Off-Season Pool-Care Tips
As summer comes to an end, homeowners must close the pool for the season. Many ponder the most efficient way is to care for a during the off-season. Particularly for pool owners living on the East Coast, subzero snowy winters require extra preparation to safely maintain your pool during the colder months. The Shoreline Pools team is here to share our unmatched wisdom for off-season pool-care tips. Follow our expert advice, and we guarantee a smooth pool opening next summer.
Prep with a Thorough Clean
Before you shut down your luxury pool for the season, make sure you give it a deep clean. This means removing debris, skimming the water for bugs and leaves, scrubbing the walls and floors, vacuuming the pool, and cleaning the equipment. Once finished, you should remove any pool accessories such as ladders, hoses, and automatic cleaners. This will ensure there is no lingering debris or harmful bacteria to promote algae growth. A thorough clean before closing allows you to spend less time and money cleaning in the spring.
Maintain the Proper Water Levels
Many pool owners think draining the pool is the easiest way to resolve the winterization process. But draining the pool is never the answer. The expansion of water freezing in the ground causes the pool to pop out of place, thereby resulting in serious damage. Instead of draining the pool, lower the water level to allow enough room for expansion while maintaining the pool’s structure. In our experience, the ideal water level is 4-6 inches below the pool skimmer.
Monitor the Pool Water’s Chemical Balance
Before you close your pool, remember to balance your chemicals. Doing so involves adjusting the pH, alkalinity, chlorine, water hardness, and cyanuric acid levels. While it may seem tedious, a balanced pool prevents stains, maintains cleanliness, and stops bacteria growth. Use an algaecide to prevent algae blooms from forming in the pool water. We also recommended checking on the chemical balance of your pool every couple of weeks. When it comes time to open the pool in the spring, you will be up and running in no time.
Protect Your Equipment from Freezing
You need to thoroughly drain and clean your pool equipment to ensure no damage occurs during the off-season. It is essential to drain the filter system and turn off the power supply. Blow air into the lines using a shop vacuum so no water remains and then insert a winterizing plug to prevent any water leakage.
Invest in a Quality Pool Cover
Pool covers keep out debris, snow, critters, and blocks the sun to prevent algae growth. To guarantee your cover’s longevity, give it an inspection at least once per month. More specifically, we recommend removing any debris from the cover and check underneath to ensure nothing creeps into the pool. This way, when it is time to reopen the pool, you won’t struggle to remove six months of debris or find any surprises under the cover.
Reap the Benefits of Excellent Off-Season Care
Opening the pool next season will be quick and efficient if you take the necessary precautions to properly close your pool. Following these simple steps will ensure your pool is clean, safe, and ready to enjoy next season. Shoreline Pools wants to help you take excellent care of your luxury swimming pool. For extra tips or expert pool servicing, call Shoreline at (203) 357-1544 today!
