“Chill… Pool Butler helped me take care of It”
Well, it’s that time of year here in North Texas. It can be 70 degrees one day, 20 degrees the next morning. A little bit of proactive care can go a long way in preventing costly repairs. The key is to keep water circulating as freely and frequently as possible.
Start (and stay) with the basics.
- Maintain proper water levels.
- Make sure all jets are working and circulating water all around your pool.
- Make sure your pool, skim baskets and pump baskets are free of debris.
- Backwash your pool and clean out your pump baskets.
IMPORTANT: if you have a DE filter, don’t forget to add the appropriate amount of DE back after you backwash.
Keep your pump(s) and pool heater(s) running frequently.
Keeping water running and above freezing costs a LOT less than repairs for damaged equipment and cracked pipes.
IMPORTANT: your pool should have a freeze guard, which automatically turns on the pump – and maintains circulation – until the water temperature rises to a preset temperature. If you’re not sure if it’s working properly, please call us. Don’t take the risk.
Keep a (non-frozen) garden hose handy.
Store one in your garage or laundry room. If you need to add water, you’ll be glad you did (thanks, Ed!). The point: try dealing with a frozen, coiled up water hose. Good luck!
TIP: Make sure you cover your home’s exterior water faucets, too. Frozen pipes – no bueno.
Shield your pool equipment/systems from direct exposure.
Pretty simple – “cover your assets” (we just couldn’t resist…). Cover your equipment with a tarp, heavy plastic, etc. Worst case, block it from those cold, brisk winds.
Take a quick visual check once in a while.
Look out the window once in a while to make sure your pool continues to circulate water. Place your favorite rubber ducky or pool ball in the pool for a quick visual – their movement can help impede the formation of ice, too.
TIP: if you see ice forming on the surface of your pool, do your best to keep the area in front of the skimmers free of ice.
WINTERIZING IS A DIFFERENT THING
Please DO NOT confuse this blog with “winterizing” your pool. That is a process where the water is drained out of all your pool circulation systems and the systems are shut off. The pool remains full of water but MUST maintain the proper water levels to prevent potential damage to your pool surface.
If you are interested in winterizing your pool, we can do it professionally and properly. Call or email us for a quote ASAP to reserve your appointment.
These are just a few simple, preventive tips. Beyond – any questions, anytime, call or email. We monitor our phone lines pretty much 24 x 7. Pool Butler is happy to earn our reputation as the North Dallas leader in pool services and maintenance for 25 years!
