The process of taking care of your pool does not end when you put the cover on at the end of the season. It’s important to continue caring for your pool during the off season to ensure a hassle-free and clean opening. These 4 pool maintenance tips will help you keep your pool usable and beautiful.
Off season pool maintenance will have your pool ready for the summer.
Check Your System To Prevent Freezing
Winter can be unpredictable and bring freezing temperatures. When you close your pool for the season, remember to check your pipes and motorized parts. Be sure to drain the water from the pump, heater, and pool filter. Freezing temperatures cause the excess water in these parts to freeze and crack, which can be very expensive to replace and repair.
Be sure to drain the water in the pool 4-6 inches below the pool skimmer and discard any leftover chemicals. It can be dangerous to use old chemicals.
Remove Debris Before Opening In The Spring
When opening in the spring, be sure to remove any water and debris that have accumulated on top of your winter cover before you remove it. You can vacuum it off with a shop vac or use a sump pump. Once you have done this, you can remove the cover, clean it, and let it dry. Make sure to store your winter cover in a safe dry place during the summer season, so it can be used again.
Strategically Add Chlorine and Algaecide To Your Pool
In the fall, make sure to add chlorine and algaecide to your pool to help keep it clean. Be sure not to add too much chlorine, as a high chlorine level over the winter can bleach the liner. As soon as the water thaws in the spring, open a corner of the cover and pour in liquid chlorine. 1-2 gallons of chlorine works perfectly for an average in-ground pool.
If you follow these pool maintenance tips and find that your pool is pea soup green, add bunches of liquid chlorine and monitor your pool’s process as your filter works. This can sometimes take several hours. If after a few hours your pool is still green, repeated doses of chlorine and algaecide and an extra vacuum session may do the trick.
Open Early To Protect The Water
While winter’s frozen temperatures can slow the reproduction rate of microorganisms to a crawl, as it gets hotter they reproduce more quickly. If you open and begin to treat your pool before it gets too warm, you will have a jump start on algae and biofilm.
Do You Need Help With Offseason Pool Maintenance?
If you have any questions about off season pool maintenance, contact Sunrise Premiere Pool Builders LLC by calling 410-349-3852 or clicking here today! Check us out on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, and LinkedIn as well!