The festivities are a time for fun, family and celebration. And because the weather is cold, you may be hunkering down indoors. But on the flip side, your pool still needs some care during the busy season so that it’s not a huge green mess come spring. Since algae doesn’t take time off during the winter, it’s critical that you take some preventative measures now so that you aren’t met with significant frustration when it comes time to open your pool again.
Keep Some Water Circulation Going
One of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent algae from settling in and causing problems is to ensure your pool pump and filter are running for enough hours every day. Even though you won’t be using your pool, you must still make sure the water circulates. Algae spores, which are microscopic, need still water to land and begin growing. So, keeping the water constantly circulating and moving makes it very hard for them to take root.
Check the Chemicals
Another critical step that prevents algae growth is maintaining the correct chemical balance, especially your chlorine level. Chlorine is the chemical that kills algae and bacteria. While you’re busy planning parties and buying gifts, a few minutes spent testing the water is a fantastic time investment. If your chlorine level drops too low, even for a single day, algae can start blooming rapidly, often resulting in that slimy, green appearance. You also need to watch your pH level, which affects how well the chlorine works. If the pH is too high, your chlorine won’t be nearly as effective at fighting off the unwanted growth.
The Scrub Down: Do Not Forget the Edges
Even if your chemicals are perfect, algae often like to attach themselves to rough surfaces, especially in areas where the water doesn’t circulate well. So, regular brushing is a non-negotiable task. Using a good pool brush to scrub the walls and the floor, especially in corners, steps and shady spots, breaks up any algae that might be trying to attach and sends the spores out into the circulating water where the chlorine can kill them. Although you might be tempted to let the automatic cleaner do all the work, you should still manually brush the pool at least once or twice a week. This is especially important if you start noticing a yellow or black-colored stain forming on the plaster.
Winters can be unpredictable. Because of this, closed pools still need some TLC. In addition to the measures that you’re taking, schedule an offseason cleaning with a pool expert. They can help make certain that your water stays clear and your pool is ready to shine when spring arrives.
For pool water analysis and offseason cleaning, call Pools & Spas By Van Brill in Richwood, NJ.