Photo courtesy of Clint Fore

As the days grow shorter and the air a bit cooler, pools across the nation have closed for the season. But in South Carolina, swimmers have a unique opportunity. Thanks to our temperate climate (and the modern marvel of pool heaters), backyard oases can remain open for business even throughout the winter season. 

However, while we may not face the same freezing conditions as our northern neighbors, proper care is still required to keep your concrete pool in tip-top shape. In this guide, we’ll explore the key steps for winterizing your pool, with a focus on pool maintenance during the cooler months.

Top Tips for Winter Pool Care

Our winterizing process is not as intensive as in colder climates. By following these steps, you can keep your pool pristine throughout the winter season, ensuring that it’s ready for enjoyment when the warmer days return. 

Balance your pool chemistry.

Maintaining proper water chemistry is a year-round task. Even in milder winters, South Carolina pools can be susceptible to algae growth and chemical imbalances. Test your water regularly and adjust pH, alkalinity and sanitizer levels as needed. Aim for the ideal pH level of 7.4 to 7.6 to prevent scaling and staining.

Regularly monitor your pool’s chlorine levels as well. Despite the calendar, South Carolina winters can still provide warm and sunny days, which can deplete chlorine. If necessary, shock the pool to maintain proper sanitizer levels.

Reduce your pool’s filtration time.

In cooler months, you can reduce the operating time of your pool’s filtration system. Running it for around six to eight hours a day should be sufficient to keep the water clean and clear. Make sure the pump and filter are in good working condition to ensure effective filtration.

Prevent Freezing

While freezing is rare in South Carolina, it’s not impossible, especially during rare cold snaps. Pool water begins to freeze at 32 degrees Fahrenheit. and while a pool cover can help keep your water temperature relatively stable, the concern for freezing is the water in the piping and the equipment above the ground.

You want to make sure that during freezing temperatures, your pool pump is running 24/7 so that water is constantly moving and circulating, which helps to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. Most pools built by Aqua Blue Pools come with automated freeze protection. When the air temperatures dip below the automation system’s set point for freezing, your pool’s system will automatically turn on your pool pump so that the water is being circulated. Your pool’s freeze protection mode will remain on until the air temperature rises above the set point. If your pool has water features, the system can be set to automatically turn these on too. Keep in mind, if there is a pool cover, keep it open so all water features can come on. This is an added layer of freeze protection to keep the water moving. Once the air temperature rises above the freezing set point, your pool’s system will self-adjust back to normal operation.

Remove Debris

The fall season can bring an influx of leaves and debris into your pool. Regularly skim the surface, remove debris from the pool floor, steps and benches, and clean out the skimmer baskets. By keeping the pool free from debris, you’ll help maintain water quality. This tip not only makes maintenance easier, but these regular cleanings prevent excessive build-up, reducing your skimming hours and multiplying your poolside relaxation time.

Don’t forget to keep your pool deck area free from debris too. The removal of debris from inside your pool and around your pool will help to prevent staining of these surfaces. 

Regular Inspections

Regardless of season, regular pool inspections are vital to your installation’s longevity. When conducting your own checks, look for leaks, cracks or any damage to the pool structure and water features. Address these concerns promptly to prevent more significant problems.

Don’t feel quite up to the task? Prefer an expert eye on your oasis? Aqua Blue Pools maintenance team is available to assist our clients throughout the Charleston and Bluffton area with professional inspection services.

Create Your Poolside Winter Wonderland

Any season is pool season with an Aqua Blue pool! As the Lowcountry’s premier custom luxury pool builder, Aqua Blue Pools is ready to help you realize the pool of your dreams. Since 1991, our team has built pools in a range of styles for residential and commercial clients in South Carolina. We are proud to work closely with our clients to create and execute impressive custom projects built to last. Contact us today to begin planning your oasis!