For the owners of in-ground pools, maintenance doesn't stop just because the season is over. While less care is required in the winter compared to the heavy use at the height of summer, you still need to keep an eye on your in-ground pool year-round. Here are three tips for off-season pool maintenance to help keep the pool clean and avoid potentially costly repairs in the future.

Caring for Your In-Ground Pool in the Winter

1. Maintain Your Pool Cover

While a cover is a smart way to prevent leaves, dirt, and debris from entering, it also needs to be properly maintained. Open your pool cover during periods of heavy snowfall to avoid damage caused by the weight. Likewise, remove the cover in rainy weather to prevent dirty water from collecting and collapsing the material. On warm days, open your pool cover to prevent algae growth.

2. Prevent Algae Growth With an Algaecide

While algae tend to thrive in summer and spring weather, unseasonably warm days can happen even in the dead of winter. To prevent algae growth and avoid a green swimming pool come spring, consider adding a long-term algaecide to your pool on the last day of operation. Run your swimming pool pump for 24 hours to circulate the algaecide fully, then shut it down for the season.

3. Monitor the System to Prevent Freezing

More critical than the condition of the water in your swimming pool are your pool's heating and filtration systems. As temperatures drop, excess water can freeze, leading to broken pipes, cracked mechanisms, and costly repairs. At the end of the swimming season, drain the swimming pool four to six inches below the skimmer and remove any water from the pump, heater, and filter.

For custom in-ground pools, contact the professionals at Midwest Pools & Stonecrafters in St. Charles, MO. Specializing in custom swimming pool creations that will provide a welcome respite from the summer heat while adding to the value of your home, their skilled team also specializes in decorative concrete, custom water slides, waterfalls, and hardscapes to help you create the perfect backyard oasis. Call (314) 853-8330 to get started on crafting the pool of your dreams, or visit them online to learn more about their products.