EASY POOLS OCTOBER 2015 BLOG – EASY POOL TIPS FOR THE FALL SEASON!

Untitled-3Many Central Texans have the luxury of using  their pools longer than most homeowners around the county. However, as September comes around, it’s time for Austin pool owners to start preparing their pools for their winter hibernation. Pools are an investment that every family enjoys having. So, if you have a pool you may want to protect that investment.

 

Before the leaves begin piling up in your pool you will have to get it ready to stay dormant during the winter. Not only will this protect the pool during the fall and winter, but it will make it much easier to open come summer. If you have a pool this has to be one soon. So,take some time to review the process and ensure you get it right. This will help re-opening the pool next summer from being too much of a task.

 

Easy steps of how to close your pool ahead of autumn:

 

KEEP IT CHEMICALLY BALANCED

 

  • Making sure the chemical balance of your pool water is correct b

efore closing is crucial to avoid corroding or forming scale on the sides of your pool. This will also keep the thousands of gallons you have in your pool clean and ready to use next summer. Remember, getting the levels right as well as monitoring them is crucial to keeping all that water clear through winter.

  • To begin, start about one week before you plan to close your pool. Clean any debris from your pool, and then test the pH, total alkalinity, and calcium

hardness. The pH should be between 7.2 – 7.6 and Alkalinity between 100

-150 ppm. Pools that are lined with gunite (dry mixture of cement and aggregate sprayed through a hose at high pressure that is combined with water at the nozzle) require somewhat lower alkalinity than those with fiberglass or concrete. Many pool services recommend 120 ppm as a good overall benchmark. Calcium hardness should be 180-220 ppm.

  • Next, shock the pool to control algae. The chlorine level in the pool to be rather high (over 3.0 for wintertime).
  • Lastly, cycle the water through the pump and filter for a few days until chlorine levels to return to normal. Then add winter algaecide.

 

 

THE FILTRATION SYSTEM

 

Cleaning your pool’s filter system is a process that varies depending on the type of filter you have. These steps will change depending whether you have a cartridge, sand or diatomaceous earth filter. All three vary, but should include the manufacturer’s directions that can be used for guidance.

 

 

FINISH UP AND INSTALL THE COVER

 

Just a few more steps and your pool will be prepared for the colder months ahead. First make sure that your pool’s water is drained properly. The surface should rest below the skimmer openings. Depending on the kind of pool the recommended distance below the skimmer will vary. Next take out the directional fittings and install freeze plugs. After this you can shut off your pump, drain out all of your pool equipment and begin loading it up wherever you choose.

 

After this, it is time to lay down the cover. You will likely need assistance for this and will have to be careful. It is best not to walk on the pool cover.

That’s it! You’re all done and your pool is now protected from the colder

Temperatures ahead. Remember, the only time you want ice in or near your pool is when it’s in a margarita during summertime!

 

For more information, call Easy Pools at 512-266-6592. Online scheduling

for maintenance and repairs is also available at www.EasyPools.com

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