{"id":109,"date":"2020-01-28T15:21:48","date_gmt":"2020-01-28T21:21:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/signaturepp.com\/?p=109"},"modified":"2020-01-28T15:23:51","modified_gmt":"2020-01-28T21:23:51","slug":"winter-pool-maintenance-the-right-way","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/signaturepp.com\/?p=109","title":{"rendered":"Winter Pool Maintenance: The Right Way"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Whether you\u2019re in a blanket of snow or sitting pretty in suntan city, winter&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.swimmingpool.com\/maintenance\/water-care\/balancing-water-chemistry\/\">pool maintenance<\/a>&nbsp;is a must. Taking care of your pool now can save you money once it\u2019s time to open your pool again in the spring, not to mention preventing any damage due to freezing temperatures or contaminated water. Maintain your investments by protecting your swimming pool from winter damage. In this blog, we\u2019ll go over the importance of covering the pool, maintaining the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.swimmingpool.com\/maintenance\/pump-and-filter-systems\/checking-your-equipment-pad\/\">equipment<\/a>, and balancing the chemicals during the cold season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pool Covers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In colder areas, pool closing begins immediately after&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.swimmingpool.com\/products\/recommended-products\/pool-chemicals\/\">pool season<\/a>&nbsp;to protect your pool from the harsh conditions. Adding a pool cover is a necessity to protect your pool from snow, debris and animals, so it\u2019s important all pool owners understand how to maintain them. Here\u2019s how to keep your&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.swimmingpool.com\/about-pools\/remodeling\/upgrade-technology-and-safety\/\">pool cover<\/a>&nbsp;in good shape:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.swimmingpool.com\/images\/blog\/2018-10-18\/man-cleaning-pool-under-winter-cover.jpg\" alt=\"Swimming Pool Covers\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>First, ensure that your winter pool cover is securely attached to your pool. That can mean for an above ground pool inflating the air pillow, tightening the cable, or securing cover clips. For an&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.swimmingpool.com\/about-pools\/inground-pools\/\">inground pool<\/a>, you need to make sure the water blocks or bags are secured and all your safety components are in place.<\/li><li>Remove&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.swimmingpool.com\/maintenance\/pool-cleaning\/cleaning-the-skimmer-and-pump-basket\/\">debris<\/a>&nbsp;and water off your pool cover. Use a hose to remove plant debris, such as leaves and twigs, and a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.swimmingpool.com\/maintenance\/pool-cleaning\/vacuuming-a-pool\/\">vacuum<\/a>&nbsp;to remove any excess water.<\/li><li>Use a roof rake to pull the snow off your pool cover. The excess weight can cause damage, especially when dealing with&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.swimmingpool.com\/about-pools\/above-ground-pools\/\">above ground pools<\/a>. It\u2019s easiest to remove the snow when it\u2019s still fresh, but always make sure to take the proper safety precautions when dealing with snow and ice.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pool Parts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Pool parts may be tucked out of sight and forgotten about when you\u2019re not concerned with using your pool. No matter your geographical location, pool parts need periodic maintenance to keep them running as good as new. Don\u2019t forget these vital steps to keeping your pool parts in working condition:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.swimmingpool.com\/images\/blog\/2018-10-18\/man-cleaning-pool-pump.jpg\" alt=\"Swimming Pool Parts\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Check your&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.swimmingpool.com\/products\/required-products\/pumps-and-circulation\/\">pool pump<\/a>, filter and heater periodically to ensure everything is working properly. If these parts are not properly maintained, this can cost you a pretty penny down the road.<\/li><li>While checking your&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.swimmingpool.com\/pool-living\/pool-safety\/pool-safety-equipment\/\">pool parts<\/a>, ensure all excess water has been removed. Freezing water can cause your pipes to crack creating a much larger problem.<\/li><li>When in doubt,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.swimmingpool.com\/dealer-locator\/\">contact your local pool professional<\/a>&nbsp;for help in maintaining your pool during the winter.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Winter Pool Chemistry<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Most of us do not completely drain our pool for winter, so chemically balanced water is key to a clean swimming pool. Balanced water will prevent algae, bacteria, waterlines, and decontamination making the opening process much easier for&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.swimmingpool.com\/faq\/construction\/\">pool owners<\/a>. Follow these tips to maintain your pool water while your pool is closed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Check your&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.swimmingpool.com\/blog\/pool-chemistry-to-extend-your-pools-life\/\">pool chemistry<\/a>&nbsp;every two months when not in use. Improperly balanced pool chemistry can be the cause of algae and bacteria growth.