When it comes to prepping the pool for winter, there are many steps that take place. However, whether you are seasoned or new to pools, there are mistakes being made during this time that can end up costing you big time. Today, we at Metropolitan Pools would like to take the opportunity to share a few of these mistakes to help you avoid them.
What Happens if I Don’t Cover My Pool for Winter?
Because pool covers are an additional cost, people often avoid covering their pool for the winter. Over the span of a few short years, however, an uncovered pool will cost you far more than a simple pool cover. An uncovered pool will become a catch-all for leaves and debris and all winter-long they will stew. Come spring, you’ll be welcomed with a nasty, sludgy mess. The grime is likely to leave your pool stained and you will spend hours shoveling rotten leaves out of your pool. To make your pool look fresh, an expensive pool opening in the spring, or possibly even a new liner. Covering the pool can protect your liner from the elements and falling debris.
Is it Better to Drain a Pool for the Winter?
It makes sense to drain the pool for the winter to some people. Pools very rarely need to be drained completely. Leaving it full for the winter will protect the vinyl liner from shrinkage and other damage. Keeping them full ensures that the wind will not damage the walls, liner, or frame since these pools are above ground level.
Should I Remove Leaves from Pool Cover?
Despite using a pool cover, you still need to protect your pool from ice, and your pool cover from leaves, snow and other heavy debris. Vinyl pool can be vulnerable to punctures, so it is essential you provide protections.
How Do You Close a Pool for Winter?
1) As it collects, take care to pump excess water off of the cover. Since it keeps the cover from whipping in the wind, a little water is advised, however, too can put intense pressure on the straps and pool rails.
2) While the leaves collect on top of the cover, sweep or shop vac off leaves. They can cause the collected water to become swampy, not only can they add to the weight of the cover.
3) Follow the advice of a professional for any concerns you may have concerning the winterizing your vinyl pool. With their expertise, you can maintain a healthy pool all year long.
The above mistakes are just a few of the more common we have found people continue to make throughout the years. Your pool isn’t likely to suffer catastrophic damage if you skip one of these steps. It will be yet another item on your already long spring to-do list with the cleanup and repair process will end up costing you more than proper maintenance.
Vinyl Pool Installation, Repair, Maintenance & More in Sandusky, Lorain, Elyria, Medina, Parma, Mentor, Akron & Greater Cleveland, Ohio
When it comes to the needs of your vinyl pool in the Greater Cleveland & Akron Ohio area, call in the professionals of Metropolitan Pools and let our experts assist you!