We are finally coming out the other side of yet another hot summer in Phoenix. You and your pool are probably excited about the reduced strain that cooler temperatures bring. While the necessary consistency of pool maintenance is substantially lower during the winter, it is important to not forget about your pool altogether. There are certain pool upkeep practices that are always good to follow, but there are a few specific ones that become very important during the winter months. The following are some of the surest ways to ensure you have a beautiful and healthy pool all winter long.
Stay on Top of the pH Levels
Proper pH balance is one of the most fundamental aspects of a healthy pool. Maintaining these levels is the best way to keep the pool aesthetically pleasing throughout the winter and ease the transition as the temperatures rise next year. A healthy range is from 7.2 to 7.6. Checking the chemicals once a week, while intermittently adding chlorine as needed, is a good practice.
Do Not Over-Chlorinate
It is easy to find yourself in auto-pilot, adding three chlorine tablets every week, as is often necessary in the summer. But over-chlorinating your pool can be just as big of a problem as under-chlorinating. During the winter in Phoenix, one tablet of chlorine per week will go as far as three per week during the summer. Testing your chemicals is the surest way to make sure you are adding the right amount of chlorine.
Maintain a Simple Cleaning Routine
While you can reduce the frequency of your pool cleaning routine, you still need to do it regularly. The most important aspect of any cleaning process is skimming the pool and removing any debris. Vacuuming the bottom of the pool for debris and scrubbing the sides of the pool are important as well, but not required as often.
Mid-Winter Shock
Shocking your pool is the quickest and surest method of sanitizing your pool. It is very important to not do this procedure very often, but doing it once in the heart of winter goes a long way in getting your pool through the end of winter so it is ready for swimming season.
Consider Covering Your Pool
Closing your pool for the winter is a process that requires a bit of work now, but will save you work throughout the entire winter. The basic steps for closing your pool are ensuring your chemicals are in balance and the pool is completely clean, then adding additional chemicals like an algaecide, granular chlorine, and metal control. Run your pool pump for a day or two and then cover your pool. There are many different types of pool filtration systems, so consult your owner’s manual to learn how to winterize your specific system.
While winter offers a bit of a break from the often-strenuous task of caring for your pool during the summer, there is still a bit of work to be done. If you stay on top of it, it will be a breeze to keep that pool water clear and beautiful throughout the winter!
