Most of us know that algae can quickly take over a pool in the hot summer months but just because we’ve hit winter it doesn’t mean you can take your foot off the pedal and totally disregard algae as a threat.
While algae flourish best in warm water they’re fairly resilient to colder water and given the chance, are still capable of turning your pool into something quite nasty to look at. So, here are a few ways you can keep your pool clean and healthy throughout the winter months.
Invest in a pool cover
Even if it’s not cold enough where you live to warrant closing your pool, one of the most basic steps to prevent the growth of algae is to cover it with a pool cover. Not only does a cover act as a barrier to prevent algae entering the pool but it also prevents leaves, insects, dirt, and other debris from falling into the water which then decomposes and gives the algae just the environment they relish to thrive on.
As well as providing food for algae, leaves and debris wreak havoc with the chemical balance of your pool – particularly the chlorine level. All it takes is a small drop in the level of chlorine for algae to develop.
Keep your pool cover clean
Keeping your pool cover clean while your pool is closed makes it less of a bother when you come to open it again. If you allow leaves and debris to build-up it can deteriorate and turn into slush which could slide into your clean healthy water when you come to remove the cover. Furthermore, should water start to accumulate on your cover, then try using a scoop net or cover pump to drain it.
Maintain the chemical balance
Regardless of whether or not you’re using your pool, rainwater or bugs can easily get into the water and disturb the chemical balance. Therefore, check its chemical balance about every 2 weeks and where necessary make any adjustments. The Ph should fall within the range of 7.2 to 7.6.
Shock your pool regularly
If your water temperature is between 10 and 20˚ C, shocking it every 3 weeks should suffice. If the temperature is above 21˚then a shock every 10 to 14 days is recommended. Be sure to run the filter for a couple of hours afterwards to ensure an even distribution of the chemicals throughout your pool water.
Run the filter regularly
Did you know that algae love stagnant water almost as much as a pool that is under-chlorinated? Unless you have actually closed your pool, then it’s best to run your filter for 1 hour, twice a day. If you set your timer for the night, then you can take advantage of off-peak electricity costs.
Check your pool regularly
It’s easy to ignore your pool in the winter months but by being vigilant you can keep the algae away and save yourself a lot of time and money later on. So whenever you’re just casting an eye over your pool or cleaning the cover, take a quick peep inside the pool to notice any early signs of algae growth. It grows slower in the winter months so it shouldn’t be too difficult to notice it and take early action.
Should you spot algae, then shock your pool and follow it up a couple of days later with an algaecide. Be sure to choose a treatment rather than a preventative, if you see algae forming.
Meanwhile, if you need a pool cover then you’ve come to the right place. At Just Covers we design and provide top quality pool covers for any size or shape of pool. Take a look on our website or contact our experts for more information by calling 1300 268377.