In the winter, you might warm up with a cup of hot coffee and a cozy knit sweater. But did you know you must give your pool the same love and attention? Otherwise, it can turn into a money pit. Winterizing your pool is crucial to enjoying next year’s summer pool parties and avoiding major repairs after hibernation. Make a stress-free splash next summer by using these tips to maintain your backyard pool during the winter.
1. Prep Like a Pro
Before winter’s chill sets in, clean your pool. Skim the surface, vacuum the bottom, and brush the walls to prevent algae buildup. Remember to balance your water chemistry to prevent scale formation and algae growth.
Proper chemical levels keep your pool healthy throughout the long winter. If it’s been a while since you cleaned your pool filters, give them a good scrub, too.
2. Protect Against Frost
Your pool needs extra care when temperatures drop. Make sure you drain all your equipment, including skimmers and filters, of water.
If there’s still liquid sloshing around, pipes can freeze and burst, making a frozen mess that looks terrible and costs more after the ice thaws. Don’t forget to remove and store pool accessories such as ladders and heaters as well. A few hours now can save you a fortune in pool repairs come springtime.
3. Invest in a Pool Blanket
Giving your pool a protective covering is a key step. Investing in a quality pool cover prevents leaves and debris from falling into your pool, keeps out pests, and protects against freezing damage. A covering is a simple way to maintain your backyard pool during the winter. Just make sure it’s secure to avoid any debris sneaking in.
4. Keep an Eye on Things
Even when your pool is hibernating, it still needs some care. Periodically check on your pool for any leaks or damage, especially after a storm or cold snap. It’s always better to catch small problems early rather than wait until they become costly disasters.
Make a habit of brushing off snow accumulation on pool covers to prevent damage. Piles of snow may cause the cover to sag and create openings along the edges, allowing debris and cold air to enter the pool.
5. Call a Professional
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, there’s no shame in asking for a helping hand. Schedule regular maintenance with a professional cleaner or inspector. They’ll ensure your pool is in tip-top shape all season long. Hiring a professional saves you time and effort, and they can spot potential issues before they become serious.
Lastly, don’t forget about your pool deck, which can also deteriorate from all that snow and ice. Consider hiring professionals to coat your pool deck with epoxy. There are many advantages to epoxy coating for your pool deck, such as weather resistance. Your deck will remain safe under the cover of epoxy and emerge from the winter looking pristine!