When you pack your swimsuits away for the year, you may be tempted to pull the cover over the pool and be done with it until warm weather returns. This isn’t a wise move, though. Your swimming pool is a sizable investment that constantly fights against the elements regardless of the weather. Winter is often the most aggressive season that it faces, bringing harsh conditions, such as dramatic temperature dips that stress various components. If you ignore the chemistry and equipment for months, you might be setting yourself up for a thousand-dollar surprise that could ruin next year’s first swim. Here are some tips to keep your pool in good shape during the cold months so that opening day goes off without a hitch.
Don’t Wake Up the Green Monster
Even though you cannot see the water under the cover once the pool is closed, algae spores are always looking for an opportunity to grow, thrive, and take over everything. Most people believe that algae only thrive in the boiling heat of midsummer. However, certain types of winter algae can survive in very chilly conditions. If your chlorine levels bottom out, and the sun warms the cover just enough, you could be brewing a thick green soup that will take weeks to clean once opening day arrives. Keeping a steady level of winterizing algaecide acts like an insurance policy that keeps the water clear and saves you from buying massive amounts of shock treatment in the spring.
Be Aware of the Hidden Threat of Shifting Chemistry
Water is naturally hungry for minerals. If the balance is out of whack, it will start to damage your pool from the inside out. Because rain and snow often have a different pH than your pool water, every storm that leaks under the cover changes the balance of the pool. By testing the water once a month, you can catch these shifts before they cause permanent damage.
Protect the Structure From Weight and Pressure
A pool cover does a great job of keeping out leaves and other debris. However, it also catches hundreds of pounds of snow and ice that can stress the entire structure of the pool. If the water level inside the pool drops too low because of a small leak, the cover loses its support and can pull the anchors right out of the concrete deck. Conversely, if the water is too high, it can freeze against the tile line and pop the tiles off the wall, leaving you with an expensive masonry bill. You need to keep the water at the level the manufacturer recommends to ensure the pressure stays even. Checking the tension on your cover straps ensures that the weight is distributed properly.
It’s also a good idea to have a professional inspect your pool during the winter. They can do some cleaning and check to see that no problems are lurking beneath the surface. If they encounter any issues, they can fix them before they require expensive repairs. To schedule your mid-winter pool cleaning and maintenance, contact West Meade Pools in Nashville, TN now.