If you’re not afraid to venture outside during the winter, then you can still run your pump for a few hours a day. It’s usually recommended that you do it for around half the time. Some people like to keep their pool sparkling all year long. They don’t mind the energy bills all winter long and can enjoy a clean, sparkling pool in the spring.
When it’s time to prepare for winter, follow these guidelines to minimize the amount of work that your pool circulation system does.
1. A mid-winter dose of chemicals can help keep your pool running smoothly. These include algaecide, pool enzymes, and antifreeze. Without circulation, you might as well just be creating super concentrated pockets of antifreeze and algaecide in your pool. Having the proper chemical balance for pool closing is very important. It can help prevent pool diseases and keep the system working properly.
2. Ideally, your pool cover should be installed properly to prevent it from collapsing. But, even if it does, it can still take up to half an inch of rain to cover 600 square feet of pool. This means that even if it rains a couple of times a week, your cover can still take up to 1,600 pounds of weight.
You also want to make sure that the cover is still installed properly. This is especially important when you live in a high-wind area.
3. Some days are even warmer than 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Unfortunately, these days can be very unpleasant for your pool. As a result, you’ll most likely have to work on keeping the algae and bacteria at bay. On warm days, add another dose of algaecide to your routine. It will help keep your system balanced.
4. If your climate is already over 60 degrees Fahrenheit, then open your pool now!
When it’s warm enough, your pool will look cloudy in the spring. Having a murky, algae-green tint is a good sign that something is not going to be right in the water.
If you have any other questions about pool and spa products please do let us know - we are here to help!