It’s that time of year again. The seasons are changing and the weather just isn’t suitable for an outdoor pool to stay open. Pool owners aren’t often thrilled with what that entails. Closing and cleaning your pool can mean a lot of work. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to cut down on the time and money spent dealing with this annual issue. Whether you have an above ground or inground pool make sure you do your research to make your life easier this fall pool cleaning and maintenance season.
Once temperatures in your area start averaging around a 65 degree high, it’s time to start thinking about getting ready for the pool winterization process. Closing the pool when the weather is still too warm out actually runs the risk of excess algae forming on walls and floor. Preparations are recommended to commence at least a few weeks before the deep cleaning step of the process begins so make sure you get your product and tool list ready to hit your local Berings, Southland Hardware or family owned and operated M & M Hardware.
Tips On Closing The Pool For Winter
Cleaning and draining the pool are the bulk of the work when it comes to closing the pool. Sure, there are other things that can be piled on, but for most people, these are the tasks that they dread when fall comes around. The process doesn’t have to be painful though. Make sure to prepare with the proper products and tools to guarantee the job gets done right with the least amount of stress and backbreaking work possible.
Inground Pool vs Above Ground Pool
There are a few key differences between closing an inground pool for winter and above ground one. For the most part, however, the process is almost identical. Here is a quick guide that should help streamline the process for a fast and effective
- Inground Pools
- Cleaning thoroughly includes vacuuming, scrubbing walls and pool floor, and skimming the surface. You should also clean out the skimmer and pump baskets.
- Draining differs depending on the climate you’re in. Houston can get below freezing so water should be drained to 6 inches below the skimmer line or tile line. Drain the pool pump and heater and filter as well.
- Protecting your pool and water is important as a final step in the winterizing process. Alkalinity should be between 80-120ppm and pH should be between 7.4-7.6. Backwash the pool and clear the lines and pipes of water. These levels should be checked and maintained monthly.
- Antifreeze procedure. After the lines are clear you should add pool antifreeze to protect your pool’s system from freezing and cracking. Finally, it’s time to put on the winter cover or safety cover to secure the pool. Leaf nets are also recommended for Houston’s milder climate.
- Above Ground Pools
- Differences. Above ground pools require an “air pillow” installation or “ice equalizer pillow”. It’s also important to clear the pool of all ladders, matts, stairs, wall skimmers, and lights.
Spring Pool Maintenance Is Hectic. Get Your Pool Leveling Done Off Season
It’s possible you’ve needed a professional pool deck leveling for years now. Every time you get around to thinking about getting your pool ready for the summer, however, all the pool maintenance professional contracting services are all booked up. This isn’t uncommon and has been the case in many parts of the country, including Houston, for the past few years now.
Book Houston’s leading experts in concrete leveling for your pool or pool deck raising and leveling service today. This time of year opens up for many of our technicians and that means you’ll be able to get us out to your property for a quick and easy pool deck leveling or pool raising in no time.
Level Your Pool Deck And Seal The Expansion Joints For Full Protection
Once your pool has been leveled and the deck is back to ideal levels, it’s likely time to get those expansion joints redone and filled. The concrete pool deck slabs being tilted or off level probably means they also have gaps in between where water is able to penetrate and seep into the soil underneath. If that water freezes this winter and expands then you could be dealing with a completely new problem that will most definitely cost more than a polyjacking concrete leveling service and expansion joint fill.
Before After Before After
Tilted Concrete Solutions, Houston’s Concrete Leveling Experts
We are experts any time of year. Don’t think that just because you won’t be using your pool for a while doesn’t mean it’s not the perfect time to knock out two birds with one stone. Pool cleaning and maintenance can and should go hand in hand. Get Tilted Concrete Solutions out to your pool this fall for an assessment and quote on pool deck concrete lifting and leveling. Give us a call or email us with any questions. We’re happy to help!
