When you have just had a swimming pool installed, there are probably a few questions that you would like to have the answer to.
For instance, do I put chemicals in my pool during the winter months? Or maybe you would like to know how do I prepare my pool for the winter?
In the table contents on this page, we are going to give you answers to both of those questions and many other winter pool maintenance questions that you are probably asking yourself.
If you are not sure about how to winterize your pool, one of the best things you can do is to ask the company that installed it for you. However, forgetting what they said is easy.
That is why we have put together this easy guide to pool maintenance during winter.
Why Pool Maintenance Matters?
Winter pool care is about making sure that your pool stays looking good for longer. That is one of the most important factors. The cost of having pumps and filters replaced soon adds up.
If you don’t want to end up with a hefty bill, pool care in winter really matters.
Do I need to put chemicals in my pool during the winter?
Yes, you should continue to put chemicals in your pool during the winter. Dirt and bacteria are just as likely to build up during the cooler part of the year.
If you don’t add chemicals to your pool during the winter, you will need to add more as the weather starts heating up.
Pool maintenance in winter also includes regular water checks. You can buy kits that helps you to check the water quality. When you notice that your pool is out of balance, you need to spring into action adding the right chemicals.
Keeping a close eye on your pool in winter is just as important as controlling the condition of the water during the summer.
Basic Tips to Winterizing Your Pool
If this is your first season as a pool owner, you need to familiarise yourself with the steps you need to take to winterize your pool.
The first thing you need to do is to remove all of the pool accessories. That floating giant alligator looked great during the summer, but it does not really need to be there during the winter.
When you have removed all of the accessories, you need to drain your pump and filters. You also need to check on any heaters and switch them off.
Should you lower the water level?
This is very much a personal choice. If you have a pool cover which keeps the pool relatively clean, there is strictly no need to lower the water level.
On the other hand, if you don’t have a pool cover, lowering the water level is a good idea.
As solar-powered pool heaters are becoming more popular in Australia, you should ask yourself if you should add one. With a low-cost pool heating system, you can use your swimming pool all year around.
However, if you are in an area where it gets very cold, you should talk to the company that installed your pool before you add a pool heater. In cooler areas, pool heaters cost a lot of money to run.
When you are thinking about adding a pool heater, you should also consider investing in a winter pool cover.
Your winter swimming pool may take more maintenance than your summer swimming pool. But, adding a pool heater has many advantages including health benefits.
Do I Need To Clean My Pool In Winter?
If you don’t have a pool cover, you almost certainly have to clean your pool in winter.
That doesn’t mean you have to be out there every day cleaning your pool. But, there are a couple of things that you should look out for.
Number one is algae build-up. Algae can stick to the tiles even in winter. To prevent algae build-up, you should check the chemical water balance at least once a month. UV rays still interfere with the water quality in your swimming pool during the winter. Believe it or not, it is one the top reasons you see algae build up during the winter.
On top of that, leaves and other materials may blow into the pool. To be honest, the best way is preventative pool maintenance and that can involve a pool cover.
Pool covers are far less expensive than they used to be. When you look after and maintain your pool cover in the right way all year around, installing one is the best investment you can make.
The Purpose of Pool Maintenance in The Winter
The purpose of pool maintenance in winter is to reduce repair and overall running costs of your pool.
It is a bit like looking after your car. When you service it on a regular basis, it is going to cost you less.
How To Clean A Swimming Pool After Winter
Once the days start getting longer, you need to think what you need to do to get your pool ready for summer.
The first thing is to make sure that there is no debris in the pool. You should have checked your pool on a regular basis during winter, but it is important to pay extra attention to cleanliness of your pool in spring or early summer.
After that, you should check the water level and the carry out a chemical test kit check. If you notice any imbalances, make sure that you deal with them as fast as possible.
Once you have done all of that, it is time to switch on your pump, filters and heater. Don’t leave the pool area for a while. Stay to make sure that everything works correctly.
When Should You Call The Professionals In?
As soon as you spot a problem, you should call in the company that installed your pool. If you have a contract with a regular pool cleaning service, it is a good idea to ask them to come around for a pre-summer inspection.
An unexplained drop in water level is perhaps what most pool owners are concerned about. If you notice a drop in the water level, it is best to get on the phone to the professionals right away.
Pumps, filters and the heater not working are also issues you need to address straight away.
The faster you fix a problem, the less it is going to cost.
Do I Need to Maintain My Pool Cover?
The answer to that question is yes.
Make sure that you check that your pool cover works well by rolling it all of the way back and then cover the pool with it again.
Never roll up a pool cover that has debris on it. That can cause the cover to jam. Get yourself a long yard brush and sweep off any debris that you find on the cover.
Your pool cover is mechanical and benefits from servicing once a year. Many pool owners forget that a pool cover is a mechanical piece of engineering. Unless it is serviced, it is not going to last as long as it should.
How Do I Learn About What Pool Chemicals I Need?
The thought of adding chemicals to your pool water may seem daunting. There are plenty of good resources online.
But, it is also very important to make sure your pool installation company explains what pool chemicals you need.
Saving money on cheap pool chemicals and testing kits is a waste of money. When you need new chemicals for your pool, you should always buy them from a distributor that specialises in pool chemicals and pool maintenance.
Most pool installation companies have an off-shot that can help when it comes to pool maintenance chemicals and testing kits.
How Much Does A Swimming Pool Cost To Run Per Year?
That all depends on the size of your swimming pool and the set-up. Having a large swimming pool and one with a pool heater clearly costs more.
Before you go ahead and install a pool, make sure that you weigh up all of the pros and cons.
The Take Away
Having a pool and maintaining a pool in winter is not very complicated. Like so many other things in life, it involves a learning curve.
Swimming pools are a great way to meet up with family and friends. If you install a pool heater and pool cover, you can carry on enjoying the advantages of a swimming pool all year. Swimming is a fantastic way of staying healthy and reducing stress.
