Having a swimming pool is a year-round responsibility - even in the winter. Living in an area of the country that sees snow and ice means you need to take the additional step of protecting your swimming pool from the winter elements because ice and snow can cause damage. In order to prevent damage there are steps you can take and here they are:
1. Care for the cover: Remove ice and standing water from the cover. The best way to do this is by using a pump. If there is a warm day that melts the ice that's gathered on the cover, you will want to pump off the standing water. Resist the urge to pull off chunks of ice from the cover, because of its sharp edges you run the risk of cutting the cover.
2. When the wind gets whipping it can blow the cover off the pool. If this happens it can tear and even shred the cover. Depending on how loose the cover is it could be completely blown off and out of your yard never to be seen again. The best way to prevent this is by making certain the cover is secure at the beginning of the winter season and check it at least weekly. Ask your swimming pool builder the best way to keep the cover tight and secure.
3. Protect from falling tree branches: A swimming pool cover is not an inexpensive purchase, but if taken care of properly, the cover can last you for many years. Pool builders find that tree branches are the main culprit to pool cover damage. Before winter hits, remove any branches that hang over the pool. If you have a lot of dropped leaves in your yard you may also want to consider installing a leaf net on top of your regular pool cover - this device catches leaves, making it easy for you to remove them without having to take the whole cover off.
4. Water levels: prior to even putting your swimming pool cover on, your swimming pool professional will lower the water a few inches below the skimmer. You certainly don't want the water level too low or it will cause the cover to sag too far into the pool water.
5. Chemical balance: Prior to the cover being put on your pool remodeler will also balance the chemicals in the water to keep algae and bacteria growth at bay throughout the winter season.
Proper winter swimming pool protection will not only protect your pool from the winter elements but can potentially save you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars, in expensive swimming pool repairs when the 2012 season rolls around.
