As the temperatures start to drop and winter approaches, it’s time to think about what to do with your pool. Depending on your preferences, you can either keep your pool open during winter or close it down. However, if you choose to shut it down, it’s essential to follow a routine to ensure it’s in good condition when you open it again in the spring.
Autumn Cleaning
Before you close your pool for the winter, give it a thorough cleaning. Start by scrubbing the interior of the pool to remove any green algae, and then use a vacuum to remove debris. Clear the lint basket attached to the pump, and clean the skimmer baskets.
Check Chemical Levels
It’s essential to adjust the chemicals in your pool before covering it up for the winter. Aim for an alkalinity level between 100 and 150 parts per million, while calcium should be between 200 and 300 parts per million. Your pH levels should be between 7.2 and 7.8.
Clean the Filter
Clean your filter to remove any dirt or black residue. You should also remove any grease or oil deposits, as they may harden over winter. If you have a sand or diatomaceous earth filter (DE), give it a good backwash. For a cartridge filter, use a filter cleaner.
Over the winter months, the need for filtration is not as high. However, you should still run the filter for a few hours each day, even if the pool is covered.
Keep the Pool Clean
It’s essential to keep the pool clean to prevent anything from growing in it during the winter. Use a strong cleaning product to kill off any bacteria, and run the pump and water for several hours to distribute the chlorine evenly. Don’t overdo it, as this can cause staining and discoloration.
Prevent Algae Growth
Algae can make your pool look dirty, so be sure to treat it with an algaecide to prevent the water from becoming cloudy and murky. Leave 24 hours between shocking the pool and adding the algaecide, as chlorine will break down the algaecide and prevent it from working.
Cover Your Pool
A pool cover will help to trap heat in the pool water, stabilizing the water chemistry, and reducing the amount of time it takes to reheat the pool in the spring. It also keeps debris out of the pool, preventing leaves and other debris from contaminating the water.
Pack Away Your Pool Accessories
Before closing your pool for the winter, be sure to clean and pack away any toys or fixtures. Collapse any inflatables and take the opportunity to carry out any necessary maintenance, such as fixing any cracked or moved paving stones.
Check Your Pool Over Winter
Remember to check your pool’s chemical levels at least once a month during the winter period, and remove the pool cover to make any necessary adjustments to the water chemistry.
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