Winter in South Florida doesn’t mean the same as it does in the frigid north when it’s time to winterize your pool. It’s still important that you not neglect your pool for the winter season and that it’s properly prepared. Fortunately, you won’t have to worry about draining it, which can cause a whole other set of problems.
The first step is to give your swimming pool a complete and thorough cleaning. It will prevent the buildup and growth of algae that can block pumps. The same is true of leaves and similar debris. Leaves can result in staining of the pool’s finish. All surfaces should be scrubbed and any debris that’s fallen to the bottom should be vacuumed.
Chemicals play a role that’s just as important for winterizing as when the pool is in use. One week before you plan to close the pool, the same chemicals you’d normally use in the summer should be applied.
Even though you won’t be using the pool, you’ll still need to run the pump for six hours a day to circulate the water in the event that you need to add additional chemicals at any time during the winter. In the unlikely event that temperatures dip into the freezing range, keep the pump running day and night to prevent icing and damage to plumbing.
Be sure to detach ladders and handrails, remove toys, and any item that could collect rainwater. It will eliminate a potential breeding ground for mosquitoes – they can lay eggs in areas as small as a bottle cap full of water.
You’ll definitely want to use a swimming pool cover to reduce the need for cleaning and chemicals. Make sure there are no holes or gaps where debris can enter or a child could slip under the edge.
A pool cover doesn’t provide safety if a child or pet happens to walk on it. The addition of a pool net is something that every pool owner should consider to prevent accidental drowning while the pool is suspended for the season.
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