So the weather is cooler and the pool is closed -- time to forget about it until the Spring right?

 

Well, not exactly. Offseason maintenance is crucial to avoiding unpleasant surprises and costly damage when it’s time to open your pool again. Not only that, securing your pool can add an extra layer of security to keep your family and pets safe while they enjoy the yard during fall and winter.

 

So put aside the “set it and forget it” mindset and take action to keep your pool safe and secure, and ready for opening next season. Here’s how to make sure your pool is safe and secure during the offseason.

 

Prevent equipment from freezing. When you close your pool for the season, it’s important to drain water from your pump, pipes, and filter. Otherwise, the equipment can crack in freezing temperatures, which will delay the opening of your pool and set you back in equipment costs. Whenever possible, remove equipment and store it indoors to prevent weather damage. If the equipment can’t be moved indoors, make sure to check on it frequently when the weather begins to dip below freezing, to make sure it is dry.

 

Take care of your pool cover. Pool covers are an integral part of keeping your pool safe and secure during the offseason. But how you care for it also makes a big difference. Clear your cover periodically to make sure it is free of leaves, dirt, and stagnant water. Also periodically check that the cover remains tight, straps have proper tension, and bolts are secure. This is crucial for preventing weather damage and keeping people and animals safe in the case of them walking onto the cover.

 

Make sure water and chemical levels are balanced. Water level and chemistry are also important during the offseason. Before closing, you should have adjusted the water level to a point that supports the cover in case of snow or ice but does not allow the cover to be saturated.

 

While the pool is closed, periodically check the water level. This will ensure the effectiveness of your pool cover.

 

Install a high-quality safety pool cover. Pool covers don’t just keep your pool clean during the offseason; it keeps it much safer as well. A cover that exceeds ASTM standards can keep your family, friends, and animals safe in your backyard. If someone happens to wander onto your pool cover, the sturdy material will prevent anyone from accidentally falling into the pool. This is especially useful for yards that get a lot of leaves or snowfall that can obstruct someone’s ability to see where an inground pool is. Both solid and mesh safety covers are good options for protecting your pool and keeping family members safe.

 

Protect children with a pool fence. To take offseason safety one step further, consider installing a safety fence. These fences keep children and animals away from the pool area, so there is no chance of them wandering onto the pool cover. A safety fence, paired with a safety pool cover, will give you the most peace of mind when it comes to pool safety, especially during the offseason.

 

While you don’t get to enjoy the benefits of your pool during the offseason, it is important to be sure it is cared for properly. It will make it quicker and easier to get your pool ready for use in the spring and will also increase the overall lifespan of your pool. Besides that, proper care drastically increases safety, giving you the peace of mind you need to enjoy your yard all year long.