Once the leaves begin to change and the days get shorter, it’s time for winter pool prep. This is essential for keeping your pool safe and in good condition over the cold season.
It is crucial to prepare your swimming pool for the winter months. By doing so, you can ensure that it remains in good condition during the colder months and that you don’t have to do any significant repairs when summer returns. In order to properly prepare your swimming pool for the winter, there are a few steps you should take:
Keep Water In Your Pool
It’s paramount to keep water in your pool over the winter period. You may think this is counter-intuitive as water might freeze over and damage your pool, but the water helps to keep your pool liner from drying out. When you drain your pool and leave your pool empty, especially over the drier and colder months of the year, your pool liner is more prone to cracking. It’s also beneficial for saving money as you won’t need to re-fill your pool, and it’s more environmentally friendly.
Here are a few reasons why you should keep your pool filled with water over the winter:
- To Prevent Damage – The freezing and thawing of water can cause immense damage to the walls and floor of a swimming pool. Not only do these extreme temperature changes put stress on the structure of the pool itself, but they can also lead to cracking in equipment such as pumps and filters. Keeping your pool filled with water year-round will help to prevent any sort of damage during the winter months.
- To Maintain Cleanliness – When a pool doesn’t have enough water, dirt and debris can settle to the bottom of the pool, creating an environment where bacteria and algae can thrive. This not only makes it difficult to clean your pool in the spring, but it also creates unsafe swimming conditions. Keeping your pool filled with water helps to prevent this accumulation of dirt and other contaminants.
- To Protect From Winter Elements – In some parts of the world, snow and ice can be particularly damaging to a swimming pool if there isn’t enough water inside. The weight of snow on top of an empty or partially filled swimming pool can cause structural damage as well, so it’s vital to make sure your pool is filled with water over the winter months.
Maintain Hygiene with Algaecide & Chemicals
Maintaining a clean and hygienic pool during the winter is important for protecting your swimming space from contaminants such as bacteria, algae, and dirt. One way to do this is by adding algaecide and chlorine to the water on a regular basis. Algaecide helps prevent the growth of algae in the pool water, which can cause issues like cloudiness and an unpleasant smell.
Depending on what type of algaecide you choose, it may also be used to treat existing algae blooms and help restore water clarity. Chlorine kills bacteria and other organisms that can contaminate the water, making it less safe for swimmers. It also acts as a sanitiser, preventing new contaminants from taking hold in the pool.
When introducing algaecide and chlorine to your pool, you should make sure to follow the instructions carefully. Overdosing can be harmful to people, pets, and plants. Additionally, it is essential to note that while these chemicals will help keep your pool clean over winter, they cannot protect against all potential sources of contamination. To ensure a healthy swimming environment, it is also essential to regularly test and adjust water chemistry levels throughout the season as needed.
Protect Your Pool With A Winter Pool Cover
Using a winter pool cover is an essential part of keeping your pool in top condition and preventing costly damage over the winter period. A winter pool cover helps to protect your pool from debris, dirt, leaves, and other materials that can accumulate during this time. It also helps conserve heat and prevent water evaporation when temperatures drop.
Pool covers come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s essential to choose the right one for your pool based on its size and shape. The most commonly used type of cover is a tarpaulin-style cover made of durable material with reinforced seams and grommets. This type of cover will provide superior protection against severe weather conditions, as well as keep out pests and debris.
When choosing a pool cover, you also need to consider its insulation factor. Standard covers provide minimal protection against cold temperatures and intense sunlight. You may want to opt for a thicker winter cover so that your pool remains warm enough during the winter months. It’s also important to be mindful of the wind rating on your pool cover – fabrics like vinyl will do better in windy conditions than lightweight materials like polyethylene.
Contact Us for Swimming Pools and Pool Accessories
Contact AG Budget today to speak to one of our Pool Maintenance specialists with any questions you may have. Call us on 0208 941 6618 or contact us.
