It’s winter, and it’s cold outside. If you have a pool, the last thing you want to do is dive into the chilly water. Keeping your pool clean even in the winter is essential for a great opening season. We’ve compiled a list of 10 winter pool cleaning tips to help keep your pool looking great! 

1. Avoid Using too Many Chemicals 

It’s essential to be careful when using pool chemicals during cold weather. The biggest reason is that the chemicals may cause damage your pool in colder temperatures. If you have to use them, keep them in an insulated container, so they don’t freeze up. 

2. Lower the Water Level

  • lower the water level. If you have a pool and haven’t drained it for the winter, now is the time to do so. This can be done using a hand pump, an electric pump, or even siphoning out some of the water with buckets.
  • clear out any leftover debris from your pool basin before lowering its water level—leaves, sunscreen, and other materials will float up into your pool’s filter when you turn it on again next spring if you leave them behind!

3. Clear the Water of Debris 

Whether you use a net or vacuum, remove debris from the pool before it has a chance to settle in. You should clean your pool at least once a week, but if you have time and energy, do it more often. Ideally, an automatic cleaner will clear any large debris out of your water, so you don’t have to worry about it. 

  • a net or rake can help pull things out of the pool on their own; this is best when they’re lightweight enough that they won’t cause damage to the liner or other parts of the system.
  • a pool brush is excellent for gently brushing away any dirt or algae that may be clinging onto walls and tiles without causing damage; soft brushes are easier on materials than harsh ones like nylon scrubbers will be.
  • a vacuum attachment can pull dirt into its reservoir so that nothing gets stuck anywhere else in your equipment while letting air flow freely enough not to clog up anything else!

4. Remove Ladders and Diving Boards

This is the time of year when you might find yourself with a few extra minutes on your hands, so it’s the perfect time to make sure that your pool is ready for winter by removing any items that could be hazardous or difficult for someone to remove in the spring. Of course, there are many other things to consider when it comes to winterizing your pool—but if time permits and you’re looking for some simple ways of making sure that everything is safe before it gets cold enough outside for anyone (or anything) else to join you in the water, start by removing ladders and diving boards from around your pool.

How do I remove my ladder? You can remove a swimming pool ladder by unscrewing its bolts through its predrilled holes with an adjustable wrench (or pliers). Be careful not to overtighten them since this could cause damage later on!

5. Check Pumps and Heaters

The heating system should be inspected to ensure it’s working correctly. If there are any leaks or cracks in your pool, you will want to have them repaired before the winter season. It’s also essential that all your filters are clean and free from debris so you can be sure that they will last through this period when usage is lower than usual.

6. Use an Air Pillow to Prevent Damage to Your Cover

Having an air pillow under your winter cover can help prevent damage from ice buildup. Water tends to freeze and expand in your pool’s plumbing system when the temperatures drop. To avoid this, place an air pillow between the ground and your pool cover—it will prevent pressure damage by avoiding any build-up of ice on top of it. You can also use a small pump (like this one) to inflate the pillow for a tighter seal against debris and leaves that might get in there.

If you do discover that your air pillow has become punctured or damaged, don’t worry! A brand new one should be relatively inexpensive to replace so long as you have access to an industrial-grade blow dryer (or even just running warm water through).

7. Keep Your Cover Free of Debris

Your pool cover is a vital part of the safety and cleanliness of your swimming pool. A winter cover can protect your water from leaves, snow, and other debris that can cause damage to the pool’s liner or equipment. It also helps prevent accidental drowning by stopping curious children or animals from falling into an uncovered pool.

8. Know What Type of Cover Your Pool Has

The last thing you want is to clean your pool in the winter and find that it’s full of leaves and other debris, but you can’t get the cover off because it’s not a winter cover. If this happens to you, don’t panic! Knowing what type of cover your pool has will help things go smoothly when it comes time to clean it.

What does a winter pool cover do? These covers are made from heavy-duty vinyl, which means they’re durable enough to withstand cold weather and rough handling from wind or animals. They have additional features like straps that make them more accessible for one person to manage but also allow for more air circulation through the top panel so that snow doesn’t collect inside the cover itself (which would make removing it much harder).

9. Purchase a Winter Brush 

If you want to keep your pool sparkling clean even during winter, consider investing in a brush. A winter brush is typically used for cleaning and brushing off leaves and debris that fall into the water throughout the year. They can also remove algae from your pool walls, steps, ladders, and any other hard-to-reach places in your pool. These brushes can help with your winter pool cleaning.

10. Keep an Eye Out for Damage During the Winter Months 

If you have a solid winter pool cover, you should be able to remove it and inspect the underside of the liner for patches that may need repair. Make sure there are no tears or holes in the coating of your pool cover; if there are, fix them as soon as possible to prevent water from leaking through into your swimming space. 

Keep an eye out for any damage on the surface of your pool, where cracks can occur over time due to wear-and-tear or weather conditions. If you see any signs of cracking around your edges or on other parts of your swimming space, contact a professional who can help repair these areas before they worsen with time!

With these winter pool cleaning tips, you’ll be able to keep your pool clean and ready for swimming all winter long. Here at Artesian Pools, we specialize in custom-built pools for Central Florida residents. Check out our services online and browse our gallery of completed projects! 

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