Many people think that there is less pool maintenance in the fall season. Many won’t swim in their oasis as much as they do in the summer. However, your pool still needs maintenance. What changes in the Fall and Winter Months is how you should monitor the chemicals in your pool.
Believe it or not, proper pool care during the Fall and Winter seasons will save you a lot of time and work for the following summer. We at Platinum Pools want to provide you with tips on how to carry out the correct maintenance throughout the Fall and Winter months.
pH-Balance Monitoring
Elements like rain or other weather agents can alter the pH balance of your pool’s water. Even in the Fall, it is necessary to have the pH measured to maintain the proper functioning levels of the swimming pool.
Using a suitable analyzer kit with a red phenol agent is a convenient tool for your pool’s maintenance. Add five drops of said agent to the water sample and observe the color change.
The optimal pH level of your pool’s water is between 7.2 and 7.4. The water in the pH tests will turn yellow if the pH is low (samples with less than 6.8), and red if levels are high (8.2 and up) when you add the phenol agent. Keep in mind that, it will be necessary to increase the pH with products such as sodium carbonate if the test results indicate low pH. On the other hand, if the tests result in a red color indicating a high pH, reduce the pH with products such as hydrochloric acid.
Chlorine Reduction
Your swimming pool needs lower amounts of chlorine in the fall than in the summer. The primary objective for your swimming pool is to keep it clean and in optimal conditions for the next summer season.
If you plan to apply other types of treatments for pool maintenance, we do advise keeping chlorine levels between 1 and 3 ppm, because it tends to decompose products and protective covers.
Keeping the Surface Clean
Whether you plan to use your oasis or not, keeping the surface of your pool clean is key in preserving water. Remember that waste accumulation can lead to the presence of algae.
It is also advisable to turn on the purifier for eight hours a day. Choosing a suitable pump is not easy. It all comes down to the total amount of water (in gallons), the type of filter and the level of efficiency. Don’t forget that a timer can also help the process of filtering the water and keeping it clean.
Pool Covers
Houstonians don’t typically cover their swimming pools, but, many recommend it, especially if you travel. External agents like dust, insects, and leaves are the real enemies, making your pool filthy and, eventually, change the water. Pool covers not only help to keep the water clean but also helps to maintain a warm water temperature.
Pool covers are a high strength material (mostly PVC) that protects and provides security. The anchors, made of brass and stainless steel, can withstand most weather without wearing down.
We hope these pool maintenance tips will help you keep your pool’s water in optimum condition during the fall and winter months. Remember that our team at Platinum Pools is ready to help you with any questions and all other pool-related inquiries. Call us at 1.281.870.1600 (Houston), 1.409.898.4995 (Beaumont), or 1.361.575.0183 (Victoria). Our team of pool experts is ready to help.