How Long Can I Keep My Outdoor Swimming Pool Open?
Swimming is more than just good exercise. It can decrease depression and give your mood a boost. If you own a pool, you don't have to stick to swimming in the few short months of summer.
Knowing how long you can keep your swimming pool open is essential pool maintenance knowledge. But, there are a few tips you can use to stay swimming for longer.
Our guide explains how to extend your pool season so you can enjoy your pool for as long as possible.
Things to Consider When Extending Your Pool Season
Your swimming pool is an excellent investment that can provide hours of enjoyment for you and your family, but how long can you keep it open in a season? There are a few things to consider when deciding how long to keep your pool open.
Pool Heaters
Above-ground pools are usually the first to close, as they are more susceptible to the cold. You can keep in-ground pools open longer, as they are less likely to freeze.
If your pool has a heater, you'll be able to keep it open for longer into the fall months.
Climate
The climate is also a factor to consider. If you live in an area with cool winters like Buckinghamshire, you may need to close your pool earlier. But if you live in a warm climate, you can often keep your pool open all year round.
Cost
Finally, you must consider the cost of keeping your pool open. The longer you keep your pool open, the more you will need to spend on chemicals and maintenance. So you need to weigh the cost of keeping your pool open against the benefits of having it available for use.
How to Keep Your Pool Open Longer
If you are hoping to soak up as much pool time as possible, you can take steps to keep your pool open longer as summer ends.
Keep Your Pump Running
Keep your pool pump moving from 12 to 24 hours a day as the weather cools. The closer you get to a freezing temperature, the more the water needs to move to keep it from freezing solid. A frozen pool can mean damage to your pool's system.
Install an Automatic Timer
If you want to keep your pool open well into fall, install an automatic timer with freeze protection. This device will keep the pool pump running if the pool temperature reaches a certain level.
Turn on the Pool Heater
Keep your pool heater running if you want to extend your pool's swimming season. The heater will get you a few more weeks of swimming as the air temperature cools.
Winterise Special Water Features
If you have special water features in your pool, shut those off. Waterfalls, fountains, and other features use their own sets of pipes. If your pool is still open and the weather gets too cold, the water in them can freeze and damage them.
Open Your Valves
Make sure that the valves in your pool stay open. This step keeps water flowing and helps prevent water from freezing.
Clean Your Pool
Just because the weather is cooling down, doesn't mean you can forget about essential pool maintenance! Skim the water in the pool and brush the pool walls a few times a week. Keep your pool vacuumed once a week.
Switch to Chlorine
Salt generators don't work as well when the weather gets colder. You should switch to chlorine if you keep your pool open past summer. This switch will help keep your pool clean and sanitised.
Balance the Water
As long as your pool is open, you'll still need to balance your pool water by using chemicals. When the weather cools, your pool won't need as many chemicals because of the temperature and lower pool usage.
Cover Your Pool
If you keep your pool open into the fall, keep a cover on the pool. This step will keep heat in and leaves out.
Closing Your Swimming Pool
When the temperatures start to get colder and the swimming season comes to an end, it's time to close your pool. A key part of swimming pool maintenance is knowing when to close your pool.
Extending your swimming season can help reduce the chance that you'll get algae in your pool. If you close your pool too early, you can trap warm air between the pool water and the pool cover. Too much warm air will cause algae to grow.
Make sure the temperature is below 10c before planning on closing your pool. This temperature is too cool for algae and will prevent them from growing.
The Winterisation Process
A professional service performing the winterisation process is key to keeping your outdoor swimming pool safe in the cold.
You can run your swimming pool longer in winter if you have a pool heater. Know that you'll have to stay on top of leaves if you can keep your pool open longer, as too many leaves can clog your filter.
Knowing How Long to Keep Your Swimming Pool Open Will Keep It Running in Tip Top Shape
Understanding how long you can keep your swimming pool open is crucial information for any pool owner. When you know what to look for when opening and closing your pool, you'll keep your pool clean and clear.
Take the guesswork out of the opening and closing of your pool by using Deep End Pools to do the job for you. Deep End Pools offers tailor-made service plans to fit your specific swimming pool needs. Contact us for a quote today.
