Guide to Winter Pool Maintenance

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Guide to Winter Swimming Pool Maintenance
Winter Pool Maintenance Guide

Maintaining your pool during the winter can help you smoothly open your pool when the weather is warmer. All of your swimming pool needs are available from Doheny’s Pool Supplies Fast.

1) Winterize and cover your pool. Check out Doheny’s blog for information on how to winterize your above ground pool. Doheny’s also has a Pro Guide blog for closing in-ground swimming pools as well. If you live in a location with mild winters, then you can reference the information on how to maintain your uncovered pool during the winter months below.

2) Make sure your winter cover or safety pool cover is secure. Rain, snow or wind can damage your cover. It is important to make sure that the winter cover is in place so that it is protecting your swimming pool in the wintertime.
• Above ground pools: Make sure your air pillow is inflated and holding up your cover, cover cable is tightened, cover clips or winter seal wrap is secure, or the winter cover wall bags are holding your pool cover in place on your above ground swimming pool.
• In-ground pools: Ensure that your winter cover is being held in place by aqua blocks or water bags. If you have a pool safety cover, then make sure that all safety cover components are securing the cover to your patio/deck area. If you are missing parts to your pool's safety cover, then you can find replacement parts from Doheny's Pool Supplies Fast's website. http://www.doheny.com

3) Remove leaves and debris from the top of your winter pool cover. Eliminating debris will prevent your pool cover from being ripped, torn or otherwise damaged by sharp objects during the winter months. Wet leaves can be very heavy and weigh your pool cover down, so be sure to remove them regularly. If you have a leaf net, then be sure to dispose of leaves that have collected on top of the net. Keep your pool area free of leaves to prevent water contamination if your pool is not covered.

4) Make sure algae hasn't formed under your pool cover. Algae typically do not grow in water temperature that is less than 60 degrees; however, it is possible. If you notice algae formation, then add shock treatment or algaecide to your pool water. Preventing extended periods of algae growth will help save your pool’s liner, concrete, etc. This will reduce the time spent on algae control in the spring months.

5) Check your pool and equipment for damage. Keep an eye on your pool and its equipment to make sure there are no issues. Pool equipment and pool resurfacing can be costly. Checking your pool pump, filter, heater, and pool surface periodically can save you tons of money down the road.


Tips for swimming pools in non-freezing climates:

You may live in a climate where your swimming pool can be left uncovered during the winter since the temperature does not drop below freezing. If this is the case, then you should maintain your pool even though it is not in use. Dirty pool water can cause many issues to your swimming pool and pose health risks for you and your neighbors.

1) You may want to perform a monthly or bimonthly service on your pool. If you are lucky enough to live in a climate where you can swim in your pool year round, then you will want to perform regular maintenance on your pool. Adjust pool maintenance based on pool usage. For more information on routine pool maintenance, check out Doheny’s Pool Supplies Fast’s blog post on the 5 Cs of Swimming Pool Maintenance for Beginners.

2) Clean your pool and surrounding pool area regularly. Algae forms when debris remains in your swimming pool. Removing leaves, dirt, branches and other contaminants from your pool will keep your pool water clean during the winter months. Regularly run your automatic pool cleaner if you have one. If not, then use a handheld leaf rake to remove heavy leaf-fall. Scrub the walls and bottom of your pool periodically to prevent algae forming on pool surfaces.

3) Test your pool water chemistry biweekly. Maintaining your pool water’s chemistry is important to keep your pool water clean and sanitary. Abnormal pH due to low chlorine levels can facilitate the growth of algae and bacteria.

4) Run your pool pump for a few hours daily during periods of non-use. Keeping pool water circulating is still important even though your pool is not being used for the winter. Water circulation helps keep pool water free of algae, bacteria, mosquito breeding and other harmful occurrences when pool water is left stagnant.

5) Maintain your swimming pool’s filtration system. Pool filters can still need maintenance during the winter. Keep an eye on your skimmer, since it may become filled with leaves and dirt particles. Remove debris from your pool pump’s basket.

6) Consider purchasing a leaf net. Leaf nets are ideal in locations where temperatures do not dip below freezing. Leaf nets collect leaves on top of your pool to prevent them from sinking to the bottom or staining your pool walls.

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