effects of the cold temperatures. Take the time to care for your pool now, so when summer comes, it’s ready for you and your family.

Cut Back On, Don’t Eliminate, Running the Pool Pump

To save energy, it’s perfectly fine to reduce filtration during the winter. Turning it completely off, however, is a costly mistake. Pool pumps circulate the water, remove debris and keep the water from freezing during cold weather. Though turnover rates vary, most pool pumps take approximately six to eight hours to circulate all of the water in the pool. Leave it on for a complete cycle for temperatures between 35 and 65 degrees, run it for 12 hours in temperatures above 65 degrees and run it 24 hours a day for pools in temperatures less than 35 degrees to prevent freezing.

Continue to Test Pool pH Levels

Even if no one’s swimming in it, it’s important to continue to check your pool’s pH, calcium hardness and alkalinity levels. Doing so monthly during the winter months will help protect your pool and pool water. The ideal winter pool should have a pH between 7.4 and 7.6. Levels out of this range should be adjusted accordingly with chemicals. Winter calcium levels should fall between the ranges of 175 and 225 pm. Add calcium as necessary to raise low levels.

Consider Purchasing a Pool Cover

Though not a necessity, a well-fitting pool cover can end up saving you money over time. Covers that fit close to the pool’s surface prevent excess chemicals from evaporating, saving your time and money from adding new chemicals. Without the sun, algae has difficulty forming, which will keep your pool clean and ready for the summer months. Less debris will get into pools that aren’t utilizing their pool pumps continuously and the risk of pool stains will decrease.

Tips for Closing Down a Pool for Winter

If you choose to close down your pool for the winter, take the time to check the pH levels and completely clear the pool of any debris. All of the pool lines and pipes must have their water removed completely. This can be done with a compressor or shop vac to avoid having to drain the entire pool. Consider adding pool antifreeze to the lines before plugging them up for the winter.

Though it may take time and energy now, caring for your pool in the winter months will prevent cracked pipes from frozen water, broken pool equipment and accumulated debris. Visit a business like The Pool Store if you have any questions. You will be able to enjoy your pool and save money this summer by caring for it when you aren’t using it.