WINTER POOL CARE TIPS TO KEEP YOUR POOL CLEAN AND SAFE WHILE IT IS ‘UNDERCOVER'

With winter upon us, one of the last things you're probably thinking about is your backyard pool. Maintaining just a few key things throughout the next few months can bring you peace of mind when it's time to open your pool in the spring.

By now, your pool should already be properly winterized and protected with a safety cover.  We recommend the following winter pool care tips to keep your pool clear, your cover secure, and your family safe:

  • Watch the temperature – Experts claim that algae will not grow in pool water when the air temperature remains below 60 degrees. For unusual winter weather patterns in different parts of the country, however, you may have to treat your pool water if you're experiencing warmer weather. Adding a preventative treatment (like Algaecide 60) will inhibit the growth of algae in your pool. (Be aware, however, that this will not kill algae that have already begun to grow.) It is recommended to unhook your cover and add a small amount of the agent – and to repeat this step all around the pool. The algaecide must be equally distributed throughout the pool since your pool pump will not be running.  If you are experiencing colder weather, you won't need to add any algaecide until the spring when the weather and the water begin to heat up.
  • Watch the water level –Maintaining the proper water level in your pool is a key factor in supporting the weight of any debris that may collect on the pool cover. Water levels that fall below the recommended level may put excess stress on the cover, which might result in damage and voiding of the cover's warranty. You can check the water levels by clearing any debris that has collected in the skimmer box. If the levels are low, be sure to add enough water to reach the recommended levels.  Here are the guidelines for mesh and solid covers:

Mesh Pool Covers: 15" - 18" below the top of the pool
Solid Pool Covers: 12" - 16" below the top of the pool

  • Keep debris off the cover – Keeping debris off the cover will help to avoid damage, extend the life of your pool cover and also reduce the risk of a tragic drowning or accident. We recommend using a long-handled broom or skimmer to make the process easier. Do not use a shovel or any other tool with sharp edges, as it could put holes in your cover and allow dirty water to seep through. For solid covers with drains, you could also hose down the cover to clear the debris. If you notice that water has pooled onto the cover, we suggest using an automatic cover pump to remove the water as soon as possible.

 

You can rest assured that all Loop-Loc covers have been U.L. certified and meet the ASTM safety cover guidelines. Our safety covers will support the weight of a child or an adult in an emergency; however, we do not recommend ever walking or playing on the cover.

We hope this information has been helpful. Remember, the purpose of winterizing and covering your pool is to limit the amount of necessary maintenance for when you uncover it in the spring and have the water as clear as possible. By following these few easy tips, you will be on your way to enjoying your pool and the warmer weather before you know it.

The experts at Swim University contributed to this blog.