What to do with your pool in the winter?

Now that your pool is closed or getting ready to be closed, many tend to put their pool out of sight and out of mind. That is not the best course of action for your pool in the winter months. Winter brings lots of cold weather, winds, and precipitation which can adversely affect your pool. While your pool was winterized to keep it safe, there are environmental factors from Mother Nature that one just can’t prepare for and need to tackle as she throws that winter weather our way.

Cover Me
Whether you have a mesh, solid, or combination pool cover, there are benefits to having a cover pump for both. A cover pump helps keep the water level at the correct level for pools with mesh covers or mesh panels where the water drains into the pool. For solid pool covers, the pump prevents unsafe water accumulation on it which is a safety hazard. You want to make sure that your cover pump is in fact operating and that no debris has clogged it. As it is continually exposed to elements, these pumps commonly need to be replaced even during one season.

Hibernate
Just as we want to stay in and hibernate during winter months, animals want to do the same. Pumps, filters, and heaters make for a great place for animals to take up residence during the winter. They can easily bring leaves, twigs, twine, debris and more from the outside and make cozy nests inside your equipment. And while inside your equipment, they can easily chew on wires, gaskets, and other soft parts which can cause your equipment to be inoperable come spring.

Snow Day
When we get a storm, whether it is a Nor’easter, blizzard, and your run-of-the-mill winter storm, it can cause all sorts of stuff to become airborne or fall. When these items fall and land on your pool, they can possibly cause damage. Additionally, those arctic winds can also wreak havoc. Some things to be aware of:
• Sticks poking holes in your cover allowing debris to enter your pool
• Standing water and snow adding excess weight onto your cover which can affect the cover and straps’ integrity
• High winds causing your cover to become airborne if multiple straps have become loose or loosened
• Your cover pump sagging too low which can cause your entire pool to drain out
Winter Watch
It is highly recommended that you go out in your yard from time to time and check on your pool and its equipment. This will help to protect your pool over the winter to aid in a better pool opening come spring. Did you know that we have a Winter Watch program too that can supplement your homeowner checks? Our Winter Watch program provides three (3) winter visits to remove debris from the cover, secure any loose straps, and check the water balance. Interested in signing up? Give us a call today!