How should pool owners continue their water care in winter? Does the air temperature have an impact on the pool’s chemical balance? Are there efficient ways to make swimming in the cooler weather not only possible, but comfortable? Let’s find out!
Keep the Pool Cover on to Minimize Evaporation
Evaporation, next to freezing temperatures, is a pool owner’s number one challenge when caring for their pool water throughout winter. One way to help minimize evaporation and conserve water is to keep the pool cover on as much as possible. While it’s important to remove the cover periodically to check the pH levels and chlorine levels of the water, doing so too often can cause unnecessary evaporation. In addition, it’s important to make sure that the cover fits snugly around the pool so that there are no gaps for water to escape.
Skim the Surface of the Water Regularly
A clean and well-maintained pool is crucial to ensure swimmers have a safe and enjoyable experience. Part of pool maintenance is regularly removing debris from the surface of the water. This can be done with a net or skimmer like the top-of-the-line tools from Purity Pool. As a pool professional, you understand why it’s necessary to keep the leaves and debris out of the water, but pool owners may overlook the importance if they aren’t using their pools as much. Leaves and other debris can not only make the pool look dirty, but they can also clog the filter and pumps, and attract pests. In addition, organic matter such as leaves can quickly break down in water, causing cloudy water and promoting the growth of algae. Regularly skimming the surface of the pool helps to keep the water clean and clear and extend the life of the pool equipment.
Of course, sometimes leaves and debris sink, which makes skimming the pool a bit more work. A leaf vac, like the Pool Blaster® from Water Tech™ is a smart way to make winter water care a breeze.
Vacuum the Bottom of the Pool Every Week or Two
One of the most important aspects of pool maintenance is vacuuming the bottom of the pool on a regular basis. This helps to remove debris, dirt, and other contaminants that can accumulate over time. Vacuuming also helps circulation, which is essential for keeping the water clean and clear. While some people vacuum their pool once a week, others may do it every other week or even once a month. The frequency will depend on the size of the pool, the area of the country you are in and if your pool is closed or open, and the amount of debris that tends to accumulate. However, as a general rule, vacuuming once a week or every other week is ideal if you keep your pool open during the winter.
Adjust the Chemicals according to the Temperature
Pool owners should adjust their pool chemicals in the winter depending on the temperature. If it is cold outside, then they will need to use chemicals to keep the water balanced. Pool water tends to still evaporate in cold weather, which can affect the chemical balance. Therefore, testing and adjusting the chemical levels when necessary should also be part of a winter water care routine. AquaChek Pool & Spa Testing provides pool service professionals with convenient and reliable products to keep track of pool and spa water balance.
Stay on Top of Salt Levels
Salt not only sanitizes, it also helps to regulate pH levels. Just like swimming pools that use traditional chlorine, the water may still evaporate in winter, which in turn alters the chemical balance. AQUASALT® makes it easy for pool owners to keep their salt levels where they need to be to keep up with evaporation.
Keep Up with Filter Maintenance
The filter of a pool is the most important piece of equipment when it comes to keeping the water clean and clear. If your pool is open during winter months, the pump should be running for at least four hours each day to help keep your water clean and clear. Additionally, filters must be cleaned or replaced regularly to prevent dirt from clogging them and impairing their efficiency. FILBUR™ Pool and Spa Filtration has worked to innovate the pool and spa filter design to be long lasting and highly effective.
Extend Pool Season with a Heat Pump
In areas where winter water care is all season long because the temperatures don’t get cold enough to completely close pools for the season, a heat pump makes for an essential item of equipment for pool owners. By providing commercial pool owners and residential swimmers the ability to enjoy warm, soothing waters even in chilly weather, a heat pump like the units from AquaComfort Solutions are an incredible addition to a pool. Not only do these heat pumps save 80% more energy than their gas counterparts, they will effectively heat pool water in temperatures as low as 40 degrees.
Making sure that pool owners have a cost efficient way to extend their pool season, and in some cases, allow pools to stay open, makes all the winter water care worth it.
Maintaining a pool during the winter months is essential for keeping the water clean and clear, but it doesn’t have to be difficult or time consuming. By following these simple steps, pool owners can ensure that their pools remain in top condition all season long. From vacuuming regularly to adjusting chemicals accordingly and maintaining the filter, pool owners can take the necessary steps to keep their pool water clean and clear all winter long.
At AlphaWest, we strive to represent the very best manufactures in the pool and spa industry. Our dedicated representatives are available to help you find everything you need. If you’d like to learn more about the manufacturers we represent, contact us at hello@alphawest.com. Or, if you don’t yet have an AlphaWest rep, you can connect with one here.
