TAKE THE TIME TO ENSURE EASY OPENING WITH SIMPLE MAINTENANCE AND PROTECTION TIPS
With your pool so recently closed, pool opening may be one of the last things on your mind right now. But how you close your pool and take care of it during the off-season directly affects its the condition during opening season. So, to make your pool opening a breeze next season, avoid these common issues that come up in the spring with care in the off-season. Your pool service provider will always be happy to lend a hand!
ALGAE BLOOMS
Algae growth is one of the most annoying issues pool owners deal with. The time and effort spent on removing algae make for a tiresome and lengthy pool opening. To avoid this pesky problem:
- When closing, clean the pool well, balance the water, and add chlorine and a winter algaecide, letting it circulate in the water for 24 hours with the pump on.
- Use a solid safety cover and keep it clear of snow and debris over the winter. Check the cover cable throughout the off-season to make sure it’s tight. A secure safety cover will prevent dirt, debris, and other contaminants from getting in and promoting algae growth.
- Add a second winter algaecide and chlorine treatment in early spring when the water has thawed. Just lift the cover and pour these chemicals in at various spots. This early spring treatment should prevent any algae blooms as the weather and water get warmer.
POOL STAINS
A waterline ring, stains on the steps, and stains around the main drain are common problems at pool opening time. The stains are caused by organic contamination and can be hard to remove. Inevitably, someone always ends up spending the first warm days scrubbing instead of swimming.
To avoid stains from forming in your pool during the off-season, ask your pool closing and opening pros to add an off-season enzyme product to your pool during closing, and again when the water first thaws in the spring. These enzyme products break down contaminants so they won’t leave ugly stains.
WATER LEAKS
As water freezes and expands over the frigid winter months, its pressure can cause damage to pool equipment. If there are any leaks, you will notice damage upon pool opening. Damage to pool equipment can be costly to repair, and you may end up waiting for repairs during the busy pool opening season. So to avoid delays, take these steps during pool closing to prevent any damage:
- To prevent damage and leaks in your pool’s equipment, drain the water four to six inches below the skimmer. Also, drain the pipes, pump, filter, and heater. You can blow out the lines with a shop vac, or have a professional take care of winterizing your pipes for you.
- Attach an air pillow to the centre of the pool cover to prevent ice sheets from forming, sinking, and tearing the pool liner. Keep an eye on the water level of your pool throughout the off-season for signs of leaks in the liner. If the water level drops a drastic amount, you most likely have a leak. Add water with a hose to protect the pool until you can get the leak repaired.
Although pool season is over, you still need to take care of your pool during the off-season to prevent these common and costly issues. A little bit of work throughout the colder months will pay off upon pool opening when your pool is clean and damage-free. Make the most of your pool season next year by taking care of your pool now. And always remember: if you ever need a hand, call the pros!
