Winter Pool Cleaning Checklist: How to Prepare for an Easy Opening Come Spring

Whether you’ve had heavy snowfalls or you’re in a state where the off-season is mild, winter pool maintenance is extremely important. Putting in the time and effort to take care of your pool now will ensure an easier opening that saves you both time and money in the long run. Here are some helpful tips that you can implement this winter to keep your pool happy during the colder months.

• Using a pool cover can help protect your pool from outside forces such as dirt, debris, and extreme weather conditions. With an extra layer of protection, like LOOP-LOC’s safety pool covers, you can even protect your pool from wildlife and children finding their way onto the cover. You’ll also want to periodically check your pool cover throughout the winter and ensure that it is securely attached to your pool

• Keep your winter pool chemistry balanced. Most pool owners don’t drain their pools entirely for the off-season, so keeping the chemicals correctly balanced will be imperative. You can start with adding algaecide, which will prevent the growth of bacteria in your water. Some brands even last up to 90 days, which is a good portion of the winter months. It’s also a good idea to add chlorine to the water, but be mindful of how much you add. Too much chlorine will bleach and damage your liner. Keeping an eye on these chemicals will assist in keeping your pool water well maintained.

• Pool parts that are out of sight, shouldn’t be out of mind. Make sure to perform periodic maintenance on your pool parts such as your pump, filter, and pipes. They help your pool function and should be kept in the best working condition possible, even in the colder months. Keep an eye on your pool pump and filter to avoid what could be a costly repair if not maintained properly. Also, make sure all water has been removed to avoid freezing and cracking in your pipes. If something doesn’t look right, don’t hesitate to contact a pool professional to take a look.

• Track the weather and beware of freezing water temperatures. As you open your pool for the warmer weather, you want to avoid the surprise of a cracked pipe or liner leak. Consider purchasing a digital timer with a temperature sensor for your pool that can notify you when a temperature becomes dangerously low for your pool. You can also set weather alerts on your phone to ensure you’re aware of any upcoming winter storms and can prepare accordingly.

• Consider opening your pool a little early. While you may think that you have to wait until the weather is warm enough to jump in, opening your pool early can give you time to perfect your water. When you first open your pool, it can be green and chemically unbalanced. Use your extra few days to treat the water and let it warm up so as soon as the weather gets nice, you can dive in without worry.

Once your pool is closed for the off-season, it’s best to take the initiative to implement winter maintenance to ensure a smooth opening in the spring. After the pool cover goes on, pool owners can follow the above tips to prep their pool for the perfect spring day that’s on the way. Even though your pool may not be in use right now, that doesn’t mean it should be neglected. By protecting your pool this winter, you’ll be ready to make a splash when the sun comes out.