Winter Pool Maintenance Guide

Introduction to Winter Pool Maintenance

For Florida residents, winter pool maintenance isn’t just closing up for the season and calling it a day. Since the majority of residents keep their pools open year round, it’s important to know how to prepare for the winter months. A streak of cold days is always in the forecast during Florida’s winter months. To ensure that you’re prepared, here are some helpful winter pool maintenance tips.

Maintenance Practices

In the depths of winter, chances are your pool may not be very enjoyable, especially without a heater. When the pool may go unused for extended periods of time, consider these maintenance tips for proper pool care in winter:

Pool Maintenance Procedures

Clean the pool – Even when you don’t plan on using the pool for a while, it’s important to keep your filter clean and vacuum as usual. Empty those traps to remove leaves and other debris, and make sure to skim regularly.
Monitor Water Levels – With less rain, you may notice more evaporation. It’s important to monitor your water levels just as you would during the summer! If you notice any loss, simply add water and adjust your chemicals as needed.
Use a Pool Cover – Covering the pool during extended periods of time can alleviate much of the swimming pool maintenance described here. Make sure that any cover is free of holes which could allow for debris to enter. When opting for a pool cover, ensure that any and all pool toys or accessories are removed ahead of time! Items such as thermometers, floats and other pool toys will be destroyed under a pool tarp.
Balance Chlorine and Chemical Levels – When you’re not using the pool, your chlorine sanitation system doesn’t need to be on full blast. Feel free to reduce your pool’s chlorine levels slightly to accommodate for colder water temperatures. The lower temperatures will somewhat keep algae and bacteria at bay on its own. Any other chemicals you usually add during the warmer months should be maintained during the winter as well.
Keep Pump Running – While you certainly can reduce the amount of time your pump is running in the winter, it’s still important to leave it on for at least six hours a day in Florida to prevent algae formation.

Equipment Considerations for your Pool in Winter

A variety of upgrades exist that can help make your winter pool maintenance easier and more cost-effective. Some of these upgrade recommendations include:

- Purchasing a Pool Heater – Pool heaters can be installed relatively quickly and provide much needed warmth during the winter months. Before any heater is installed, you should discuss the matter with a pool professional to make sure it integrates with your existing pool setup. Do some research to determine type of unit (electric, gas, solar) which is best for you or call Alligator Pools!
- Install a Salt Chlorinator – Salt water pool winter maintenance is significantly easier than the standard chlorine type. These chlorinators can increase your pool’s lifespan while providing highly desirable benefits. They allow for easy adjustment of chlorine levels, and provide healthier water with less presence of algae or bacteria.
- Consider a Winter Pool Service Company – While these winter pool maintenance tips are fairly straight forward for any pool owner, sometimes they’re difficult to incorporate into our routine. To save you time and effort, consider using a professional pool service company to winterize your pool so you don’t have to worry.

Pool Service in Miami

Alligator Pool Services is a leading provider of pool service in Miami and South Florida. With over 25 years of professional experience in the pool service industry, there’s no one better! Whether it’s equipment installation of salt chlorinators, heaters, or LED pool lights, our comprehensive range of services are sure to keep your pool in check.

We also offer a variety of weekly pool service packages, so you can be comfortable knowing your pool is ready to take on the winter. For any questions or comments regarding our service options, or to receive a free estimate, contact us today.