Different tips and tricks for pool maintenance in the winter

Maintaining and cleaning your swimming pool on a regular basis will ensure that it remains clean, healthy, and aesthetically pleasing throughout the whole year. Your pool may not be used in winter but your pool pump, filter, heater as well as other pool equipment is functional which has to be watched. You don’t want the surface of your pool and equipment to be damaged or unusable when you open your pool in the summer. Here are some tips on how to maintain an above ground pool in winter: 

• Inspect your pool regularly: Even if you cover your swimming pool with a pool cover, remember to check above and underneath the cover to make sure that there are no debris and unwanted surprises down there. Additionally, wind and snow during winter can put pressure on your pool cover, therefore ensure that your cover attachments, water bags, and lawn anchors are attached properly. 
• Balance pool water chemistry: It is essential to balance water chemistry because if pH, cyanuric acid, calcium hardness, or alkalinity is out of standard range for a long time then it can wreak havoc on the surface and equipment of your pool. 
• Use an algaecide: If you notice algae growth in your pool then use an algaecide to kill them and prevent new blooms during the entire season. 
• Check your pool equipment: Even if your pool is covered with a cover and not being used, you’ll need to clean your pool filter. In addition, you should check your pool pump, heater, and other plumbing systems to ensure that every piece of equipment is functioning properly without any leaks. 
• Clean your pool surfaces: Keeping your pool tiles, walls, floors, and other surfaces are important to prevent algae growth. Pool maintenance  along with brushing, skimming, and vacuuming your pool on a weekly basis can save you a significant amount of time dealing with green and dirty water in the spring. 

Pool closing tips for winter. 

Here are step by step pool closing tips that you may want to consider:

• Clean your pool: Before closing your pool, clean it thoroughly to help prevent algae and bacteria growth. Using a non-abrasive cleaner that is specifically made for tile and vinyl brush and vacuum the walls of your pool. 
• Test and balance your pool water: Before closing your swimming pool for the winter make sure the pool water is well-balanced. Using a pool test kit tests your pool water’s pH, calcium hardness, and alkalinity. You can also add winter pool chemicals to keep the pool water clear, clean, and healthy through all the winter.
• Remove pool equipment: Remove pool equipment such as skimmer baskets, hoses, cleaners, floats, and wall fittings. Clean and dry the equipment thoroughly and store them properly. 
• Lower the water level: Lower the pool water level to protect your swimming pool from frostbite during cold freezing temperatures. If you have a vinyl-lined pool, then it must be 4–6 inches below your pool skimmer and if you have plaster pools then it must be below the pool tile line. 
• Drain pump and filter: Drain all the water from the pump and filter along with the plugs before disconnecting them. Use an air compressor to make sure that there is no standing water in the plumbing system. 
• Protect your pipes: Eliminating the water in the pipes eliminates the risk of their freezing and bursting. You can use a wet-dry vacuum or air compressor to clean the pipes after you have loosened any quick-disconnect connectors or unions at your pump and filter system. 
• Maintain pool lights: Before closing your pool, make sure that the water level is lowered below the pool light and all the water is drained from the conduit or wall fitting. 
• Cover the pool: Cover your pool with a winter cover that is stronger and can withstand a large weight compared to a summer cover. If you already own a pool cover then check if it has any rips. If the cover is beyond repair, then purchase a new one that suits your pool and can withstand your region’s winter.