One might ask why the pool demands such close scrutiny before the cold weather arrives, or what becomes of all that water once the thermometer takes a dive. Or perhaps there is some concern over whether the fall closing has been done properly.
There is no need to wonder. We at Landi Pool Service have put South Jersey pool owners in good shape for winter from 1996 to the present and are not short on questions this time of year. If you should want to put it to someone who has seen what a Jersey winter will do to a pool, pick up the phone at (856) 205-4109.
Then again, you may be interested in a few things about winterizing that come as a surprise before you put the cover on.
The Water in Your Pool Will Not All Freeze
This is a common misconception. A proper winterizing is not meant to turn the pool to ice. The idea is to shield your equipment, plumbing and the water itself from any freeze damage.
Sure, a hard cold snap in South Jersey can put an ice layer on top, but what is below will in most cases remain liquid. Which is as it should be. Ice has a way of expanding and if it does so in a skimmer or pipe it will crack them. When we close a pool we lower the water and open up the lines so any ice has somewhere to go without causing harm.
Winter Chemicals Are a Different Beast from Summer Ones
Your summer regimen is to make the water pleasant and safe for swimming. In the wintertime the objective is different.
We use chemicals that will see the water through months of inactivity while staying clear and clean. It is more important than one would think; a pool put away in a hurry is not going to look as good in the spring as one closed with care. Stick to a good routine and you will avoid:
- Algae making itself at home during the off-season
- Any staining of the walls or liner
- Scale on the equipment
- Cloudy or green water when you put the ladders back in
- The cost and scrubbing that comes with a poor close
In South Jersey Timing Is Everything
Do it too early and the warm water will be an invitation to algae. Wait until after a hard freeze to put the cover on and you have already done some damage.
You will find our part of the state has its own way of doing things. For us the right time to close is in the fall when the water cools down and means to stay that way. We have a feel for when that is in each of the towns we service, from Vineland and Millville to Bridgeton, Salem, Pittsgrove, Washington Township, Hammonton and beyond.
It Is Not So Much Set and Forget It
Homeowners are often surprised to learn their pool requires some tending even after closing.
Between fall and spring you have freeze-thaw cycles, debris on the cover, water levels on the move and the odd winter storm to contend with. Our Winter Watch Program is for just that sort of thing, to monitor the pool in your absence. Should something go awry in January you would be better off knowing of it then than in May.
A Spa Cover Gets Its Share of Abuse
Do not neglect the cover on your hot tub or spa. They will take on moisture and sag with age and are not as effective at holding in heat.
A cover in bad shape puts more strain on the equipment and can give way under snow. We can supply a new one if yours has had its day, which is an easy way to spare your spa and your energy costs.
No Two Pools Are Alike
Commercial pools, in-ground and above-ground, those with a spa attached, they all call for a different approach to winterizing. Your neighbor’s method may not suit you.
Experience tells you what to do. We are here for it all in South Jersey, from water testing and liners to openings and closings. Not sure what your pool calls for? We will put together a free estimate for you.
When the leaves begin to fall and the days shorten, remember these points. You will be glad of it when swim season is upon you and you have a well-winterized pool to show for it.
Call us at (856) 205-4109 to have your pool put to bed correctly. The team at Landi Pool Service is available to put you in order for the winter Monday to Friday between 9 and 4.
