Changing weather prompts alternative look at pool maintenance

by Sally Bouorm | April 1, 2011 3:55 pm

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By Terry Arko

When service professionals winterize a pool, they are, in a sense, ‘putting it to bed’ for the winter. However, while most pool professionals forget all about those pools until the following spring, it might be worth checking in on the pool before its time to ‘wake up.’ In doing so, you may be able to avoid some challenging openings.

The traditional approach

Winterizing differs depending on the geographic region. The Northeast experiences hard freezes and several important steps are needed to keep the pool protected during these periods. First, chemical balance needs to be checked and adjusted according to the following parameters:

• pH: 7.2 to 7.6;
• total alkalinity (TA): 80 to 120 parts per million (ppm); and
• calcium hardness: 175 to 250 ppm.

Pools should also be super-chlorinated or a chlorine-free shock should be used. After shocking, allow chlorine levels to come down (between 1 to 3 ppm) and then add a winterizing algaecide. Other duties include:

• partially draining water;
• blowing out all above-water lines;
• plugging all returns and drains;
• adding a pool-grade anti-freeze; and
• covering the pool.

In milder regions, pools will be chemically treated and filtration time will be reduced, whether the pools are covered or not.

The impact of climate change

In areas where winters are severe, like many cities in Canada, it is common practice to open and close pools according to the calendar. Pools are typically opened by Victoria Day and closed by Labour Day. The practice of having pools closed down by September is a long-standing tradition in many parts of North America. Once the pool is winterized and covered it is pretty much forgotten until spring.

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However, in light of recent (and possible future) climate changes, traditional winterizing may need to evolve to a system dependent on temperatures rather than dates. As stated recently in the report Canada in a Changing Climate, the average temperature in Canada has increased by more than 1.3 C (2.3 F) since 1948. Parts of the country have warmed more than others, with the greatest temperature increases observed in the western Arctic.

There have also been changes in precipitation patterns, with most of the country becoming wetter and more precipitation falling as rain, rather than snow. Across the country, the hottest days have gotten hotter and more frequent; in the winter, there are fewer days of extreme cold. Similar trends have been noted in the U.S.

When winter temperatures are warmer, chemicals are consumed faster and may not be as effective into the spring.

A new mindset

Pool professionals across the country have reported their pools are filled with much more algae and are very difficult to get into shape for swimming. A growing number are now opting for new ways to close and open pools because of these challenging ‘openings.’

Steve White with UnderWater Pool Masters in Massachusetts has altered his closing and opening routine with recent changes in weather patterns.

“We have definitely changed our winterizing program in the last few years because of warmer weather here in the Northeast,” White explains. “We find that with increased rain and warmer weather in March and April, more pools being opened have a real algae challenge. Since most of our pools have safety covers, the mesh material allows rain water and nitrates to enter the pool water. With a little sunshine and temperatures above 10 to 13 C (50 or 55 F), the pools are filled with algae by the time you open in May.”

With fall staying warmer longer, some residential pool owners may also choose to keep their pool open longer. One problem that can occur in these situations is the falling leaves, which, over the course of the winter and early spring, can hold algae spores that release stains from tannins on the pool surface.

Ginny Mulvaney, president of Custom Pools in Minnesota, says, “We actually try to encourage people to keep their pools open longer, but with the leaves that come down in the fall, a pool can be covered in less than one hour. It can become a lot of work for the homeowner.”

Warm weather contingencies

Many pool professionals are incorporating contingency plans to deal with warmer weather patterns and earlier spring openings.

“We now offer what we call a ‘chemical drop,’ which is a pre-opening service for both our residential and commercial customers,” White explains. “This service involves adding 20 L (5 gal) of liquid chlorine and 0.95 L (1 quart) of algaecide to arrest algae growth. This keeps the algae from growing so we don’t have to battle it in late May. We even recommend this to ‘do-it-yourself’ customers who are treating their own pools.”

Others, such as Mulvaney, have started preparing for warmer springs at closing time. “Our main focus at the end of the summer is to heighten customer awareness about the importance of having to use extra chlorine and algaecide before closing, to hopefully help with spring openings,” he explains. “But again, you just don’t know what kind of winter we might have.”

The value of check-ups

These professionals have become keenly aware of changing weather patterns and understand the importance of checking on pools both late and early in the season to ensure easier openings. Warmer seasons may be conducive to doing a late fall ‘check up.’

Pool professionals should consider adding chemicals in cases where an extended summer has stretched into November. This would also include testing the pool’s water balance and chlorine levels and adjusting as needed, as well as adding algaecide.

One beneficial treatment that can be done both early fall and spring is to treat for phosphates.

“We still follow the rule of closing our pools ‘clean’—super-chlorinating, removing all nutrients, using lots of phosphate remover and providing ‘pre-season’ treatment to ensure we get the cleanest, easiest pool openings in the spring.”

Keeping phosphate levels down ensures the algaecide will be more effective from fall through early spring. When algae is lacking a key nutrient, it is less likely to get a serious foothold before the pool is opened.

Stay flexible

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In today’s world, pool professionals need to be more flexible than ever when it comes to maintenance. Not only are weather patterns changing, there are also several new source water challenges, such as lower water tables with more minerals and metal-bound bacteria. This could mean that stain removers, metal sequestering agents and clarifiers may be needed when closing and opening pools. Water municipalities now use ammonia-bound chlorination and add phosphates for iron corrosion, which might necessitate additional oxidation and regular phosphate testing during closing and opening programs. The challenges of today’s water professionals require quick thinking and the ability to adapt to a changing environment.

 

 

 

 

Terry Arko has more than 30 years experience in the swimming pool and spa industry, working in service, repair, retail sales, chemical manufacturing, customer service, sales and product development. He is also a Certified Pool Operator (CPO) and CPO Instructor through the National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF). Arko is currently the product specialist and northwest territory sales representative for SeaKlear Pool and Spa Products based in Bothell, Wash. He can be reached via e-mail at tarko@seaklear.com[4].

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