Mid-Winter Swimming Pool Maintenance Tips

Depending on where you live, pool maintenance will vary with the seasons. During the long, cold winter months, it’s easy to forget about pool maintenance. However, leaving your pool all winter long can result in you finding problems with your equipment when it comes time to open the pool in the spring. In this blog post, we’re going to discuss important pool maintenance tips for taking care of your backyard pool throughout the winter. Don’t wait to be surprised in the spring, take charge of your mid-season pool maintenance now. 

Regularly check on your pool and equipment

Throughout the winter it’s important to check on your pool, cover and anchors periodically. Snow, wind and adverse weather can impact your pool cover and potentially knock loose water bags and/or lawn anchors. Approximately once per week or after particularly bad storms, make sure you walk around the perimeter of your pool to inspect the cover and ensure everything is in place and secure.  

During the winter, your pool is usually covered and not in use. However, debris and dirt can still enter the water and pool system and wreak havoc on your equipment. That is why we recommend inspecting your equipment regularly to ensure nothing is damaged in winter storms. You will also want to continue to clean your filter and check the filter basket to prevent debris from building up in the pool. Exposed plumbing should also be regularly checked for leaks or damage. 

Pay attention to the big freezes

When water is left inside of pool equipment during the winter, it can freeze and expand to permanently damage your system. Throughout the winter, make sure you inspect your freeze guard along with the rest of your pool in order to make sure water is circulating during freezing weather. 

Maintain pool surfaces

If possible, it is important to clean and maintain pool surfaces throughout the off-season. To prevent algae growth and damage, the pool should be skimmed and vacuumed approximately once per week. This will help save time in the spring when you open your pool, allowing you to start the season off with an already clean pool.  

Balance water chemistry 

One of the most important components of pool maintenance is monitoring and adjusting pool chemistry. During the off-season, water chemistry should be monitored and balanced on a weekly basis. In the winter it is also important to use sanitizing agents to kill algal build-up. 

Monitor water level

Depending on the climate you live in, your water level should be adjusted and constantly monitored. This can help protect the pump and the pool itself from damage throughout the winter.

    At Seaway Pools & Hot Tubs, we provide exceptional parts, equipment and services for maintaining your pool throughout the year. Whether you are looking for help with summer or winter pool maintenance, our expert team is here to help. For more information, contact one of our showrooms in the Greater Toronto Area: Markham (905-294-8030) or Newmarket (905-853-8500).