Cut Back On, Don't Eliminate, Running the Pool Pump
To save energy, it's perfectly fine to reduce filtration during the winter. Turning it completely off, however, is a costly mistake. Pool pumps circulate the water, remove debris and keep the water from freezing during cold weather. Though turnover rates vary, most pool pumps take approximately six to eight hours to circulate all of the water in the pool. Leave it on …show more content…
Doing so monthly during the winter months will help protect your pool and pool water. The ideal winter pool should have a pH between 7.4 and 7.6. Levels out of this range should be adjusted accordingly with chemicals. Winter calcium levels should fall between the ranges of 175 and 225 pm. Add calcium increaser as necessary to raise low levels.
Consider Purchasing a Pool Cover
Though not a necessity, a well-fitting pool cover can end up saving you money over time. Covers that fit close to the pool's surface prevent excess chemicals from evaporating, saving your time and money from adding new chemicals. Without the sun, algae have difficulty forming, which will keep your pool clean and ready for the summer months. Less debris will get into pools that aren't utilizing their pool pumps continuously and the risk of pools stains will decrease.
Tips for Closing Down a Pool for Winter
If you choose to close down your pool for the winter, take the time to check the pH levels and completely clear the pool of any debris. All of the pool lines and pipes must have their water removed completely. This can be done with a compressor shop vac to avoid having to drain the entire pool. Consider adding pool antifreeze to the lines before plugging them up for the