<\/li><li>Discard all pool chemicals from the previous season. You don\u2019t want to save the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.swimmingpool.com\/products\/required-products\/chemical-products\/\">chemicals<\/a>&nbsp;for the following year as they lose their potency.<\/li><li>Use an enzyme product to help break down non-living contamination and prevent a waterline ring from forming. Adding this product will save you from having to scrub your&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nptpool.com\/tile\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">pool tile<\/a>&nbsp;or finish when opening your pool in the spring.<\/li><li>If you live in a warmer climate where your swimming pool is left uncovered during the winter, it is still important to maintain your pool. Remember, this is the water you will be swimming in during the warmer months. Keep your pool clean and decontaminated to avoid any potential health risks.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Winter Freeze Alerts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When the temperatures get warmer and the ice starts to melt, the last thing you want to see is a cracked pipe or a leak in your&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.swimmingpool.com\/manufacturers\/tara-liners\/\">pool liner<\/a>. If you live in an area that requires pool preparation for freezing temperatures, knowing when it\u2019s time to get your pool ready can save you from any potential damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.swimmingpool.com\/images\/blog\/2018-10-18\/snow-around-pool-and-ladder.jpg\" alt=\"Pool Winter Freeze Alerts\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Consider a digital timer with a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.swimmingpool.com\/products\/required-products\/cleaners-and-controls\/\">temperature sensor<\/a>&nbsp;to notify you of dangerous temperatures.<\/li><li>To know when the next freeze will be, set weather app alerts to your phone. This will give you quick access to your local weather forecast and allow for you to make arrangements to ensure your pool is ready for the icy days ahead.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Taking the initiative to maintain your pool during the winter months will save you time and money come spring. If you have any&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.swimmingpool.com\/pool-questions\/\">questions<\/a>&nbsp;or simply want to leave it to the pros, contact your&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.swimmingpool.com\/dealer-locator\/\">local pool specialist<\/a>. Have any other winter maintenance tips for pool owners? Share them on the comments below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How To Winterize Your Pool in 8 Easy Steps<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ol><li>Clean the pool.<\/li><li>Balance the water.<\/li><li>Remove pool accessories<\/li><li>Clean and backwash the filter<\/li><li>Lower the water level.<\/li><li>Drain your pump, filters, heaters, and chlorinating equipment.<\/li><li>Empty your chemical feeder.<\/li><li>Cover your pool.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Check out our&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.swimmingpool.com\/maintenance\/pool-care-101\/closing-your-pool\/\">guide to closing your pool<\/a>&nbsp;for detailed instructions to properly winterizing your pool.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Whether you\u2019re in a blanket of snow or sitting pretty in suntan city, winter&nbsp;pool maintenance&nbsp;is a must. Taking care of your pool now can save you money once it\u2019s time to open your pool again in the spring, not to mention preventing any damage due to freezing temperatures or contaminated water. Maintain your investments by &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/signaturepp.com\/?p=109\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Winter Pool Maintenance: The Right Way&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/signaturepp.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/109"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/signaturepp.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/signaturepp.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/signaturepp.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/signaturepp.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=109"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/signaturepp.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/109\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":110,"href":"https:\/\/signaturepp.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/109\/revisions\/110"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/signaturepp.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=109"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/signaturepp.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=109"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/signaturepp.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=109"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}