How to care for a pool in the winter, Tipton Pool contractors explain
When you own a swimming pool in Knoxville, Tennessee you understand that caring for it doesn’t end once the summer swim season does. The swimming pool contractors from Tipton Pools explain how to care for a pool in the winter and explain that it doesn’t take nearly as much care and effort as it does in the summer swim season.
How to care for a pool in the winter to prevent damage here are steps to take:
- Cover care: Be diligent in removing standing water and ice from the pool cover. Use a pump to remove water. Resist the urge to pull chunks of ice from the cover, because sharp edges could ruin it.
- Cover security. If the winter winds get blowing, it could lift the cover off the pool. Check the ties to assure the cover isn’t whipping around as this could cause it to tear. Prevent this from happening by making certain the cover is secure throughout the season. Check it weekly to assure it is still tight and secure.
- Environmental hazards. Pool builders find tree branches are one of the culprits of pool cover damage. Prior to winter, trim back any branches that are hanging over the pool or that are dead or dying. Install a leaf net on top of your pool cover as an easy way to remove fallen leaves.
- Water levels. Your pool contractor will have lowered the water levels before he closed the pool for the winter. Water levels are typically dropped to a few inches below the skimmer.
- Chemicals: Before the cover is put in place, the pool water will be tested and the chemicals balanced. Chemicals will be added to prevent bacteria and algae growth throughout the winter months.
Protecting your pool from the winter elements can save you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars, in expensive swimming pool repairs when the 2017 season rolls around.