If you are like many North Texas Pool owners, you prefer not to totally close down your pool during the winter months and do what is often called a “partial closing” of your pool. However, even though it may not be seeing its usual use, a partial closing involves a small amount of ongoing maintenance. You won’t need to worry about lowering the water level, draining the pool equipment, or winterizing the pool lines, but you will need to balance the pool’s water and add chemicals as necessary. Regular cleaning of the pool with a brush, rake, and vacuum and making sure the filter, pump basket, and skimmer basket are clean will help prevent debris build-up. You should also add stain prevention and algaecide.
Remove and winterize any equipment or water features that won’t be used during February and March. Continue to test the water, re-balance, and add sanitizer as needed. With our typical weather, you will likely need to run the pump for four to six hours per day. Another option is to run the pump at night instead of during the day to save on electricity in case the freeze guards kick on. If we experience another round or two of freezing temperatures, you will want to run the pump continuously until the temps return to normal. Freeze guards will turn on the pump automatically whenever temps dip below a set point.
If your pool is a saltwater pool, you’ll need to remove, winterize, and store the salt cell to avoid damage unless your salt cell has a neutral or winter mode. Salt chlorine generators don’t produce chlorine efficiently when the weather is cold. This results in them working harder and wearing out faster. Ask your friends at 1Stop Pool to recommend another chlorine source for use during the winter months.
If you have a pool heater or heat pump, your pool can remain open and comfortable to swim in all year. North Texas frequently sees temperatures in the 70s even during February and March, so this option is appealing to many pool owners. The only drawback to keeping your pool open year-round is the lack of savings on pool maintenance. In fact, it may actually cost you more to use your pool, depending on the type of pool heater you have and how often you use it.
One product that can help reduce the amount of energy expended by your pool heater or heat pump is a solar pool cover. However, they are difficult to stock with the shipping and supply challenges our country is currently facing. Good news: 1Stop Pool has two great alternatives that work just as well in stock! Bonus: you don’t have a bulky cover to deal with!
SolarPill® Liquid Solar Blanket minimizes heat loss by forming an ultra-thin, invisible barrier on the water’s surface to reduce evaporation. Its patented pre-measured delivery system gradually releases the formula into the filtration system to allow for optimum coverage. SolarPill can be used with all types of sanitizers.
With advanced technology offering the ability to decrease evaporation, Coverfree® also helps pool owners save water and money. Coverfree® forms on the water surface. Even when the water is disrupted by wind or swimmers, it reforms the liquid barrier at the surface to protect from energy loss. On warm, sunny days, these liquid solar covers can boost the temperature of the water and reduce the burden on your pool heater by trapping warmth from the sun’s rays.
If you have questions regarding how you can best use your pool during February and March’s cooler temperatures, please give us a call at 1Stop Pool. Our knowledgeable, friendly staff will be happy to help you find some great options for all of your pool’s needs.