Swimming pool maintenance can be pretty demanding. That’s why many residents of Baton Rouge prefer to leave the preparation of their swimming pools for the winter in the capable hands of pool contractors.
That being said, homeowners should still learn how to make sure their swimming pools are winter-ready. In the following article, we’ll help you do just that by providing 5 useful tips on how to prepare your pool for the coldest months of the year. Read on!
How do I prepare my pool for the winter?
Pool preparation for winter can be pretty straightforward if you follow these 5 simple tips:
Tip #1: Clean the pool
In order to avoid some of the common pool maintenance mistakes you need to deep clean your swimming pool. You should brush and then vacuum everything from walls to the floor to remove debris and algae spores that have settled down there.
Make sure to get rid of any leaves by using a net or a pole and clean the skimmer baskets and the pump’s lint basket. Don’t empty the pool as this will put a strain on the pool structure. Make sure to free the filter from grease, oil or scale deposits as they may harden over the winter and clog up the pool.
Tip #2: Kill off any algae
Put an algae treatment into the water to prevent its growth. One of the potential problems with your pool during winter is murky water, which is the result of algae build-up. On top of making water look cloudy, algae can clog your filters, which is why you should scrub your pool with a pool brush and telescoping pole to make sure that you have removed the roots, too. It’s also important to treat the pool with an algaecide.
Tip #3: Test the levels of chemicals
Use the pool test kit to make sure that pH, alkalinity and other mineral levels in the water are balanced. Take a sample of pool water and check if pH level is between 7.2 and 7.6. Alkalinity should be from 80 to 120 ppm. You need to treat the pool before you close it off for winter to prevent scale build-up and corrosion during winter.
Tip #4: Don’t forget to shock
Use extra strong chlorine tablets to kill off bacteria. Exterminating bacteria with chlorine is a great way to keep your pool germ-free during winter. This will be more effective if you do it at night and leave the pump running until the morning to allow the chlorine to circulate and get evenly distributed. After that you need to lower the water levels to prevent overflowing when the water starts to freeze. The water level depends on the type of cover that you’ll use.
Tip #5: Rinse and store pool accessories and cover the pool
If you have a saltwater pool, rinsing your accessories is necessary because the salt will cause fixtures like ladder, thermometer, rails and toys to rust over time. Make sure to dry the accessories properly before you store them.
Next, put a weather resistant cover over your diving board, so that it’s protected in the cooler temperatures. If you have an above ground pool you should put a pool pillow in the center before you cover it to keep the snow from burying the cover.
Where in Baton Rouge can I find reliable pool contractors?
If you need a dependable company to design and maintain a swimming pool of your dreams, you need to look no further than Relief Pool Builders of Baton Rouge. Our dedicated pros will help you install and look after a pool that suits all your needs. Spend a pleasant afternoon at Alex Box Stadium while our certified experts enrich your home with this incredible amenity. Book today!