With winter in full swing, maybe you are thinking about how the weather is affecting your backyard entertainment pieces. This brings up a question that countless homeowners ask. How can I protect my pool or spa during really cold weather?
Goodall Pools has been in the pool care business in Pennsylvania for close to six decades. For close to three decades, we have also offered spa care to Pennsylvania. If you are new to the pool or spa world, you can rely on our experience and expertise to help you prepare and protect your backyard beauties for the bleak days of winter.
Pool Protection
The Pennsylvania climate definitely doesn’t condone swimming year-round. Properly preparing the pool for its hibernation time is important. And then monitoring the pool when winter precipitation makes an appearance is also crucial.
By late fall, pool owners go through the winterizing process. This is the time that you prepare the water for months of inactivity. Winterizing includes many steps, such as adjusting the water level and adding chemicals to keep the water from having bacteria or scale build-up during its time of non-use. You also remove some pieces of equipment from the water to store for their protection during the winter. Pool safety covers are the final step of this important annual maintenance job.
During the winter months, you still need to keep an eye on the pool. However, we don’t recommend testing the pool water once it’s closed. Since the water hasn’t been circulating, you won’t get an accurate test result. Instead, contact our service department! We offer winter service stops, where we will add winter shock and algaecide to your pool, plus check your water level. These chemicals can be added without circulation because they are made for cold water and won’t damage your pool surface.
Also keep an eye on heavy snow or ice that is putting pressure on the pool’s cover for extended periods of time. Snow can sometimes be blown or brushed off the cover if it is soft. Sharp pieces of ice can damage the cover, which means you don’t want to try to break or move ice. You can invest in a pool cover pump to help remove excess liquid from the top of the pool when the warmer weather melts the frozen water.
Spa Sheltering
Soaking year-round in a spa is very doable. However, there are still things you want to do during the coldest days of the year to keep your hot tub warm and welcoming.
A hot tub cover is one of the greatest methods of protecting the spa 24/7. When you are not using the spa, always keep it covered. The cover helps to keep the hot tub water just that – hot. It also keeps snow and precipitation out while keeping the chemicals safely inside.
We carry hot tub covers from Covana that are some of the best insulated covers available. These are beautiful, automated gazebos designed specifically for spas. With just the touch of a button, the cover lifts and gives you instant protection from any weather above you. It also affords privacy, which is ideal for relaxing soaks in your spa.
How can I protect my pool or spa during really cold weather? Now you know! Come see us at any one of our five locations. Our friendly staff can help you find anything you need for winter water care.
