Ensuring your pool has the correct levels of chemicals in winter can prevent damage to your pool and makes it easier (and less expensive) to open your pool in spring.

Try to keep your pool’s pH levels between 7.2ppm and 7.4ppm during winter. Keep in mind if your winter pool cover is porous, rain water can get into your pool and throw off your pH levels. If your pH falls below 7.2ppm, add a pH increaser which will correct acidic water conditions, slow the dissipation of pool chlorine and prevent etching of plaster pool walls. If your pool’s pH level goes above 7.4ppm, reduce it with pH decreaser which will help the other pool chemicals work more effectively.

Your pool’s total alkalinity should be in the range 80ppm to 120ppm. Keeping your pool’s alkalinity correct helps keep your pH levels in balance. If your alkalinity falls too low your pH levels may plummet. The result of too much alkalinity can be cloudy water when you open your pool. Adding an alkalinity increaser (Ph Buffer) when your pool’s total alkalinity falls below 80ppm will help control your pH and chlorine levels easier as well.

Low calcium hardness levels can lead to pool water leaching which can stain and etch your pool’s surfaces and eventually cause crumbling of plaster walls. Using a calcium hardener will help keep calcium levels between 180ppm and 250ppm.

An important note about algae. An algae problem in autumn and winter will likely be much worse and costlier to clean up come spring time. Make sure you check on your pool for signs of algae throughout the winter especially if the air temperatures are staying warmer than usual. Maintaining your winteriser along with water clarifier and stain control will keep your pool water sparkling clear and algae free with no stains at the water line or pool floor.

Checking and maintaining pool chemicals in winter can prevent a lot of extra work in spring and save you money. A well maintained pool is easier to prepare for the swimming season and can prevent damage to expensive pool equipment.