As the leaves change color and fall from the trees, you may consider closing up your pool for the season. But did you know that you can do a few things to ensure your pool is ready for next year? By taking some time to properly maintain your pool during the fall and winter, you’ll be able to extend its lifespan and ensure that it’s ready for use come springtime.
1. Keep the Pool Clean
Cleaning your pool regularly is important but especially crucial during the fall and winter months. Leaves and other debris can quickly accumulate in your pool, causing it to become dirty and murky. Not only is this unsightly, but it can also lead to problems with your pool’s filtration system. To avoid this, sweep your pool regularly and remove any leaves or debris that have fallen into it.
As you clean, also be sure to check the pH levels of your pool water. This is important because it can impact the effectiveness of your pool’s filtration system. If the pH levels are too high or too low, it can cause problems with the filtration system and lead to dirty, murky water.
2. Shock the Pool
The process of shocking your pool helps to clear the water of any impurities. This is important because impurities can build up over time, causing the water to become dirty and murky. Shocking your pool will also help to kill any bacteria that may be present in the water.
To shock your pool, add a chlorine shock to the water and allow it to circulate for 24 hours. After 24 hours, you can then test the pH levels of the water to ensure that they are within the proper range.
3. Cover the Pool
One of the best ways to protect your pool during the fall and winter months is to cover it. A pool cover will help keep leaves and other debris out of the water and prevent evaporation. This is important because evaporation can lead to a drop in the water level, which can cause damage to your pool’s pump.
When choosing a pool cover, be sure to select one that is made from durable material and is rated for your specific type of pool. You should also ensure that the cover fits snugly over the pool so there are no gaps or openings.
4. Test the Water Regularly
Regular water testing in your pool is important to ensure it is clean and safe to swim in. There are a variety of pool test kits available on the market, so be sure to choose one that is right for your needs. Test the water for pH levels, chlorine levels, and alkalinity. These tests will help you determine if your pool’s water is safe to swim in.
If the water in your pool is not within the proper range, make the necessary adjustments. You can add chemicals to the water to adjust the pH or chlorine levels.
5. Turn Off the Pump
When winter arrives, it’s important to turn off your pool’s pump. This is because the cold weather can cause the pump to freeze, leading to damage. If possible, you should also drain the pool of water so that the pump is not working against a full pool.
If you cannot drain the pool, add antifreeze to the water. This will help to prevent the pump from freezing and becoming damaged.
6. Call a Professional
If you are not comfortable performing any of the above tasks, it’s best to call pool service professionals. They will be able to maintain your pool and ensure it is safe properly. This is especially important if you have a complex pool system or are unfamiliar with pools in general.
Hiring a professional to maintain your pool can be costly, but ensuring that your pool is safe and operating properly is worth it. A professional can advise on the best care for your pool during the fall and winter.
Bottom Line
Maintaining your pool during the fall and winter months is important to ensure it is safe. Be sure to sweep the pool regularly, test the water frequently, and cover the pool when not in use. If you are uncomfortable performing these tasks, hire a professional to help you. With proper care, your pool will be ready to use when the weather warms up.
