As winter rolls in, temperatures drop, the skies turn gray, and pool water gets chilly. If you don’t have a spa or a heated pool, your swimming season has likely come to an end. But just because your pool is out of use doesn’t mean it should be neglected!
At Reliable Pool Care LLC, our pool repair specialists are here to help you maximize your pool’s potential, even during the off-season. Here are some valuable tips on what you can do for your pool this winter.
What Should You Do with Your Pool During the Winter Months?
In Austin, the swimming season typically kicks off in mid-March or early April. This gives you a couple of months to either care for your pool or tackle some much-needed upgrades.
Winter Preparation
Preparing your pool for winter in Texas is a bit different than in other regions. In Austin, consider reducing your equipment run time from eight hours to six. If you don’t have a freeze guard or protector, it’s wise to run your equipment at night to prevent freezing.
Work on Your Chemical Balance
Did you know that algae and certain pool bacteria stop thriving when the water temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit? This makes winter the perfect time to scale back on chlorine tablets. These tablets contain stabilizers that can accumulate over the long swim season, so winter is the ideal moment to halt their use and dilute those stabilizers. You can do this by backwashing the filter or draining and refilling some water.
Generally, pool stabilizer levels should fall between 60 and 80 parts per million. To keep your water clear, a monthly shock treatment is usually enough to oxidize any environmental debris. Don’t forget to check your pH and alkalinity every week—this helps prevent plaster erosion and protects your equipment from potential damage.
Renovations
The off-season downtime is a fantastic opportunity for overdue renovations or resurfacing. Draining and replastering a pool usually takes about a week, making winter an ideal time for such work when no one is swimming. If you need more complex repairs or renovations, there are several advantages to scheduling them in winter.
Reasons Off-Season Renovations Are a Smart Move
Cost Savings
Winter is typically a slower season for contractors in our area, which can lead to lower bids compared to peak season. Depending on market conditions, you could enjoy discounts ranging from 10% to 15%.
Quality Materials
The demand for high-quality building materials skyrockets during the active seasons, which can make it challenging to find the best supplies. In winter, with a less of a demand, you’re more likely to secure top-notch materials that will enhance your renovation and stand the test of time.
Efficient Builds
Off-season renovations often lead to faster project completion. With fewer customers, contractors can focus more on your project. This means less waiting around, ensuring your renovations are completed promptly and efficiently.
Rely on a Pool Repair Service You Can Trust
These are just a few of the maintenance tasks and projects you can tackle this winter. Want to dive deeper into off-season pool care? Let the experts at Reliable Pool Care LLC assist you! With over 20 years of combined experience in cleaning, maintenance, and equipment repairs and installations, our team is ready to help. Call us at (512) 829-0546 for any questions or to schedule a consultation!