A properly winterized pool can stay closed for 6-8 months safely, while emergency closures should be limited to 2-4 weeks maximum. Beyond these timeframes, water chemistry deterioration and equipment damage risks increase significantly.
Yes, you need to run your pool pump in winter, but for shorter periods - typically 4-6 hours daily in mild climates or continuously during freezing weather to prevent equipment damage.
Yes, you absolutely need to clean your pool before closing it for winter. Proper cleaning prevents algae growth, equipment damage, and costly spring reopening issues.
Yes, you can vacuum your pool after adding salt, but timing matters. Wait 24-48 hours for salt to fully dissolve and circulate before vacuuming to avoid equipment damage and ensure proper distribution.
Yes, pool pH can definitely be too high. When pH exceeds 7.8, it causes cloudy water, reduced chlorine effectiveness, equipment damage, and skin/eye irritation. Lower it gradually with muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate.
Not all pools need calcium at the same levels. Plaster pools require 250-350 ppm calcium hardness to prevent etching, while vinyl and fiberglass pools need lower levels around 150-250 ppm to avoid scale buildup and equipment damage.
While you can technically leave your pool covered all summer, it's not recommended as it creates anaerobic conditions that promote algae growth and equipment damage. If you must keep it covered, you'll need modified maintenance procedures.
You can shock a pool with low pH, but it's more effective to raise the pH to 7.2-7.6 first. Low pH reduces chlorine effectiveness and can cause equipment damage, so adjust pH before shocking for best results.
Yes, pools need calcium to prevent equipment damage and surface deterioration. Ideal calcium hardness levels are 250-350 ppm for plaster pools and 150-300 ppm for vinyl/fiberglass pools.
Fiberglass pools do need calcium hardness, but at lower levels than plaster pools. Maintain CH between 150-300 ppm to prevent equipment damage while avoiding surface issues.
Yes, you can clean pool filters with diluted household bleach (1 part bleach to 10 parts water), but avoid bleach on DE filters and always rinse thoroughly afterward to prevent equipment damage.
You can swim in a high alkalinity pool temporarily, but it may cause skin and eye irritation. High alkalinity isn't immediately dangerous but should be corrected to prevent equipment damage and maintain water comfort.
