The summer places different demands for the care of a pool than the winter.   There are steps and procedures needed to get a pool ready when the warm weather starts and different steps and procedures to prepare a pool for cold weather and minimal or no use.  Prevention of expensive problems can be achieved by following a few simple guildelines.

Winter

When cold weather is coming, first drain the water from all water lines and replace with anti-freeze.  The water should be drained to beneath the level indicated for freezing.

To stop algae growth and keep out debris and leaves cover the pool with a heavy duty cover, this should be one that is made specifically for that pool. It is best to do a shock treatment with 10 times the standard chlorine before closing down the pool.   BE sure to disconnect the swimming pool filter and drain the pump This is a good time to test and clean any ladders, ropes or diving boards before packing away.

Safety

Make the pool safe so that it is not dangerous if small children stroll in during the times when no one is there.

Balance

Chlorine and swimming pool chemical balance is essential for a well maintained swimming pool.   Balance covers the correct amount of chemicals, correct ph and alkaline balance, appropriate water movement and also cleaning.

Spring

1. In the spring when it’s time to open the pool again, first clean off the pool cover and pack it away make sure it is dry.
2. Drain the pipes of anti-freeze
3. Examine the filters to make sure they are clean.
4. Fill the pool to the normal level then shock it with chlorine (tablets or granules), cleanse it with a brush and vacuum it.
5. It is good to filter and vacuum for a few days to remove any algae that has formed when the pool was not used.
6. Test the chlorine level and ph making sure it is between 7.0 and 7.6 and add the chlorine at night to get the best effect.

Summary

For pleasurable swimming it is primary to have good pool maintenance.  swimming pool chemical levels are an essential part of this. Too much chlorine or too little can both cause rawness.  Giving the proper care to your pool for the different kinds of weather means you can keep the water clean at different times of the year.