One of the most attractive aspects of living in states like Florida and Alabama is the moderate weather, especially during the winter months. Even so, temperatures can dip as low as about 40°F at night, and there have been recorded instances of rare impact freeze events.
This can be problematic when you’ve decided to install a swimming pool. Regular testing is vital, as is making sure chemicals are utilized and stored appropriately. Here are a few basic guidelines to follow when it comes to keeping your pool balanced, safe, and ready for use throughout the winter.
Why You Should Adjust Your Chlorine Levels and Balance Chemicals During Cold Months
You may not realize just how much cold temperatures can affect your pool and how it functions. Chemical reactions slow in colder temperatures. Chlorine, in particular, is most effective in water temperatures ranging from 65 to 99°F. Below 65°F, it starts to lose efficacy so the levels need to be adjusted to compensate for the temperature difference.
This could not only create unsafe conditions for swimming but also lead to surface damage to equipment, such as corrosion. In addition, leaving your pool uncovered throughout the winter months invites the buildup of dirt and debris, especially if you cut back on pool usage and pool maintenance services.
For these reasons, it’s essential to take special care to keep pool chemistry balanced during the cooler months.
Balance Your Pool Before You Winterize
Whether you plan to heat your pool and use it during the winter or you’d rather winterize to save money, you’ll want to balance the chemistry of your pool following the turbulent hurricane season ending in late fall.
Start with a thorough cleaning that includes skimming the water and brushing and vacuuming the interior surfaces of the pool to remove any built-up grime and debris.
Next, make sure to test the water. If testing shows contaminants like bacteria or algae, you may need to shock the pool and add a winter algaecide to eliminate health hazards and prevent proliferation.
From there, you can balance other chemicals to achieve a suitable pH, alkalinity, and so on before you cover your pool. You should also consider adding enzymes to eliminate organic contaminants lingering in the water, preventing issues like scum lines and algae growth that can fester if you forgo regular pool maintenance throughout the winter.
Conduct Monthly Testing as Part of Pool Maintenance
Even if you decide to winterize your pool and keep it covered during the winter, you can’t entirely give up on testing and maintenance. Check pH and sanitizer levels at least once a month. This is especially important if you experience temperature fluctuations significantly above and below 65°F, as this can impact the chlorine levels and sanitizer.
If you leave equipment in working order rather than adding plugs and detaching hoses, it may be wise to run the pump periodically to circulate water. This is crucial if your pool is uncovered, although it’s best to skim and clean first if you haven’t run the pump in a while.
For covered pools, make sure to remove debris regularly and pump away standing water after storms to prevent stagnation and eliminate breeding grounds for algae and mosquitoes. If you notice issues in your pool like scum lines or cloudy water, test and treat immediately.
Follow Guidelines for Chemical Use
Upkeep on a pool can be expensive, so you might be tempted to use purchased chemicals until they’re gone, even if they’ve been sitting while your pool goes unused. This is a common mistake in winter pool maintenance, and it can be costly. Like many consumer products, pool chemicals come with an expiration date.
Over time, they lose efficacy. Liquid chlorine is particularly susceptible to weakening over time. While granular chemicals can last much longer when stored in airtight containers in a cool, dry environment, they too may eventually expire.
Pay attention to the use-by date on pool chemicals, and take the time to understand storage instructions on the labels so that you can maximize use value.
Safely Store Chemicals
Properly storing chemicals is critical for safety and efficacy, and there are several points to consider. First and foremost, it’s best to store chemicals, wet or dry, in their original containers. They’re designed for stability and are typically made from nonreactive materials that won’t break down due to extended contact with corrosive contents.
Even so, you must make sure containers are tightly sealed and that there are no warning signs of issues, such as bulges, dents, or holes in packaging. Storing in original containers also means you always know what’s in a container, and safety labels are included. Make sure to keep different chemicals separated for safety.
A safe storage environment is also vital. Your storage space should be cool, not cold, and free of humidity. Many pool chemicals start to degrade when they come into contact with moisture. The area should also be well-ventilated, as some containers are designed to vent gases that could be hazardous if left to build up under pressure.
It’s wise to check your chemicals at least once a month during the winter. You can do this when you test your pool water, even if you don’t need to balance the levels. Monthly checks provide the opportunity to spot potential issues with containers or storage ventilation before they become too dangerous.
Never Drain The Water from Your Pool Completely
It’s normal to lower your water levels during the winter if you have no plans to use your pool, you’ve unhooked equipment, and the pool is kept covered. However, you should never fully empty the pool.
The water inside provides needed pressure against the walls, preventing issues like shifting or surface cracks. This isn’t technically related to water chemistry, but it is an important aspect of winterization.
A Balanced Pool Is Easy to Revive
When temperatures begin to warm in the spring, you’ll likely want to be able to get outside and hop in the pool at the first opportunity. This is easy if you’ve spent the winter performing regular pool maintenance and keeping the water clean and the chemistry balanced.
If you find that you need repairs, resurfacing, or renovations, Blue Haven Pools on the Gulf can help you get your pool in ship shape in time for summer. Contact us now to get started.