Keep Your Swimming Pool on the Up and Up
"Do you want to come over for a swim?" This is a question that friends and neighbors long to hear on warm summer days, after school, and during school vacation. A swimming pool can create lots of fun, lifelong memories, and exercise opportunities for the entire family. However, owning and maintaining a swimming pool is a major liability and expense.

Swimming Pool Maintenance Is Critical
Proper maintenance and protection of your pool will insure years of safe enjoyment and help keep pool costs down. As the cold weather comes and winter storms loom, pool maintenance and protection will make using your pool during the warmer months easier and more pleasurable. Winterize your pool to make spring opening easier. Pool construction contractors make the following recommendations:

• Clean the pool completely. Before closing your pool for the winter, be sure it is completely clean. Remove all leaves, check all pool equipment, scrub the walls, and vacuum the bottom.
• Balance the pool water and adjust chemicals properly. Follow installation instructions for pool chemistry which often includes a water shocking treatment. Take a water sample to a professional for complete analysis.
• Protect your pool from algae. Special algaecide chemicals should be introduced to the water before closing.
• Protect the equipment and filter. Flush the filter preventatively and make sure it doesn't back up. Be sure to drain water from all pool equipment, hoses, and baskets.
• Drain the pool water. It should be about 2" below the jet.
• Cover the pool. Prevent leaves and dirt from gathering. Pump water off the cover to prevent a heavy build up which could cause decay or tears in the cover material.