What To Do In Fall To Ensure Your Pool Is Ready To Go In Spring

If you're a proud new pool owner this year, it's a sure thing that you had fun swimming and lounging around the pool over the summer. Now, though, it's time to get that pool ready for winter, and what you do now can impact how ready your pool in when you open it up again in spring. While you'll still have to do some work to get it ready in the spring, if you take the right steps now, your work later on will be a snap.

Leave Some Treated Water in the Pool

Your instinct might be to drain the pool completely, but that could harm the lining. Any debris that makes it into the pool could cause scratches; frost heave in the ground could pop the empty liner out of the ground. Leaving some water in the pool adds weight that can fight against frost heave and block errant debris from reaching much of the liner.

The water you leave in the pool should be treated. The chemicals you use will vary based on the type of disinfecting system (e.g., chlorine, salt) that you use as well as the typical harshness of the winter ahead. Your pool service can treat the water for you.

As for the amount to leave in, drain just enough water so that the level of the water is below drains and permanent skimmers. Ensure water isn't left in the pipes because that could cause damage if the water freezes over the winter — ice expands, which can crack pipes and hoses.

Clean and Store Loose Things

After you've partially drained and fully treated the water, remove anything that can be removed. Portable skimmers, hoses, nets — anything that isn't permanently installed needs to be removed, cleaned, dried, and put away securely. Don't leave it sitting in a pile in the garage where it can gather dust; get storage boxes that are large enough to hold the items.

Choose a Cover Made for Winter Protection — and Keep Brushing It

Once the water is taken care of and the loose items are out, cover the pool with a cover that is meant to withstand winter weather. You want a strong cover that won't sag if a pile of leaves falls on the cover in late fall, and if snow hits your area, you want that cover to remain strong and not collapse.

Also, keep cleaning the cover. Sweep or brush away snow, leaves, and anything else that ends up on the cover. Obviously, don't step on the cover, but get a long-handled broom and use that to keep the cover clean. The less debris on the cover, the less weight you'll have to worry about.

If all this sounds like a bit too much to do for your first winter, have your pool-cleaning service take care of the work. It can also help you open everything back up in spring, letting you enjoy a clean, cool pool. For more information, contact local professionals like Splash Swimming Pools.

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