As the winter season begins here in Florida, pool owners across the state are preparing for the colder months ahead. Luckily, winters in the sunshine state are still reasonably warm, which means closing your pool down until Spring isn’t completely necessary.
Pool maintenance is essential for all seasons. If you think that not using your pool means you don’t need to keep up with routine cleaning, you’re wrong. By adjusting your routine to the season, you’ll ensure your pool stays clean and ready for the spring and summer months.
Is your pool ready for the winter? If you answered no, then read on to learn 3 winter pool maintenance tips that will allow you to swim in the colder weather.
Tip #1: Water Heaters
A heated pool offers many benefits during the colder months. Not only will you get to use your pool year-round with the use of a water heater, but you will ensure that it stays at a comfortable temperature regardless of the weather outside. There are a few things you need to consider before purchasing a water heater, such as:
- Your budget
- The amount of water in your pool
- Your preferred source of energy
The growing market for pool heaters has made it easier than ever for you to find the perfect heater for your pool. Another benefit to keep in mind when deciding on this type of purchase is water temperature that does not fluctuate based on the environment. Consistent water temperatures will:
- Make swimming more comfortable
- Reduce the damage that cold water can have on pool mechanics
- Add health benefits from increased relaxation
If you plan on enjoying a dip in your pool this winter, you should consider the benefits that adding a water heater will have for you and other swimmers.
Tip #2: Use the Right Chemicals
Our most recent blog article discussed the differences between the most frequently used pool sanitizers on the market, bromine and chlorine. Keeping that information in mind when maintaining your pool this winter will ensure that the water stays clean and safe for swimmers.
Suppose you decide to heat your pool water with an external heater; you need to use a sanitizer that will stay stable at higher temperatures. The same situation occurs for pools without heaters. Using the wrong sanitizer will allow bacteria and algae to grow, making it an unsafe environment to swim in. To ensure the best clean, you should always make use of other pool cleaning tools such as:
- Pool vacuums
- Brushes
- Nets
Utilizing all these tools will help to keep debris out of your pool and maintain clean water.
Tip #3: Close It Down or Cover It Up
Before the winter season begins, you need to decide to close down your pool until spring or keep it open. If you choose to keep your pool open, you need to make sure you have a proper fitting pool cover. This tool is also essential for closing up your pool for the winter and keeping debris out when in use. Here are some of the benefits of using a pool cover:
- Reduce the effects of evaporation
- Lower energy costs if you are heating your pool because covers retain heat
- Reduce chemical consumption since you will be maintaining water levels
Just like water heaters, there are many different types of pool covers on the market, some of which include:
- Automatic covers
- Hidden covers
- Thermal covers
- Solar covers
Investing in a good pool cover can save you the stress from continually cleaning out debris from your pool and maintain water temperatures.
Winter Pool Maintenance: Conclusion
Whether you decide to close down or keep your pool open this winter season, use these 3 winter pool maintenance tips to make your life a little easier and enjoy swimming year-round. Contact us today to speak with a pool building professional and see how you can create your custom-built Artesian pool today!