The maintenance homeowners perform on their swimming pool during the winter months when not in use can severely impact the value of their properties. A beautiful, sparkling pool that has been well taken care of can increase property value and curb appeal; however, a swimming pool with algae and debris in it, cracked surfaces and broken components can send potential buyers running for the hills if you decide to sell your home. Replacing a swimming pool can be nearly as costly as installing one, but homeowners can rest assured knowing that by following a few easy and quick steps to winterizing their swimming pools, the longevity of the pool can increase substantially.
- Check on the pool cover frequently- Snow and Ice are heavy and in climates where winters are particularly harsh the weight of these elements can affect the cover on the pool. If the pool is above ground, make sure that the air-pillow is inflated properly and holding up the cover. Also, check to make sure that the cables are tight, clips or wraps are secure, and if using winter cover wall bags make sure that those are all in place. For in-ground swimming pools, the cover should be held in place by water blocks or bags. If a safety cover is being used, ensure that all parts are in place and pieces that are missing get replaced immediately.
- Remove debris promptly- fall and winter is a terrible time for pool covers. Leaves, sticks, and ice that can fall from nearby trees can rip, pole holes in, and otherwise damage covers. Leaf nets are easy to use because they require you to simply pool of the net and dispose of the leaves. If the pool is uncovered because winters do not get below freezing, a leaf net will also help with decreasing water contamination.
- Check for Algae- When swimming pool water turns green, most likely algae is growing in it. Although this is rare in water that is less than 60 degree Fahrenheit, regions with more mild winters can still be at risk. Checking your swimming pool once a week or once every two weeks can prevent a huge algae bloom from occurring. There are several chemical products that can be added to water to kill algae such as a shock treatment or algaecide.
- Check the equipment- Water pumps, surface tiles, filters and heaters can get damaged rather easily and if a swimming pool is not in use, damages may not be noticed immediately. Especially after heavy winter weather systems, check pool equipment for damage.
In areas that have extremely mild winters, it is not necessary to cover the swimming pool even though it may not be in use. If a pool is remaining uncovered, water maintenance must still be kept up on, including cleaning the water and keeping a balanced chemistry. A dirty swimming pool can cause bacteria to grow and pose health concerns to homeowners and neighbors. Running the pump daily for a few hours during periods of cold will ensure that the water does not become stagnant which can also cause bacteria and algae to form.
