You’ve had fun in your new pool all summer, but now that the warm weather is leaving how do you take care of the pool? Being the owner of a pool is an annual responsibility. Knowing how to take care of the pool in the winter can make a world of difference in how easy or difficult the chore is. Here are 4 ways to take care of a pool during the off season.

Chlorinate and Algaecide

You’re going to need to chlorinate and algaecide your pool during the winter and springtime. How much is too much chlorine? While it’s tempting to add an excess and forget until spring, this isn’t the best course of action. Getting a pool at the right pH level is incredibly important for both the pool lining, and the protective pool cover. Adding too little chlorine will turn your pool green, but too much will bleach the pool liner and will cost a lot to replace. You don’t need to add too much more to your pool once the fall season approaches. A gallon or two should do the trick, but this also depends on the size of your pool. Get a professional swimming pool contractor in Buckhead to help if you feel unsure on how much to add.

Protective Covering

This one is the most important on our list, as the lives of both wildlife and toddlers are in jeopardy if this one is overlooked. A pool covering isn’t meant to be stood on, but it should be able to withstand the weight of a child if accidentally falling in. A child will have a hard time puncturing a gap in the cover, but can easily exacerbate an already present one. Rest assured all winter long that no child or animal will fall into your pool and drown by having a tight and secure cover that fits snug to your pool.

Weather

Pay attention to the weather during the off season. A particularly bad storm can knock debris around and damage the protective covering. Make sure the nearby plants, yard furniture, and pool toys are out of the elements during winter time. Pool covers are not cheap and can be ruined by a simple tree branch breaking off and penetrating the thin layer.

Adding more chlorine and algaecide is a good idea if there is going to be heavy rains as the chemicals can dilute. Another concern is freezing temperatures. While the pool lining can withstand the ice, your pool filter, pump, and VAC cannot. Be sure to drain any and all water that is inside motorized parts of the pool, as any pipes or plastic parts can rupture and break during the deep freeze.

Check-ups

Keep an eye on your pool during the winter. Even just a quick walk around the pool area once or twice a month will help you keep an eye out on ice pockets, tears or gaps in the pool cover, and chemical imbalances. Keep the pool cover free of any plant or wildlife as any extra weight on the pool cover could stretch or tear the lining. If branches or pool slides begin to show cracking or signs of wear, move them a safe distance away. Taking care of the small things will be easier when spring comes if you prevent them before they get worse.