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Seasonal pool maintenance is one of the most neglected (but important) aspects of pool ownership. In fact, it's probably one of the most important factors in extending the life of a pool.
Without it, all of the money you spend on chemicals and equipment is a complete waste of time.
Seasonal pool maintenance is:
Easy to plan for
Simple to execute
…and can have an instant effect on how long your pool lasts.
In This Article
Why seasonal pool maintenance is important
Pool opening checklist
Summer maintenance must-dos
Fall and winter prep tasks
When to call home pool services in
Why seasonal pool maintenance is important
Seasonal pool maintenance is the process of opening and closing your swimming pool during the year. If it's done right, it will help you avoid many costly repairs and could extend your pool's lifespan.
This process can be broken down into four stages, all of which, when done correctly, will influence the overall health of your pool.
Spring opening: Prepping your pool to be ready for swimming after the winter
Summer maintenance: Keeping the water clean when it is in heavy use
Fall preparation: Getting your pool ready for the drop in temperatures
Winter closing: Protecting your investment over the cold months
The point is that, by doing this, homeowners can enjoy a crystal-clear backyard oasis without having to worry about unexpected breakdowns or emergency repairs.
Sounds like it's important, right?
Well, owners who work with pool experts in Hillsborough, California understand that by having a home pool services company to handle seasonal transitions the whole process becomes easy. With the right people, seasonal maintenance is smooth and trouble-free. The right team can handle everything from chemical balancing to equipment inspections.
Pool opening checklist
The real work starts in spring.
The pool has been sitting unused for months and needs to have serious attention paid to it before anyone can jump in.
HomeGuide estimates the average cost of opening the pool for the season at $375 to $500.
Here's what you need to do:
Remove and clean the pool cover. Inspect the cover for damage and store it properly. If the cover is damaged it won't protect your pool next winter.
Reconnect all equipment. Pump, filter, heater, and automation systems all need to be reconnected and double-checked for leaks.
Check water levels. Ensure the pool is at the proper level before you turn on any of the equipment.
Test and balance chemicals. pH, alkalinity, and chlorine all need to be balanced before swimming.
Run the filter system. Circulate and clean the water for at least 24-48 hours before the first swim of the season.
Here's the best part…
If you open the pool correctly in spring, you will spend less time and money on maintenance all summer long. A properly opened pool requires far less maintenance than one that wasn't properly prepared.
Summer maintenance must-dos
Summer is peak swimming season. It's the time of year when the pool works the hardest and demands the most care.
The warmer it is, the faster algae will grow. The more people who use it, the more contaminants will enter the water. This is why summer maintenance must be consistent and thorough.
Tasks include:
Weekly:
Skimming debris from the surface
Brushing walls and tile lines
Vacuuming the pool floor
Testing the water chemistry
Checking filter pressure
Monthly:
Deep cleaning the filter
Inspecting equipment for signs of wear
Checking for leaks around fittings
Cleaning skimmer baskets
This is the time of year when home pool services are most valuable.
Professional technicians can spot problems before they become major and costly.
RenoSys has reported that the average cost of annual maintenance for residential swimming pools is $3,000 to $6,000. Good seasonal maintenance will ensure that costs remain toward the lower end of that range.
Fall and winter prep tasks
This is the area where many pool owners fail.
As the temperature cools, your pool's requirements change. Ignore fall maintenance and you will be hit with expensive repair bills next spring.
It all starts with reducing chemical treatments. As the number of swimmers decreases, the amount of chlorine and shock treatment also needs to be reduced.
Clean everything. This includes the pool, all equipment, and the surrounding deck area. Leaves and debris that are left to decompose will stain surfaces.
Lower the water level to the appropriate point. The specific level will depend on the pool type and local conditions.
Most people don't realize that winterizing is far more than just covering the pool. Winterizing means protecting every component of the pool from freeze damage.
Critical steps include:
Draining all water from pumps and filters
Adding winterizing chemicals to prevent algae growth
Inserting freeze plugs in all return lines
Securing a quality winter cover
Professional home pool services will do all of this in a systematic way. They know what your particular pool type needs in order to be safely stored away during winter.
The cost of proper winterization is worthwhile. Failing to take these steps could result in cracked pipes, damaged pumps, and liner tears that are thousands of dollars to repair.
When to call home pool services in
Not all pool tasks need to be completed by a professional. But some definitely do.
Knowing when to DIY and when to get help will save both money and frustration in the long run.
Call a pro when:
Equipment is making unusual noises
Water clarity won't improve despite chemical adjustments
You discover cracks or structural damage
Electrical components require attention
Seasonal opening/closing
Do it yourself when:
Skimming and basic cleaning
Routine chemical testing
Simple filter maintenance
Checking water levels
The pool service industry is a multi-billion-dollar-a-year business. It's one that continues to grow because homeowners understand the value of professional expertise.
Certified technicians catch problems early and maintain equipment the correct way.
It's simple to understand when you think about it this way…
A swimming pool is a significant investment. Proper seasonal maintenance is one of the best ways to protect that investment.
Wrapping things up
Seasonal pool maintenance is all about caring for your pool throughout the entire year and not just during swimming season.
It is greatly affected by:
The local climate you live in
Your pool type and its age
The quality of equipment
The frequency of use
A simple way to improve your seasonal maintenance is to create a calendar. Mark the important dates for opening, peak season, fall preparation, and winterizing.
But the most important results, as experienced by thousands of pool owners, come from partnering with reliable home pool services that understand the unique requirements of each season.
Every season has its own challenges. Spring demands a thorough opening process. Summer requires consistent maintenance. Fall needs to be carefully prepared. Winter must be properly protected.
Handle each of these correctly and you will be rewarded with many years of trouble-free pool ownership.
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