WINTER POOL PROTECTION

We hate to admit it but summer is coming to a close and so are many of our customer’s pools. It’s time to start thinking about the inevitable (somewhat depressing) fact that winter is coming and with winter comes hazards like ice and snow.

Don’t fear the frost this year, your friendly pool professional is here to help you learn winter pool risks and prevention tips so you can ensure your favorite summer showstopper is visited by Jack Frost and not Jack the Ripper (in the case of those winter damaged covers and liners…yikes!) ….and we promise there’s not too many more bad jokes!

RISK #1 – WATER IMBALANCES

It is important to keep your water balanced all year long, including when your pool is closed. Chemical imbalances in your water can cause costly, unsightly and sometimes irreversible issues such as staining, fading and water rings. Over the winter, chemicals become imbalanced due to precipitation, snow/ice melt, run off water, variations in temperature and sunlight. Chemical levels should be checked and balanced once monthly to decrease risk of damage to your pool liner, plaster or other finishes.

RISK #2 – FLUCTUATING WATER LEVELS

During your closing, your pool company should lower the water level below the tiles of the pool to prevent risks associated with high water levels and freezing water. Although water is pumped out of your pool at closing, water from precipitation and run off will accumulate in your pool during the winter, raising water levels to heights that may damage your pool and/or property. If water levels are not checked and maintained thawing and freezing of water can result in broken or missing tiles, loose coping, and flooding. Alternatively, if you have a liner pool with a small undetected leak, or if we have a very dry winter, you may lose a significant amount of water over the winter months; water loss can result in issues such as a floating liner. Drastic alterations in water level can also cause your liner to fall out of the track. Water levels should be checked monthly to ensure your pool is not over or under filled.

RISK #3 – ICE/SNOW

Yes, despite your best efforts and application of antifreeze, your water can freeze during the winter if temperatures drop low enough. If you are not maintaining water levels and the area surrounding your pool, freezing water can mean some serious spring expenses. Ice and snow can wreak havoc on a pool causing issues like cracked skimmers, broken/lose tiles, expansion joint/deck damage and even cover damage from heavy weight. If you’re not investing in a winter service, make sure you are checking your water levels, pumping your pool, cleaning your cover and pool deck regularly to decrease your risk of damages.

HOW TO WATCH AFTER YOUR FAVORITE SUMMER TOY THIS WINTER?

Follow the tips above to ensure a safe winter season for your favorite summer toy.

For those of you who already have a migraine from thinking about adding pool care to your list of holiday activities, don’t worry, Northstar has your back! Northstar’s Winter guardian watch is a worry-free solution for year round protection of your pool, helping you keep your pool-peace-of-mind this winter and holiday season. Under our watch, a trained technician will assess your pool and equipment to ensure your investment is safe from threats until opening season! This service includes three visits, once monthly from December to February, water level adjustment, cover clean off*, equipment check, brushing and balancing of water chemistry.**

Call us today to book your peace of mind! 201-236-0300.

*Additional cost may apply for excessive cover clean off (over 1 hour).

**Services will be performed during monthly visit as necessary, chemicals cannot be checked if water is frozen.