Caring for Your Pool Cover Throughout Winter
Pool Maintenance
When you winterize your pool for the season, you may think you don’t need to do anything else until springtime. But you must continue to care for your pool cover throughout winter to ensure it remains in the best condition and lasts a long time. While pool covers are designed to withstand the elements, giving them extra TLC while they’re busy protecting your pool will reduce any problems come pool opening time, not to mention keep them in pristine condition. Read on for important pool maintenance tips from the pool maintenance experts at Burton Pools & Spas about caring for your pool cover throughout the winter months.
1. Keep It Tight
When your new cover is installed, it will be tight over the pool without any gaps or sagging; however, after your first winter, may notice some stretching. This is normal after the first winter due to regular use and heavy snow loads. When it’s time to re-install the cover come wintertime, just ensure it is properly tensioned again so it is taut and flat.
2. Do I Drain the Cover?
Mesh pool covers typically allow all the rain and melting snow to seep through, so you don’t have to worry about draining the cover for heavy snowfalls. However, there are times when so much snowfall results in a lot of water melting into the pool water, leaving you with higher levels than wanted. If necessary, remove a few springs to check your water level, and if necessary, an automatic cover pump can help you lower your water level to the manufacturer’s recommended level. Solid pool covers do not drain, so you will need to use an automatic cover pump to remove the snow and melting water.
3. Water Levels
Speaking of water levels, it’s important to maintain a consistent water level throughout the winter season. This is vital in supporting the weight of the snow that accumulates throughout the season. We recommend keeping your water levels 15” to 18” below the top of your pool throughout winter.
4. Proper Winterizing and Pool Maintenance
Properly winterizing your pool resulted in the right amount of sanitizer and algaecide being used. While this will help make for a seamless pool opening come spring, we recommend adding additional algaecide and sanitizer roughly one month before you open the pool or if temperatures have reached 60 degrees or higher consistently. This will help reduce algae growth.
5. Occasional Maintenance May Be Needed
Don’t forget to periodically check your pool cover for anything that doesn’t need to be there. Think tree limbs, sticks or anything else that may blow in that direction should a heavy storm come through. This could lead to a tear or exceed the weight limits of the cover. Always be sure to give your cover a thorough inspection before you install it for the season and after you take it off to store it.
Your Fort Smith Pool Maintenace & Pool Service Experts
Pool covers are a great investment for keeping your pool protected during the off-season. By properly caring for it, you’re allowing for many years of use, leaving your pool in the best shape possible come springtime. Be sure to give the Fort Smith pool maintenance experts at Burton Pools & Spas a call today to learn more about the different pool cover options and how they’ll keep your pool protected during the winter months.
About Burton Pools & Spa
Burton Pools & Spas is a leading pool builder serving Northwest Arkansas, Eastern Oklahoma, Southwest Missouri, and beyond. We specialize in custom pool design & construction of vinyl liner pools, fiberglass pools, semi-inground pools and above ground pools. As the area pool maintenance experts, we also provide reliable pool service and repair to ensure every aspect of your outdoor living space is well cared for and swim-ready at all times.
As the best hot tub dealer in Fort Smith and beyond, Burton Pools & Spas has everything you need to turn your backyard into a relaxing oasis, including a large selection of quality hot tubs and swim spas from top-tier manufacturers. Burton Pools & Spas has been elevating area backyards into luxurious outdoor living spaces since 1978, and we look forward to having you experience all we have to offer. Be sure to read our Latest News for custom pool design ideas and pool maintenance and outdoor living tips, and follow us on Facebook and YouTube. Contact us to schedule your pool design consultation today.