When you think about raking up the leaves around the garden it has a certain charm. It is likely for you to feel nostalgic as it evokes childhood memories of romantic movie images of couples strolling through gold and red-strewn parks and jumping in the leaves. Adding water to this scenario changes the vibe.

Nobody likes to scoop soggy dead leaves and it will not only make the backyard a no-go zone but also require a ton more work when the summers roll around again.

Windy and stormy weather can also blow dirt and leaves into the pool that if left to settle can become tough to remove. Here are the top 10 tips to keep your pool in great shape until next summer.

#1. Balance the water

The pH level of the pool needs to be between 7.6 and 7.2. If the pH level is not balanced go to an expert. They will advise you about adding the appropriate treatment to bring the pool to the correct level.

#2. Clean the pool

It is essential to brush the floor and walls of the pool and vacuum the whole pool thoroughly. Algae thrive in unclean water so do not forget to clean the skimmer baskets and the pump’s lint basket of debris.

#3. Clean the filter

Make sure that the filter in the pool is sparkling clean as any oil deposit or grease will harden over winter and make the filter harder to clean in the warmer months. It reduces the overall efficiency.

#4. Using a shock treatment

It is recommended that you use a regular shock treatment through winter. Once you add the shock treatment appropriate for your pool, run both filter and pump for several hours. It will help to ensure that it has been well distributed throughout the water.

#5. Protection against algae

You can use an algaecide that’s appropriate for your pool. The addition of pool algaecide will prolong and enhance the effectiveness of chlorine. It can act as a valuable backup to the anti-algae effects of regular chlorination.

#6. Checking the chlorine levels

If you want to keep your pool clear and clean, it is essential to keep your pool’s free available chlorine levels at a constant level of 2-3 PPM (parts per million) at all times during the winter season. If you are using a pool blanket and salt chlorinator, remember to reduce the output of the chlorinator to 1-2 PPM. As pool blankets trap chlorine and chemicals, it can cause high chlorine levels to occur, resulting in damage to pool equipment if not monitored carefully.

#7. Maintain Total Alkalinity and pH levels

Total Alkalinity (measures the ability of your spa or pool to resist changes in pH) is the overseer that keeps the pH of your water where it needs to be. If your buffering capabilities are low (i.e. low alkalinity), the pH levels can swing drastically from lows to highs.

#8. Run filters

The filter of the pool must operate for 3 to 4 hours every day. If you are using a timer, adjust it to the suitable one. Remember, if you switch the filter on during the off-peak periods, you can save money.

#9. Cover the pool

If you cover the pool it will help prevent water loss and stop the entry of debris. You should make sure you have a good quality pool cover or blanket. You can ask a pool technician for a recommendation that meets your needs and specifications.

Conclusion

Once you prepare for the Winter month is it is important to stick to a maintenance schedule. Even though it is cold and the pool is not in use weekly inspections with a quick visual can keep your pool function properly. Also, you should check the water level, empty the skimmer basket and keep a check on pH and chlorine levels.