Winter care for your pool is important to maintain its cleanliness and functionality, even here in North Texas where winter temperatures may not be as cold as in other parts of the country. While Texans usually do enjoy warmer winter weather, the severe winter storm of February 2021 has proven that being prepared is essential.
During that particular storm, homeowners dealt with prolonged and severe freezing weather, rolling outages, burst pipes and water outages. Many homeowners faced significant damage to their pool pumps and related equipment due to the severe weather. There are some things you can do to keep your pool clean and costly equipment protected in our somewhat unpredictable winters.
Here are some tips to help you take care of your pool during the winter months:
1. Keep the water clean
It’s important to continue regular maintenance on your pool during the winter, including testing and balancing the water chemistry and skimming the surface to remove debris. This will help prevent the growth of algae and bacteria, and ensure that the water is safe to swim in once the warmer weather returns.
2. Maintain the water level
It’s important to keep the water level at the proper height during the winter to prevent damage to the pool and its equipment. If the water level is too low, the pump and filter may not work properly, and the water could freeze and cause the pool to crack. On the other hand, if the water level is too high, it could put pressure on the pool’s structure and cause it to leak or even collapse.
3. Install a pool cover
Investing in a pool cover is a good way to protect your pool from the harsh effects of winter weather, such as rain and snow. It can also help to keep debris out of the pool, which can create an unhygienic environment and affect the pool’s chemistry. Pool covers can also help to reduce water loss due to evaporation. Proper maintenance of your pool cover can help to make maintaining your pool easier when you reopen it in the spring.
4. Keep an eye on the weather
Winter weather can be unpredictable especially here in the Dallas-Fort Worth area so watching the forecast for freezing weather is key. Before you leave town, make sure you know what the weather will bring so you can plan ahead for your pool and related equipment. By taking the necessary precautions, you can protect your pool investment by following a few guidelines in case freezing or below freezing weather hits.
5. If it freezes, keep the filter pump running:
It is important to keep the filter pump running if it drops to 32 degrees or below. If your pump has an automatic freeze guard sensor, it should turn on and stay running while the temperatures are at 32 degrees or below. If your pump doesn’t have an automatic freeze guard, we suggest running your pump continuously, 24/7 until temperatures rise above 32 degrees. Water that is circulating through the pipes and valves should help prevent freezing, as moving water does not usually freeze unless temperatures remain below zero for extended periods of time. To be safe, it is recommended to keep the filter pump running when temperatures are expected to drop in order to prevent freezing in your pool’s plumbing system.
6. Clean and store pool equipment
Before you close up your pool for the winter, be sure to clean and properly store all of your pool extras and pool toys. This will help to extend their lifespan and ensure that they are in good working condition when you’re ready to open the pool again in the spring.
7. Hire a professional
If you’re not confident in your ability to properly care for your pool during the winter, consider hiring a professional pool to ensure that it is clean and ready for use when the weather warms up again. Proper winter care is an important part of maintaining your pool, and with a little bit of effort, you can keep your pool in top condition and sparkling blue all year round.
Questions?
Have any questions about pool maintenance, reviving your dated pool for spring, or anything else? We’d love to hear from you.
