DECEMBER IS FORGOTTEN FOR POOLS
It’s December. This month brings a lot to celebrate. We have the first day of winter on Saturday, December 21st. We have the big holidays of Christmas, Hanukkah (December 25-Jan 2), Boxing Day, Kwanza, and New Year’s Eve. Winter or holiday break is coming for the kids and even some adults! Whatever you are celebrating, it is most likely not your swimming pool.
THE MOST WINDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR?
Per the Farmer’s Almanac, “December is the 12th month (and last month) in our modern-day Gregorian calendar (as it was in the preceding Julian calendar). However, it was initially the 10th month of the Roman calendar (until 153 BC). Hence, “December” comes from the Latin decem, meaning “ten.” In Roman times, the calendar only had ten months and began with March! The winter period was not even assigned months because it was not an active time for military, agriculture, or civil life. The month of December originally consisted of 30 days. After January and February were added to the calendar (around 700 BCE), December was shortened to 29 days. Then, two days were added to December in the subsequent Julian calendar, making it 31 days long.” No wonder no one is thinking about their swimming pool in December when the formation of the actual month was in such a state of flux!
MAGIC IS IN THE AIR
Besides the holiday spirit, there are a lot of other things that could be floating in the air in December. First, anything that becomes airborne from winds or storms including branches, sticks, and patio furniture that has not been put away can be a hazard to your pool. If you have a safety cover, it can penetrate and damage it. If you are utilizing a tarp, anything can nudge the waterbags and make the tarp become airborne or fall into the pool. And if you have no cover, well, that stuff can land in your pool and cause damage and staining. So, remember, take a look in your yard at your pool from time to time, especially after any sort of winter weather event.
BABY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE
2024 has been a warm and dry year thus far. Will the same hold true for the winter? The month of December brings the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. This is the shortest day of the year and the day with the least amount of daylight. And it also brings sleet, freezing rain, and snow. In New Jersey, it is both possible and not possible to see any snow in December. But, if you do, what does that mean for your pool? You don’t want any heavy snow load sitting on your pool cover. It can stretch out those straps and springs and affect the longevity of your cover. It also will melt which will affect the water level in your pool and can cause issues with the surface, tiling, coping, and or pool lines. You do not want to use sharp tools or shovels to remove the snow as it can damage your cover. You can use a leaf blower or soft-bristled brush to remove the snow. Whatever you use, remember to not apply excessive force to avoid tearing or stretching the cover material. Also, a cover pump can help remove any melting snow.
WINTER WATCH
So, if you do not want to remember you have a pool in December, you should opt for our Winter Watch service. This provides you with three (3) off-season visits to clear and secure cover, test, and balance your water. We would love to perform these services for you; here at Pool Operation Management we never forget about pools!
