MONTHLY TIPS FOR YOUR POOL
Weather can be severe. If everything is frozen and snowed over, we can do nothing at that time even if you have a problem. If water is present or ice is thawed, the water can be pumped. In concrete pools pump to 18" below top of deck. In vinyl liner pools, pump 12 inches below top of deck and pump only if no ice is present. Remove all branches, leaves, and debris from safety and solid covers. If you have a solid cover with water on it, now is the time to pump the water under the cover into the pool.
If everything is frozen and snowed over, we can do nothing at that time even if you have a problem. If water is present or ice is thawed, the water can be pumped. In concrete pools pump to 18" below top of deck. In vinyl liner pools, pump 12 inches below top of deck and pump only if no ice is present. Remove all branches, leaves, and debris from safety and solid covers. If you have a solid cover with water on it, now is the time to pump the water under the cover into the pool.
MARCH can be a tricky month. If ice is present do nothing. If you have a solid cover and the ice is thawed, then pump the winter water from on top of the cover, back under the cover into the pool. If you pump the water off the cover on to the ground, you will actually drain your pool. Every spring we get many calls because pool owners pump the water onto the ground and call thinking their pool leaked. This is known as the Displacement theory.
APRIL weather can start to get warm. Lots of rain and snow melting can cause problems with pools. Now is the time to add a spring chemical boost to your pool with a mesh cover. Keep leaves and water off solid pool covers.
Start to swim and enjoy your pool if you have a heater. Allow 2 weeks to clean up the winter mess in and around your pool. Test water 1-2 times weekly.
Start testing water more often. Usage and warmer weather can cause problems if chemistry is ignored.
JULY can bring some hot days. Keep testing 2-3 times weekly to prevent problems. It is important to shock pools with chlorine or a non-chlorine shock and an algae preventive weekly.
AUGUST as with July, August can bring the same weather. Test and look at your pool water and listen to your pool equipment for what is normal. You can tell something is up when you look at the water and see the water clarity diminish just a bit. Almost a haze in the water in a problem on the horizon. Monitor how many times you add water to your pool as it may indicate you have a leak.
SEPTEMBER is a sad month. The summer is ending, leaves may start to fall and we have to start thinking about closing the pool-unless you have a heater. Make sure your water is fully balanced before you close. Water will sit in contact with the pool interior for 7-8 months without any chemical adjusting. Water is aggressive and can cause severe damage to interior concrete or vinyl if water is in a corrosive or scale forming state. Make sure your pool is not leaking.
OCTOBER In New England, September and October are the months when most pool owners winterize their pools. Leaves are falling fast. Again remember: Make sure your water is fully balanced before you close. Water will sit in contact with the pool interior for 7-8 months without any chemical adjusting. Water is aggressive and can cause severe damage to interior concrete or vinyl if water is in a corrosive or scale forming state. Make sure your pool is not leaking. Balance pool water before the water freezes.
NOVEMBER Usually we can do a water pump down in this month if it's not to cold. If everything is frozen and snowed over, we can do nothing at that time even if you have a problem. If the pool water or ice is thawed and the water can be pumped, pump it down in concrete pools to 18" below top of deck. Pump down vinyl liner pools only if no ice is present. Pump it down to 12" below top of deck. Brush off branches, leaves, and debris from safety covers. If you have a solid cover with water on it, now is the time to pump the water under the cover into the pool. Water can still be balanced at this time. If a lot of rain came since you closed, the water should be re-balanced.
DECEMBER could be cold and snowy or mild. If your pool is snow covered or frozen, you pool concern is over until spring. If thawed, do a pump down and water test one last time.