Fiji Pools Blog
Even in Florida, it is not pool weather all the time. You may not think about your pool very often when it is not in use, but proper winter pool maintenance is essential to protecting your investment. Keeping your pool clean, your pool equipment well-maintained and your water chemistry balanced saves you time and money when temperatures begin to rise and you open your pool back up.
Keep Your Pool Clean
Keeping your pool clean is a vital part of pool maintenance. Checking and emptying any skimmer baskets and cleaning bags will help you keep your pool clean and in good working order. It is also helpful to brush or vacuum pool surfaces on a near-weekly basis to prevent unsightly algae growth. It is much easier to prevent issues than it is to fix them once they have occurred.
Maintain Your Equipment
Pool equipment requires maintenance even when it is not actively in use. Check items like the filter, pump and heater regularly to ensure they are functioning properly. If you are not sure how to check your equipment or you are concerned there may be an issue, contact a professional.
While it rarely freezes in most areas of Florida, it is still essential to make sure all the water has drained out of your pool equipment and pipes. Water expands when it freezes, which causes damage in the unlikely event that temperatures drop below freezing. Repairs and replacements can be costly, so it is better to be safe than sorry.
Make Sure Your Water Chemistry Is Balanced
Balanced water chemistry is crucial to the well-being of your pool. It is vital to monitor pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness and cyanuric acid levels. Improper water chemistry causes stains, corrosion, colored or cloudy water and algae growth. If the pH of your water is less than 7.0, it can damage your pool liner and cover. Too much calcium leads to scale on your pool surfaces that are difficult to remove. Alkalinity and cyanuric acid influence the effectiveness of the chlorine in your pool. The sanitizing effect of chlorine is less necessary when you are not using the pool, but it still matters for algae prevention and preparedness. You do not want to miss out on an afternoon in the pool because of a water chemistry issue.
Contact a Professional
Winter pool maintenance does not have to be a chore when you work with Fiji Pools of Florida. With locations spread throughout the state, we are here for all your pool cleaning and equipment repair needs. Contact Fiji Pools of Florida today for a fast, free quote.