Having a pool at home is a great source of fun and leisure at any time of the year, but it also comes with responsibilities, including pool maintenance. Algal growth is one of the most common issues that pool owners encounter, not just during summer but also in winter. Even if your pool has a good filtration system, and sanitizers, keeping your pool algae-free is always a challenge.
An algae takeover can make your pool unappealing and unsafe for swimming. Algae spores may enter your swimming pool via wind, rain, or dirt. Maintaining a clean and algae-free pool will keep everyone healthy. Even though algae grow fast in the hot summer months, they can still bloom slowly during winter. Let’s find out some preventive measures you can take to keep your pool algae-free during winter.
Pool Maintenance Tips To Prevent Algal Growth During Winters
1. Cover your pool.
One of the simplest ways you can prevent pool algae during winter is by covering your pool with a quality cover. This can help block debris and other contaminants out of the water, which can contribute to algal growth. A pool cover made from woven solid vinyl is the most effective cover which blocks organic matter, rainwater, and sunlight required by algae to bloom.
2. Balance the chemicals in your pool.
Another essential step in preventing pool algae during winter is to maintain proper chemical balance. A slight drop in chlorine level in an unclosed pool can help algae to grow, which is why you need to test your pool water regularly for any chemical imbalances. Make sure your pool’s pH level is around 7.2-7.6 every 2-3 weeks. Check the alkalinity and calcium hardness levels as well, then adjust accordingly.
3. Give it a shock.
Pools need chlorine to act as a potent disinfectant that can kill algae and other bacteria in the water. However, when the pool is not in use during the winter months, chlorine levels tend to drop, which causes the growth of algae.
A chlorine shock every three weeks would be sufficient if the water temperature is between 10ᵒ and 20ᵒC. If the water temperature is more than 21ᵒC, give the chlorine shock once every 7-14 days. Run your filter for 2-4 hours afterward to ensure that the chemicals are distributed evenly.
4. Run your filter regularly.
Stagnant water is another cause for algae to grow, aside from an under-chlorinated pool. Running your pool filter for a few hours regularly is a critical step in preventing algae from growing during the winter months. You can run your filter for one hour in two separate cycles and you can set your timer to run the filter at night as a money-saving tip to avoid peak energy rates.
5. Monitor your pool regularly.
Even with a pool cover and regular maintenance, algae can still grow in the pool. Checking the pool regularly will allow you to catch any issues early and take steps to address them before they become a more significant problem. It is a good idea to check the pool once a week during the winter months.
Ensure an Algae-Free Pool All Year Round
Consistent and diligent maintenance is important in preventing pool algae during the cold winter months. By covering the pool, balancing the chemicals, using chlorine shock, running the filter, and checking the pool regularly, you can ensure that your pool remains clean and clear throughout the winter months.
Prevention is always easier and less expensive than trying to remove algae once it has taken hold in the pool. City Wide Pool Service can help you maintain your pool all year round with our 7-step process: tile cleaning, pool skimming, vacuuming, brushing, emptying baskets, backwash filtering, and adding/balancing any chemicals needed in your pool.
Call us today and let us keep the algae away!