Everything You Need to Know About Winter Pool Maintenance in New York

Your pool is closed up tight for the winter, all tucked in with the cover securely attached. Now all you have to do is wait for spring. Meet you by the fireplace!

Not so fast.

Swimming pool maintenance doesn’t end when you close up the swimming pool for the winter. Your pool has a few needs even while the snow piles up. And here in New York, it does pile up.

Pay attention to winter pool maintenance and get your set of pool equipment at work. You’ll have a quicker, easier — and cleaner — opening come spring.

Let’s take a look at winter pool maintenance in New York:

Protect The Water

When the temperature falls near freezing temperatures, microorganism reproduction slows down, but it doesn’t stop completely. That means you need a winterizing product to fight the growth of microorganisms.

Keep the correct water chemistry and pH levels in your pool water throughout the winter and your water will be healthier when you open your pool in the spring.

Pro tip: Use a winterization product that consists of algaecides and is meant to work for an extended period of time, for the long winter months.

Keep The Cover Clean

Keep the top of your pool cover free from leaves and twigs. Remove any leaves stuck beneath the edge of the cover and the straps. Use a leaf blower, or gently use your leaf net or pool brush to clean the surface periodically.

If debris accumulates throughout the winter, you can end up with a yucky stew of stagnant water. It’s a mess to remove and some of it can end up in the pool.

A clean pool cover will also deter chipmunks, squirrels, and birds from scampering across it, potentially creating a mess and possible pool repairs. If there’s no debris on top, they won’t head there to look for acorns or worms.

Keep Snow Off The Cover

Snow is heavier than it looks, so it’s important to keep it from piling up on your pool cover as part of your winter pool maintenance.

Use a long broom to push the snow off the cover. Don’t use a shovel or anything with sharp edges that could damage the cover.

Maintain The Water Level

The proper winter water level for your pool depends on the type of pool and cover you have.

In general, your pool’s water level shouldn’t be too low in the winter. For example, if you get a foot of snow but the water in the pool isn’t high enough to support the cover, the cover could get damaged.

The water level shouldn’t be too high, either. If it comes in contact with decorative tiles, the freeze and thaw cycle can damage the tiles or your pool’s finish.

Your pool professional can advise you on the proper winter water level for your particular pool and cover, so you can keep an eye on the water level throughout the winter.

Open The Pool Earlier

You’re not going to argue with this tip, right? Fungi and algae grow quicker in warm water. Open your pool and start treating the water before the water gets too warm to ward off the gunk that loves to grow there.

Pool closing during the winter months doesnt really need to be long, for there’s always the pool heater. With a pool heater you can extend your pool season and enjoy your swimming pool a few months more.

Leave Your Winter Pool Maintenance Needs To Neave

The experts at Neave Pools offer the same top-quality pool maintenance for your pool in the winter as we do in the summer.

Your pool may have the winter off, but we’re still hard at work, tending to all of the important aspects of winter pool care in New York.

Our popular Winter Service Program covers all your pool’s winter maintenance needs.

Our experts will visit your pool every 5 to 6 weeks from November through April to:

• Confirm the pool cover is secure and in good shape.
• Make sure water is at the correct level.
• Monitor snow levels on the cover to prevent damage.
• Complete water tests to ensure that chemicals are balanced. Then we’ll adjust them if needed. This will maintain clear water for less wear on liners and plaster finishes and a faster opening in the spring.

Give Us A Call For Winter Pool Maintenance in New York and Connecticut

If you’re in Hudson Valley, call (845) 463-0592. Westchester, call (914) 271-7996. Cold Spring, call (845) 463-0592, and in Connecticut, call (203) 212-4800. Or fill out the handy web form on this page, and we’ll get in touch with you to schedule a complimentary swimming pool consultation.