If you’ve ever gazed into your backyard wishing that you could enjoy your family swimming pool 12 months a year, you’re not alone by any means. Many a pool owner has had this dream, but not found it feasible enough to actually follow through and make it a reality.
But is it actually realistic to begin with? Is there a way to keep that focal point of your backyard open for use any time of the year?
Well, the short answer is yes. But there’s some work and a whole lot of planning involved to make it happen.
There are actually several advantages to keeping your pool open all year long. These include the ability to extend your swim season, eliminating the need for a winter pool cover and not needing to go through the dreaded cleaning and reopening process every spring.
But there are several factors you’ll need to consider before deciding to keep your pool open during the cold winter months. How cold does it normally get in the winter where you live? What’s your budget? How often would you actually use it?
These are all questions you need to ask yourself before deciding to keep your pool open during the times of the year when it’s not very warm outside.
But if you’ve answered all of these questions to your satisfaction and still want to use your pool during the winter, then let’s talk about how you can actually accomplish this goal. These tips are from a professional pool builder in San Antonio, Sanchez Pools, has been around for over 40 years and knows a thing or two when it comes to maintaining a home pool.
Keep Your Pump Running
If you want to keep the water in the pool from freezing, then you’re going to need to run your pump anywhere from 12 to 24 hours a day.
If the temperatures outside are at or near 32 degrees Fahrenheit, then the running pump will likely be the only thing keeping your water from freezing, so be sure to keep an eye on the thermometer to prevent any freezing from occurring.
You can also install an automatic timer, if you wish, which will automatically turn your pump on when the outside temperatures get to a certain level.
Using A Heater
If you want to swim during the winter, you’re definitely going to need a heater to warm up the water. That is, unless you have penguin or polar bear blood running through your veins.
You’ll need to decide what temperature you want the water to be, and that’s really a personal preference. But installing and using a heater can extend your swim season and allow you to enjoy your swimming pool for a good portion of the calendar year.
Keep Your Valves Open
If you’re going to be using your swimming pool during the winter, then you’re going to need to keep your valves open.
This will maintain good water flow and prevent any damage that can result from water freezing in the pool.
Cleaning And Maintaining The Pool
Just as you would in the dead of summer, you’ll need to clean and maintain your pool on a regular basis in order to keep it in prime swimming condition.
This includes vacuuming, brushing the walls and skimming the water on a regular basis, as well as keeping the water in good chemical balance.
No matter the time of year, your pool will look and feel great if you keep up with a regular cleaning and maintenance schedule.
Cover Your Pool
When you’re not using your pool, it’s a good idea to keep it covered in order to prevent the heat from escaping. It will also keep the water cleaner and ready for use whenever you feel like taking a dip.
If you’re planning on using the pool a good amount during the winter, it makes sense to invest in a solar cover. They’re lightweight and easy to set up, and will definitely keep your water warmer than a regular cover would.
If you’re only going to be using the pool occasionally during the winter, however, then a more permanent winter or safety cover makes more sense.
