Tools to Keep Your Pool Open This Winter
Having your own swimming pool comes with a ton of benefits and advantages no matter the season. If you are one of the many who choose not to winterize their pool during the colder months, then you know that your pool can bring joy even when the temperatures drop.
At Parnell Pool & Spa, we understand that there are countless reasons to keep your pool open during the winter. We also have a few simple tools that can help keep your pool healthy and happy when the colder months come to town.
Cleaning Tools
If you choose not to cover your pool for the winter, make sure to have the right tools to keep your water and pool surfaces clean. A leaf skimmer or rake is a must to help keep leaves and debris from settling on the bottom of your pool and potentially staining the surface. You may also want to invest in a quality nylon bristle brush to scrub your pool walls and floor. Don’t want to deal with all that cleaning? Consider an automatic pool cleaner.
Install an automatic timer
If you decide to keep your pool open during the fall and winter, it is common to reduce your pump speed and operational hours. While you don’t need to run the pump 24/7, it is essential to run the pump during freezing temperatures to limit the damage to the plumping. One way to help with freezing temperatures is to install an automatic timer with freeze protection. The timer will automatically turn on your pool pump 1) on a preset schedule and/or 2) whenever temperatures dip below freezing. An automatic timer will reduce your need to constantly keep an eye on the outside temperatures and provide stress relief knowing that your pool will be safe no matter the weather conditions.
Chemical Testing Strips/Kit
During the winter months, your pool still needs to maintain proper water chemistry. While you will need less chlorine to manage bacterial/algae growth during cold weather, you still need to check your chlorine levels, pH, total hardness, and alkalinity on a regular basis. Make sure to have plenty of chemical testing strips or a chemical test kit on hand. To help with a chemical testing schedule, check out our quick reference guide.
Weekly:
- Skim your water and brush the pool walls to remove debris
- Vacuum the bottom of the pool to remove debris
Biweekly:
- Test the pool water and properly balance to avoid staining or bacterial growth
Monthly:
- Get your pool water professionally tested
Need Help Balancing Your Pool Water?
At Parnell Pool & Spa, our trusted specialists use only the best equipment and procedures to get a complete and accurate reading of your pool water. Our computerized Water Analysis System, BioGuard’s® ALEX®, provides results in an instant with step-by-step instructions. At Parnell Pool & Spa, we are open 12 months a year and test water year-round. Bring us your water sample today and leave knowing every step needed to get your pool water safe and sanitary.
Want to read more about winter pool topics?
Take a look at some of our other blogs to help with winter pool maintenance.
- How to protect your pool from freezing temperatures
- 6 steps to properly close your pool
- Winter Pool Care: Cover and Winterizing vs leaving open
- How to properly care for your open pool through winter
Contact Us Today
If you have a question about the proper running of your pool or spa, contact us or stop by our Fayetteville or Lumberton location anytime. While in the store, check out our products, purchase chemicals for your pool or hot tub, or get a specific question answered by one of our experts. Feel free to follow us on Facebook and Instagram as well.
