Closing Your In-Ground Pool for the Winter

pexels-photo-174758-largeThough many good things come with the cooler months such as warm fireplaces, cozy sweaters, and holidays, the changing seasons also means it’s time to close up the pool. Closing an in-ground pool doesn’t have to be a time-consuming chore and in a few simple steps, you can have your pool covered and protected for the upcoming snowy weather.

Step 1: Test your pool water to make sure everything is properly balanced prior to closing it up. You can either bring your water sample to us at Little Giant Pool & Spa or use in-home test strips to make sure the numbers are right. Your pH you should be between 7.4-7.6 and alkalinity between 100-150ppm.

Step 2: Clean your pool of all debris by vacuuming the floor, skimming the surface, and brushing any dirt from the walls. You’ll then want to add any winter-specific chemicals your pool needs before closing. This is also a good time to clean out the filter and pump, making sure everything is backwashed and cleaned out so nothing gets closed over its stagnant months.

Step 3: Place the cover over your pool. You can use a regular plastic cover or purchase a winter-specific cover that’s made to withstand the harsh weather and temperatures. Make sure the cover is secure and your pool is all closed up!

If you’re in need of assistance for in-ground pools in St. Louis, Missouri, look no further than Little Giant Pool & Spa. We’ll help you open and close your pool each season along with weekly maintenance to keep your pool in top shape all year long. Call us today at 636-271-2200.

How to Tell if it’s Time for a New Pool Liner

pool-1587786_960_720Vinyl pool liners generally last 8-12 years, but daily wear and tear, hazardous weather, and other factors can damage your liner immediately and over time. In order to keep your pool looking crystal clear and in top shape, it is important to know what to look for when you think it may be time for a new liner.

  • Deterioration & Cracks: pool liners will deteriorate overtime due to the harsh elements it faces outdoors. Keep an eye on your vinyl liner for damage such as cracks or tears, which could potentially lead to leaks in your pool. Be sure to monitor your water level for about a week if you’re seeing extensive cracks and tears in your liner.
  • Fading & Stains: A pool liner will of course fade overtime from the water, chemicals, and sunlight constantly hitting it, but significant fading is a sign of deterioration. As the vinyl fades, the plastic begins to break down as well, which will lead to tears and cracks mentioned above.
  • Wrinkles & Stretching: If the liner is beginning to slip out of the track and you’re unable to replace it yourself, the liner may be stretching. A stretched, sagging liner will cause water to drain from your pool while also leading to wrinkles in the material. A stretched liner cannot be repaired, only replaced.

If you’re in need of vinyl liner replacement in St. Louis, Missouri and the surrounding areas, look no further than Little Giant Pool & Spa. Contact us today at 636-271-2200 to request any of our in-ground pool related services.