Winter Is Here! Here Is How You Can Keep Your Pool Area Clean In The Cooler Months
Crystal clear water for a clean swimming pool is imperative over the summer months when you use your pool all the time, however your pool maintenance routine will still need your attention in the winter even as you use your pool less. It is far easier to maintain your swimming pool during the winter, than to bring it out of hibernation in a swampy state. Looking after your swimming pool over the colder months saves you money and is far less time-consuming for you, when it is spring and you are preparing your pool for the summer season.
Whilst you might find that when winter comes along you aren’t swimming in your pool as much as usual- especially if it isn’t heated! You might even intentionally or unintentionally avoid being outside in your pool and entertaining area altogether. However, ignoring your pool area means mess and debris will accumulate, and will leave you with a lot of work to get your pool ready for summer. Here are some tasks for your pool and surroundings that are worth completing throughout winter so you can maintain and prepare your pool and the entertaining area for a fun-filled summer.
Winter doesn’t have to mean the end of swimming! See how here!
Odd Jobs To Organise:
Firstly, the easiest way to keep your swimming pool free from unwanted contaminants through winter is to cover it up. Using a pool cover will stop any leaves or dirt from entering your pool water. If you didn’t get one when you initially purchased the swimming pool, you can purchase one by speaking to our team or your local pool store for further assistance. Pool covers also help retain heat, so will be used all year round.
Other tasks to check and jobs to organise:
- If you have glass pool fences, they may need to be cleaned.
- Pavers around your swimming pool may need to be re-sealed.
- Check your poolside accessories like umbrellas, deck chairs, tables, for any signs of damage. – Hose down chairs and tables before the family returns to the pool in summer, as spiders can hide and nest in them.
- Also book your annual pest treatment if you haven’t, to prevent insects nesting.
Garden Maintenance:
Don’t leave the grass and garden untouched over winter, as it means you will have a jungle to tame later on. Plants may also stain unsealed pavers, so it’s important to be aware of what plants you have around your pool, and attempt to prevent debris building up on paths and also
getting into the pool. Your pool cover can prevent debris entering your pool when you are mowing or pruning. Stay on top of your garden by:
- Consistently mowing the lawn (check the forecast to avoid undoing all your hard work if heavy rainfall or strong winds are predicted.)
- Pull out the weeds
- Prune any bushes or plants which may need it.
Maintaining The Water:
You can either seek professional pool maintenance advice to make sure your water is balanced correctly, after the busy summer of swimming and before the stagnant winter. Otherwise to maintain the water throughout the winter:
- Regularly use a testing kit to check the pH, alkalinity and chlorine levels throughout winter. – Run the pool filter for at least a few hours each week to keep the water moving and for filter maintenance to keep the filter working at its best.
- ‘Shock’ your pool by adding a high dose of chemicals to your pool in one hit. It is also a good idea to run the pump after shocking it to make sure the chemicals are spread out evenly.
Cleaning Equipment And Storing Pool Toys:
Most of your cleaning equipment is likely to harbour scum which can infect your pool while it lays dormant over winter.
- Give all of the pool equipment a clean.
- Equipment like skimmers, filters will need a good scrub with specific pool cleaning products.
- Also you may have collected a few pool toys like inflatables. These can blow around easily and end up in the garden and if left out in the sun and rain, those pool toys and inflatables will become damaged, and you will be up for buying new pool toys and inflatables each swim season.
- Save yourself money and hassle by storing them properly after each swim session. – Store them somewhere where they won’t become a tripping hazard, and also keep them away from chemicals and cleaning products.
Chemical Clean-Up:
Complete a stocktake of your chemicals and cleaning products.
- If any have expired or if you have close to empty packets and rubbish you can throw out. It is important to refer to the instructions on the packaging regarding disposal. – Also check which chemicals and products you are running out of, so you can re-order.
- It is common sense, but another reminder to keep all your chemicals and cleaning products locked away in a shed or garage, and away from your children and pets from coming into contact with them.
You will be thanking yourself by staying on top of the backyard chores over winter, so that you will not be playing catch-up and trying to get the pool ready for the summer swimming season. Your hard work throughout winter of cleaning up and maintaining your swimming pool will be well worth it, as the weather starts heating up, and you will be sipping a drink and relaxing by the pool.
For any further information or any questions about winter maintenance, please contact our experienced team at the Fibreglass Pool Company Melbourne, we are always happy to help.
If you aren’t a pool owner just yet, but are considering the idea of next summer with a new backyard addition, we can help you start the process by arranging a free quote with us at Fibreglass Pool Company Melbourne.
