People who live in Memphis know that the winters here can be unpredictable. You might be enjoying mild weather one day, but then a cold snap can hit overnight on the next.
Because of this, many homeowners underestimate the importance of properly winterizing their swimming pools. Even though Memphis-dwellers don’t often get the harsh freezes typically seen up north, skipping a few key steps can still cost you a lot when spring rolls back around. Here’s what many homeowners forget when preparing their pools for the off-season, as well as how you can avoid those mistakes:
Why Does Winterizing Matter, Even in Mild Climates?
The average homeowner might think, “it doesn’t really freeze that much here, so why bother with winterizing?”. However, the truth is that even a few nights of below-freezing temperatures can seriously damage your pool equipment. Pipes can crack, filters can burst, and algae can take over if the water chemistry hasn’t been balanced.
Proper winterization keeps your swimming pool clean and protected so that it’s ready to be enjoyed when the warm weather returns.
Forgetting to Balance the Water Chemistry
Skipping the chemistry check before covering the pool for the winter is one of the biggest mistakes that a lot of homeowners make. Balancing your water doesn’t just keep it blue, it prevents scaling, staining, and corrosion.
Before shutting things down for the season, make sure to test and adjust the pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness levels. A quick shock treatment should help kill off lingering bacteria and algae spores, keeping your pool water clear even while it’s dormant.
Overlooking Equipment Protection
Your pool equipment needs as much care as the water itself. Many people forget to drain water from pumps, heaters, and filters, which can lead to serious damage if temperatures drop. Even a little trapped water can freeze and expand, cracking expensive components.
It’s important to take the time to blow out the lines and remove drain plugs so that everything stays dry through the winter season. Another smart thing to do is to disconnect and store smaller equipment like pool vacuums, skimmers, and hoses indoors. That way, they won’t be exposed to the elements or unexpected frost.
Neglecting the Pool Cover
A high-quality pool cover does more than just keep leaves out. It also helps maintain water quality. Here’s the thing, though – just tossing it on and forgetting about it doesn’t work. Many homeowners overlook the need to clean and secure the cover properly. This can lead to a loose or dirty cover that can let debris and rainwater seep in, creating a breeding ground for algae.
Before covering the pool, make sure the surface is clean and that the cover fits tightly. Throughout the winter, occasionally check the cover to remove any standing water or debris. This small step can save you from hours of cleaning when spring arrives.
Let Smith Pool Take Over Closing Your Pool for the Winter
Residents of the Greater Memphis Area, rejoice: you don’t have to winterize and close your pool yourself. Smith Pool offers pool service in Memphis! To put in a service request, call 901-512-6662 or use the contact form that can be found on their website.
