The summer is ending, which mean the cold months ahead are right on our doorsteps. The winter can be harsh on everything, and unfortunately, your pool is no exception, bringing conditions that can severely damage it. Luckily, homeowners and liability insurance will cover these extremities. However, there are several precautionary steps you can take to prepare your pool beforehand. Be sure to learn as much as you can so your pool is ready to face the winter.
1. Keep Your Pool Clean
The best way to have your pool maintain itself over the winter is to clean it as best as possible. Cleaning processes involve tasks like skimming the water and brushing the walls and floor of the pool. This reduces the risk of anything festering in the water or clogging up the filters or pipes during the winter. Speaking of filters, you’re going to want to clean those too, as dirty filters won’t be so efficient in cleaning your pool once it’s time to reopen.
It’s also important to note that any debris leftover may cause stains and become increasingly difficult to remove once you’re trying to open the pool. This cleaning process will help diminish this risk by removing the debris before closing.
2. Balance and Clean the Pool Water
As most pool owners know, the water can be the most temperamental and difficult part of maintaining a pool. The pH levels can fluctuate daily, so it’s in your best interest to make sure the pool’s water is carefully monitored going into the winter. Remember, swimming pools should be between 7.2 to 7.6 in pH levels to maintain your warranty. You’ll have to buy two things: a pH test kit and pH reducer both from your local hardware store.
Shock Your Pool
The best way to balance the water is to shock your pool a few days before closing it. Shocking is essentially the process of adding chlorine chemicals to avoid the infiltration of nasty chemicals. Don’t be afraid to be aggressive in this step as your pool will need excess to maintain itself over the winter. Adding algaecide is also highly suggested since it helps eliminate algae from several different sources throughout the winter. Once algae blooms occur, they are more likely to happen again and are very expensive to remove.
For more information on pool maintenance, click here.
3. Drain and Cover Your Pool
Many pool owners assume that voiding the pool of water entirely is the correct move when closing a pool. This is a false assumption that carries with it several risks. Your pool can become very damaged from harsh winter elements without water to protect it. The lining of the pool can tear or crack which would likely raise your liability or homeowner insurance. Instead, you’re advised to lower the pool water below the jets to avoid burst pipes. This would increase your liability insurance. Once the water is lowered, place the cover over the pool. If it’s not properly tied down the cover may allow harmful debris or chemicals into the pool.
4. Get Insured
The last step is to make sure that your pool is covered in your homeowner insurance. There are plenty of reasons to get insured as we’ve mentioned above; you’re going to want to protect yourself of any liabilities. Check with an agent if you’re a candidate for liability insurance based on the current conditions of your pool. Please contact us at TJ Woods Insurance to further protect your pool and if you need liability insurance. Be sure to check out these other tips, suggestions, and advice from us.
