Choosing Perfect Pool Chemicals for Winter Maintenance

Why Winter Maintenance is Essential for Your Pool

Before you close your pool for the winter, you’ll need to winterize it, which misleadingly sounds like a one-time event. Winterizing your pool is something you have to keep up with all winter, using precisely the right chemicals to keep your pool clear and clean. An unbalanced pool can become unsafe for swimming, and restoring it can require tremendous effort. We advise leaving the winter maintenance of your pool to the professionals, but if you plan to DIY, you should know the right chemicals.

Types of Pool Chemicals Needed for Pool Winterizing Service

Before you close down your pool for the winter, you will need to make sure it is scrupulously clean. The water should be tested and balanced, and then you should lower the water level, but not too much. Lowering the water level protects your pool against freezing, but the water still needs to circulate. Draining it completely would damage the pool, and the right water level is needed to keep the chemicals in balance. You’ll need to drain the pump, filter and heater, blow out the lines, store all your accessories and equipment, and then cover the pool. After it’s covered, you will still need to maintain it, using these chemicals:

Algaecides: These prevent algae blooms in winter, so that you don’t end up with a green and slimy pool. Look for a non-foaming algaecide, and choose one made specifically for your type of pool.
Shock treatments, either Chlorine or Non-Chlorine: The purpose of shock treatments is to sanitize the water, and chlorine is the most common option. However, if you have a non-chlorine pool, there are alternatives.
Pool Antifreeze: If you live somewhere that gets very cold, you’ll need this to keep pool water from freezing in the pipes.
pH Balancers and Stabilizers: These chemicals are important for preventing corrosion, scaling and liner damage.
Enzyme Treatments: These treatments break down organic contaminants and keep the water clear.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Chemicals for Your Winter Pool Service

When you are shopping for winter pool chemicals, you will need to take into account your pool size, and the materials from which it is made. The chemicals you choose must work with your particular pool’s filtration and sanitation systems and be compatible with your climate. When in doubt, ask a professional for help choosing your chemicals, and don’t shy away from investing in premium chemicals. You don’t want cheap chemicals to end up costing you later, in damage to the pool.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Winter Pool Maintenance
Even when you know which chemicals to use, it’s wise to get advice, so that you don’t make mistakes that will damage your pool. Overusing or underusing chemicals can be dangerous, and skipping water testing could leave you with a damaged pool. It’s also important to avoid the mistake of improperly storing chemicals. Pool chemicals aren’t just dangerous, they’re also delicate, and if they are left in direct sunlight, they can lose effectiveness.

Millennium Pools & Spas: Pool Cleaning Services in Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland

If reading all that is involved in maintaining a pool in winter has you doing an internet search for “pool cleaning service near me,” we don’t blame you. It’s a lot to remember, and most homeowners already have busy enough lives. That’s why Millennium Pools and Spas offers open and close pool packages, to alleviate the burden and give our clients the opportunity to relax, knowing their winter pool maintenance is in capable hands. From Pool Opening to Pool Closing Service, Trust Millennium Pools and Spas

Whenever your pool needs service, Millennium Pools and Spas is here for you. With over 30 combined years of experience in the pool industry, our family owned business provides a comprehensive range of pool services for both residential and commercial customers in Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland. When you hire Millennium Pool Service, you get a well-qualified, industry-trained staff of pool contractors and technicians, services that are tailored to your needs, and a commitment to 100% customer satisfaction. Contact us for more information.