As soon as the weather begins to cool off, you need to start thinking about winterizing your pool. Getting your pool ready for the frigid winter months is going to lengthen its lifespan and reduce your risk of catastrophic damage next spring.
Rebalance the Chemicals
Properly balancing your pool’s chemicals is one of the most important steps in this process. While the most popular option for sanitizing residential pools is stabilized chlorine, some people prefer bromine. You will also need to add a pH increaser or decreaser once every few weeks in order to balance the alkalinity and acidity. All of those products can be found at a local pool store or home improvement center.
Service the Pool Pump
If you don’t plan on using the pool during the coldest months of the year, then you need to thoroughly clean and inspect the pool pump. Your pump probably has a removable lid that gives you access to a basket, and that plastic filter can be cleaned by hand or with a garden hose. Before you clean or inspect the pump, you must make sure that the power has been turned off. Once the pump is clean, you should skim the pool and remove any debris on the surface of the water.
Clean the Walls and Floor
Using an underwater vacuum is going to be the easiest and most effective way to clean the walls and floor of your pool. Unfortunately, those devices can be pricey, and that is why many people clean those surfaces with long brushes. Near the waterline, you can scrub the walls with a stiff brush and chlorine-based cleaner. In addition to removing algae, this simple project is also going to improve the appearance of your pool.
Invest in a High-Quality Pool Cover
After the pool has been thoroughly cleaned and the correct chemicals have been added, you should install a heavy-duty cover. Some pools have built-in covers, but removable covers can be just as effective. Those sheets are usually held in place with nothing more than anchors and springs, and they can be installed in a matter of minutes. As long as you regularly clean your pool cover, it should last for at least five or six seasons.
While it might be tempting to simply ignore your pool during the coldest months of the year, that could end up being a serious mistake. Changing temperatures can wreak havoc on your pool, and you need to make sure that it is going to withstand snow, high winds, and flying debris.
