With fall here and winter quickly approaching, you may be planning out how and when you are going to get your Arizona swimming pool ready for the winter months. While there is plenty of sunshine throughout the year in Arizona with average temperatures hovering in the high eighties, you typically have the option to use your pool all year long.
However, some homeowners find it necessary to shut down their pool for a few months during the year. If you are included in the percentage of homeowners willing to take a break from their swimming pool for the colder months of the year, then there are a few maintenance mistakes you should avoid making as you get your pool ready for hibernation.
Continue to Clean and Chlorinate
Just because the pool water looks clean and pristine doesn’t mean that it actually is. Colder weather inhibits the growth of algae and bacteria, but that doesn’t give you a free pass from chlorinating and cleaning the water.
Always maintain proper chlorine levels no matter what time of the year it is. When closing the pool down, it is recommended to bring the chlorine levels up to between ten and thirteen parts per million, so you can avoid the growth and build up of algae while the pool sits dormant.
Balance pH Levels
Along the same lines as the chlorine, you will also want to continue to maintain your pH levels as well. These levels should typically be between 7.0 and 7.4. Depending on the weather and the fact that you are not using your pool, these levels may need to be balanced with the higher chlorine levels to prevent corrosion and keep the pool clean while it is not being used.
Don’t Forget Safety
Finally, even if you close down your swimming pool for use for a few months, you should still make sure that it is properly secured. Drownings can still occur even in the winter months when the pool is not being used.
Additionally, you will want to maintain the water levels as well so that the pool retains its shape and no surface cracks or other damage is a result. Further, cover the swimming pool when it is not in use to help keep debris out and lessen any damage the weather may cause.
If you have any other questions regarding your swimming pools in Phoenix, you can contact a pool professional to help you and address any concerns you may have about pool care and maintenance.
