In just a few weeks, frost, deep freezes, and even snow will set in across the Midwest. If your swimming pool isn’t protected, you could have some major issues in the spring. Fortunately, there are a few simple things you can do to ensure that your swimming pool is protected from the oncoming cold.
Clean Up Your Pool Area
All of your railings, ropes, ladders, and other Kayak pool equipment need to be removed and stored in a dry place throughout the winter. Detachable plumbing and drain plugs also need to be removed and stored to protect from freezing temperatures. You should make sure you clean your pool before the first freeze as well. This means that you should take time to vacuum your swimming pool; removing all bugs, dirt, leaves, and other debris that could stain or clog elements of your pool. Make sure that you clean out your skimmer, filters, and pump to ensure that these items are protected throughout the winter.
Achieve the Right Balance of Chemicals
Your swimming pool needs the correct balance of chemicals to make it through the winter. The pH level of a pool should be between 7.2 and 7.6, the chlorine level should be between 1 and 3 ppm (parts per million), the total alkalinity should be between 80 and 120 ppm, and the calcium hardness level should be between 175 and 250 ppm as well. Remember, it’s perfectly normal for pool water to freeze during the winter. Do not use anti-freeze chemicals in your swimming pool as it may damage your liner and other pool components. Strong cleaning products like chlorine tablets shouldn’t be left in the swimming pool either as they may stain and/or damage the pool’s liner and walls.
Cover Your Pool
When covering your pool for the winter, make sure there is enough room for the pool water to expand in freezing weather. To do this, you can purchase an air pillow to use under the cover. Air pillows ensure that freezing water expands upwards, rather than outwards. Outward expanding water can damage the walls of your pools causing them to bend or buckle. Continue using a cover pump throughout the winter. Snowmelt and rainwater can add tremendous weight to your cover. In freezing conditions this standing water can cause significant damage to your cover. To avoid this, place a pump in the center of the pool cover.
