How to Winterize a Swimming Pool

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The time of year to winterize your swimming pool has arrived once again. Winterizing a pool is important regardless of where you live, but if you live in northern climates, it’s even more important to learn how to winterize a swimming pool. It should be kept in mind, however, that if winterizing is not performed correctly, it can cause expensive issues, including broken swimming pool equipment.

One of the reasons that improper winterization can occur is the fact that water volume expands 9 percent when it freezes. Therefore, if water is trapped inside a swimming pool pump, the pump could freeze, expand, and then break. This type of damage could result in hundreds of dollars in replacement expenses.

Prior to closing your swimming pool for the season, it’s vital to ensure that the water in your swimming pool is chemically balanced. If necessary, the levels should be adjusted. Chemically balanced water helps protect your swimming pool from scale buildup and corrosion, both of which can occur during your pool’s off-season.

Along with chemically balancing the water in your pool, it’s also vital that you remove all equipment from the deck, including rails, ladders, furniture, etc. In order to winterize a swimming pool, you will also need to clean the sides and floor of your swimming pool and then vacuum any loose debris or dirt. Any dirt left for a long period can result in stains.

Winterizing chemicals should be broadcast into the deep end of your swimming pool to assist in setting the quality of your swimming pool water. Doing so can help to protect your swimming pool cover, pool walls, and liner.

You will also need to make sure the skimmer, filter and pump basket are thoroughly cleaned. Any unused chlorine product should be removed from the chlorinator. The sand filter, if you have one, should also be backwashed.

The water in the swimming pool should be lowered below the returns and the skimmer. A Shop Vac or air compressor will need to be used to blow water from the system, forcing air down the skimmer and out through the plumbing. Remember that you should never completely drain the pool.

Finally, use a winter cover over the surface of the pool to completely protect your swimming pool during the winter months and place a cover pump in the center of the swimming pool to drain away excess water.

 

 

 

Working with the Best Pool Builder in Kansas City to Find the Right Pool Deck Orientation

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While your swimming pool can certainly be a wonderful place to relax, it’s also a hub of activity in your backyard. A swimming pool deck can be a great addition to your swimming pool to provide not only beautiful aesthetics to your landscaping but also serve a sense of purpose. In order to take advantage of all of those benefits, however, you will need to ensure that your pool deck is oriented in the best direction possible. Working with the best pool builder in Kansas can help to ensure that your pool deck is positioned properly.

Based on the size and type of swimming pool you choose, your pool deck should complement your pool while simultaneously serving a function. For instance, you might wish to have more deck space in a particular area to encourage people to gather in that area. Generally, the area of your pool deck that will be used most will be the area that is able to accommodate the largest number of people and where people can lounge, relax, enjoy food and beverages, etc. If you plan to include additional features, such as a hot tub, waterfall, barbecue area, Jacuzzi, or other feature, it will need to be taken into consideration in regards to the orientation of the pool deck, as well.

In working with the best pool builder in Kansas to determine the orientation of your pool deck, remember to think about any undesirable views outside the main swimming pool area. The way in which your pool deck is oriented can help to minimize such views. Conversely, the same is also true for maximizing beautiful natural views, such as lakes, mountains, hills, etc. The orientation of your pool deck should also include consideration for privacy from neighboring homes. Whenever possible, the pool deck should be oriented toward the sun.

A Buyer’s Guide for Swimming Pool Covers in Kansas

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Swimming pool covers can be wonderful additions to your spa and/or pool area. Along with providing increased safety, pool covers can also help to extend the life of your pool. If you happen to live in a heavily wooded area, a swimming pool cover can also help keep leaves and debris from your swimming pool, thus helping reduce maintenance. A quality pool cover can also keep the water in your pool cleaner, thus requiring the use of fewer chemicals.

What to Look for in Swimming Pool Covers

When choosing swimming pool covers, there are numerous factors to consider to ensure you select the right one for your needs. For instance, swimming pool covers are available in manual and automatic versions. Consider how much time and effort you want to put into using your pool cover. An automatic cover will be easier to use but will also cost more. If you are on a budget, keep in mind that a manual pool cover will be less expensive but will also require more manual effort on your part.

First and foremost, make sure the pool cover you choose is built well. It should be sturdy and not flimsy in order to protect your pool and keep out foreign objects. You should also be aware of local and state regulations regarding swimming pool covers. If you are unsure, check with your pool builder to determine whether there are regulations regarding the size and width of pool cover you need. Also, check to make sure the cover you choose has a sufficient overlap length that extends slightly past the size of your pool in order to ensure full coverage. Lastly, make certain that any pool cover you choose comes with a warranty that covers defects.