Winter Pool Maintenance: Keep Your Pool Healthy While It Hibernates
- When the cold rolls in and swimming becomes a summer memory, your pool still needs attention. Neglecting winter maintenance can lead to algae blooms, costly damage, and a lot more work come spring. So grab your gloves and let’s dive into everything you need to know to protect your pool this winter.
Step 1: Clean Before You Cover
Start with a deep clean:
– Skim leaves, insects, and debris from the water
– Brush walls and floor to prevent staining
– Vacuum thoroughly to avoid sludge buildup
A clean pool before closing sets the stage for a smoother reopening.
⚗️ Step 2: Balance the Water Chemistry
Before you tuck it in for the season, adjust the chemicals:
– pH: 7.4–7.6
– Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm
– Calcium hardness: 180–220 ppm
– Chlorine: 1–3 ppm
Then, add winterizing algaecide and shock your pool with chlorine to discourage microbes during the dormant months.
Step 3: Lower the Water Level
Reduce the water level 4–6 inches below the skimmer (if using a solid cover), unless your pool is designed for overflow control.
This helps prevent freeze damage to skimmers and plumbing.
Step 4: Protect the Plumbing
Blow out water from pipes using a shop vac or compressor and plug all lines:
– Use expansion plugs for return jets
– Add pool antifreeze in the lines if you’re in a deep-freeze zone
A burst pipe in January is no one’s idea of a winter wonderland.
️ Step 5: Cover It Up
Choose a sturdy winter cover or safety cover:
– Make sure it’s tight and secure to keep out debris and sunlight (which fuels algae)
– Check periodically for sagging, tearing, or excessive water and snow buildup
Bonus Tips for Ongoing Care
Winter isn’t “set it and forget it”:
– Inspect the pool cover after storms
– Remove standing water using a cover pump
– Peek at the water level monthly to make sure it hasn’t dropped too Low winter
Winter pool maintenance may not be glamorous, but it’s the secret sauce for a sparkling start when swim season rolls around again.
