11 Simple Strategies for Keeping Your Pool Clean
Filed under: Swimming pool maintenance
Unless your pool is heated, you might be using it less as the weather cools off a bit. But of course, you still have to keep it clean! If you’re not using your pool for the next few months, you could accidentally take an “out of sight, out of mind” approach. So schedule these tasks on your calendar, to keep your pool in great shape through the winter.
If you choose to cover your pool….
- Once a week, check to be sure your pool cover is held in place properly.
- Dispose of any leaves or other debris that collects on top of the cover.
- Take a peek at the water to check for algae formation – you want to treat it immediately, or else it will be harder to clear the water when you re-open the pool in a few months.
- Check up on your pump and filter. It’s better to catch these problems early, and fix them, rather than risking a more costly problem down the road.
If you aren’t covering your pool…
- Perform the same monthly or bi-monthly service that you would normally perform during the summer.
- Continue to remove debris from the water on a regular basis, at least once per week.
- Scrub the walls and bottom of your pool once or twice per month to prevent algae formation.
- Each week, test your pool water chemistry and adjust the pH levels accordingly. Also check your filter pressure, and backwash the filter or clean the cartridges if pressure exceeds 15 psi.
- Run the pool pump daily for 6-8 hours, if you aren’t using the pool, to keep water circulating.
- Check the filtration system each week. Clear debris from the skimmer basket and pump basket.
- Consider purchasing a leaf net. You don’t necessarily need a full cover in our climate, but a leaf net can save you a lot of work by catching leaves and debris for easy removal.
No matter what you choose to do with your pool over the winter, remember that annual or semiannual filter sanitation is highly recommended. During this process we disassemble the filter, and clean all elements and cartridges.
As always, keep safety in mind at all times. Small children don’t care whether or not the weather is appropriate for swimming, and they gravitate toward pools like little fun-seeking magnets! Keep your gate locked, and toys out of the pool. You might also consider installing a pool alarm for increased safety all year round.
If you have any questions about swimming pool maintenance, or need help with any of the above items, give us a call at Pinnacle Pools, Inc : (951) 796-2792. We can help with all of your pool maintenance needs.
