People often avoid covering their pool for the winter because pool covers are an additional cost. However, an uncovered pool will cost you far more over the span of a few short years than a simple pool cover. For one thing, an uncovered pool will become a catch-all for leaves and debris.
Use a pool cover!
Reduce the Chlorine Production Output (CPO on your chlorinator). The pool cover will maintain 90% of the chlorine (produced by your chlorinator) in the pool, as opposed to loosing 70% of chlorine in an uncovered pool. A pool cover is really worth it! Check the chlorine level after one week.
This is important because all that nastiness we mentioned before that can grow in an uncovered, unused swimming pool can do more than just cause a headache when it comes to spring opening. It can also cause damage to your pool, particularly the liner and filtration system.
A typical “standard” winter pool cover is made of a tarp-like material and is designed to keep out dead leaves, debris, and sunlight during the months you're not using your pool. Winter pool covers are affordable, widely available for both inground and above ground pools, and they're usually easy to install.
If you don't open your pool at the right time, the higher temperatures may warm the minimal amount of water left in the bottom of your pool, creating a breeding ground for algae and other bacteria.
Cleaning Chemicals
Chemicals are much better options than trying to clean your pool with covers, nets and soap. Common household chemicals, such as rubbing alcohol, baking soda and white vinegar can be used for these tasks. 60 percent alcohol has been proven to remove any sort of sticky gunk from the pool area.
While cost-friendly and easy to set up, tarps are typically less durable than pool safety covers. Also, the material demands much more winter maintenance. You will need to regularly remove any debris or excess water with additional equipment such as a water pump.
Keep the pool covered to lock in heat. A solar cover is great at retaining heat from your heater. Keep the water circulating by running your filter pump 24 hours a day. Angle the jets in your pool upwards to prevent surface freezing.
Yes, pools can freeze solid within a few days of temperatures dropping below zero, especially when the water's not circulating. And if low temperatures continue for several days, the ice sheet can increase in thickness by up to ¼ of an inch per day.
Use a Swimming Pool Safety Cover Throughout the Winter
You can use either a mesh or solid pool cover. Many owners in colder regions prefer to use a solid cover to prevent any water entry from rain or melting snow/ice.
Keep it covered.
Covering the pool is a good way to prevent algae growth. The right cover keeps algae from entering the pool, but it also keeps leaves, bugs, bacteria, and dirt from decomposing in the pool, providing algae with food.
Ideally, your pool's chemistry should remain as balanced as possible throughout the winter. Keeping everything balanced is easily accomplished by testing the water at least once per week. There's a low chance that you'll need to add chlorine as long as the pool isn't being used and there is no water circulation.
Make certain the main pool pump is running continuously while the temperature is below freezing. You should have a freeze protection device that will automatically turn the pump on when the temperature drops to around 34 degrees.
While a thin layer of ice is unlikely to damage your pool, if you live in an area with continuous below-freezing temperatures, we highly recommend you winterize and close your pool at the end of swimming season. Keeping your pool open all year long is also an option.
Then drain the equipment. Remove and store if desired. If leaving plumbed in, again, make sure your pump is set to freeze mode. So the answer to the question of “Can I run my pool pump in cold weather?”, the answer is yes.
Liquid pool blankets are an excellent and effortless alternative to conventional solar pool covers. Liquid blankets save energy by trapping heat and reducing evaporation.
Even if you don't have any trees nearby, the wind will still blow debris into the water. Not to mention rainwater! Your pool will quickly become very dirty, and it may even be unsafe to swim in if you leave it uncovered for more than a day or two.
People often avoid covering their pool for the winter because pool covers are an additional cost. However, an uncovered pool will cost you far more over the span of a few short years than a simple pool cover. For one thing, an uncovered pool will become a catch-all for leaves and debris.
Keep the fabric clean.
All you need is a bucket of water and Dawn dish soap. It's the safest, gentlest, and cheapest option – plus a little goes a long way! Just add a few drops to a gallon of water. Scrub with a pool brush; your pool filter can handle any bubbles that get into the water.
What Does Baking Soda Do For a Pool? Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate is naturally alkaline, with a pH of 8. When you add baking soda to your pool water, you will raise both the pH and the alkalinity, improving stability and clarity.
Yes you can turn your pool pump off for a week. You can turn it off for a month, but there are consequences. The pool will get dirty—no pump, no filtering. The chemicals will not circulate and the water could start turning a nice shade of green as algae forms.
Absolutely! A cover does nothing to interfere with the water circulating through your system. It doesn't touch your pump or any other piece of equipment you have.