Having a custom pool in Houston really comes in handy during the hot Texas summers. Pool owners in Houston have the freedom to just walk out of their back door when they get home from work and taking a dip in the pool to unwind.
As builders of some of the best custom pools in Houston, we know what makes pool owners fall in love with their pool but we also know it doesn’t come without some maintenance. Pools must be constantly maintained by the owner or a reputable pool service in Houston or they can go into disrepair.
That means that while there is an off-season for swimming, there is no off-season for pool care. It’s very important to keep maintaining both above ground and in-ground custom pools in Houston all year long, to make sure you have a smooth and clean opening come pool season. Here are 10 of the best tips from our expert technicians so you can care for your pool.
10 Tips For Off-Season Pool Care In Houston
1. Tackle Algae All Winter Long
It’s a good idea to employ the use of an algaecide or even an algaestat that stays in the water for a long time—typically at least 90 days.
On the last day of running your pool for the season, add it to the water and run the pump non-stop for 24 hours. This will allow the algaecide to circulate all throughout the pool equally and keeps the algae at bay for as long as possible. Your startup next season should be a lot easier and you’ll feel better maintaining your custom pool in Houston without any assistance. Knowing your pool and how to maintain it, makes owning a pool that much more rewarding.
2. Check All Systems To Prevent Freezing
We know Houston isn’t exactly ground zero for freezing temperatures, but there have been a few to costly surprises in winter’s past. When you prepare to shut down the pool for winter, make sure to check pipes and mechanical moving parts. Also drain all existing water from the pump, the heater, and the filtration system. You should also as a precaution, drain the water to about 6 inches below the pool skimmer.
Cracked pipes are no joke and can be a very costly repair— since we build custom pools in Houston, we have even had to renovate pools with extensive damage that bad from cracked pipes. It’s not pretty and it’s not cheap, so follow our advice and always keep an eye on the pipes when below 32° outside.
If the temperatures do begin to surprise Houston and dip to freezing temperatures—make sure you have already removed any excess water from moving parts and pumps/hoses. Also, don’t forget to remove any water that has pooled up on top of your pool cover—use a sump pump or a shop-vac for best results.
3. Make Sure Your Pool Cover Stays Clean
Having a cover over your pool during the entire off-season is non-negotiable—however, having a dirty cover over your pool, while still better than nothing, can add sediment and added grime come pool season. Keep it clean and keep the water level where it should be, and make sure the pumps stay running. A pool cover also keeps infants and toddlers from wandering into the pool and keeps wildlife from taking a bath in your pool as well.
4. Watch The Forecast
Usually, in Houston, the falls are mild at best and sometimes pretty warm. Always check the weather ahead of winter and if it is indeed mild, add more chlorine and algaecide just ahead of winter cold fronts. Houston rain can often dilute the chemicals in your pool so make sure to keep it covered well, but if not covered or using a mesh—charge the pool chemicals before the first major freeze so you don’t get algae bloom in spring.
7. Enzymes Are Important
Deploying enzyme products of your choice during the off-season is a must for all custom pools in Houston. Enzymes help break down organic contamination that eventually ends up in your pool sometime during the winter. These contaminations, are non-living and are usually things like pollen, bird dung, and other contaminants. An off-season enzyme will also help prevent the nasty brown waterline ring that can occur through the winter, that requires power washing or scrubbing in the spring.
Professional Servicing From The Leader of Custom Pools In Houston
If you are like most pool owners, you love enjoying your pool and entertaining with it, but you hate having to take the time to maintain it and protect it during the off-season. If this is you, then put your Houston pool care in the hands of the best builder of custom pools in Houston.
Think about it—who would be the best at pool care in Houston? Someone who just cleans and maintains the water and pumps or someone who knows every inch of pool mechanics and design?
Naturally, getting your pool serviced should be a regular task and it should be done by a professional. Contact us today about one of our weekly pool maintenance solutions that best suits your needs.
