At All Clear Pool & Spa, we know how crucial it is to protect your pool from freeze damage. We offer professional pool services that provide comprehensive solutions to keep your pool safe during the winter months. Whether you have an inground or above ground pool, our experienced team takes all the necessary steps to properly winterize your pool. We make sure that the pool water is balanced, the water level is lowered, and the pipes and equipment are cleared of water. With our expertise and meticulous attention to detail, you can rely on us to safeguard your pool and prevent any winter damage.

Here are some friendly tips to help prevent freeze damage to your pool equipment:

1. When the temperatures are forecast to be freezing, make sure to run your filter pump. If you have a booster pump for a pool cleaner or waterfall, ensure that water is flowing through them as well. Remember, even low speed on two speed pumps can keep the water in motion and prevent freezing.

2. Keep all valves at least partially open to allow for some flow through all pipes and equipment.

3. To prevent freeze damage, consider wrapping your pipes with a heat coil or heavy insulation. Just make sure that all areas are receiving warmth.

4. Want some added convenience and protection? Opt for controls with freeze sensors. When attached to your time clock or controller, these sensors will automatically turn on the pump(s) when the temperatures fall below 40 degrees. Before winter arrives, double-check that the sensors are still functioning properly. A loose or broken wire can easily cause equipment failure. If you need assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to All Clear Pool and Spa.

5. If you prefer a simpler approach, you can always drain the above grade pool equipment. Just make sure to ensure the timer clock won't turn the pump on. Remember to remove pump drain plugs, filter drain plugs, heater drain plugs, and any other necessary plugs.

At All Clear Pool & Spa, we take great pride in offering exceptional hurricane prepared pool services to help you keep your pool safe during tropical weather conditions. We truly understand just how crucial it is to protect your pool from any potential structural issues that may occur during hurricanes. That's why our team of experts begins by conducting comprehensive inspections to carefully evaluate your property's vulnerability to hurricane damage. Based on our findings, we will then provide you with valuable recommendations for additional measures that can fortify your pool's defenses. With our help, you can have peace of mind knowing that your pool is well-equipped to withstand any storm that comes its way.

1. KEEP THE WATER LEVEL AS IS, UNLESS REQUIRED. Many people wonder if the pool will overflow during a storm if the water level is not lowered. The truth is, it will not overflow any more than your patio or yard would. In fact, having water in the pool can provide protection to the tiles and surface from flying objects. It's important to note that completely draining the pool is never recommended. However, if you do decide to lower the water level, make sure to close your skimmer valve or use a plug to prevent any damage to the pump while draining and when the power is turned back on. Additionally, consider super chlorinating the pool as it can serve as a handy water source for washing and flushing in case your house water supply fails.

2. TURN OFF ALL ELECTRICAL POWER TO THE POOL. This includes the pump, motor, lighting, and chlorinators. Ensure that everything is switched off to avoid any potential damage.

3. PROTECT YOUR FILTER PUMP. If your filter pump is located in an exposed area, it's recommended to have the motor removed and stored, especially if your area is prone to flooding. Alternatively, you can wrap the motor with a waterproof membrane or plastic bag and securely tie it in place to prevent sand and water from entering. If there is a pump box lid, be sure to tie it down.

4. REMOVE ANY LOOSE ITEMS FROM THE POOL AREA. While some people might think it's a good idea to throw patio furniture or accessories into the pool, it's actually not advisable. If you do need to place items in the pool, be sure to remove them as soon as possible after the storm passes. Heavy furniture can cause chipping, rusting, and damage to the pool finish, while the chemicals in the water can have a negative effect on the furniture. This is especially a concern for vinyl liner pools, as they can be torn by furniture and other objects.

5. TRIM WEAK AND DEAD BRANCHES AROUND THE POOL. Make sure to remove any branches that are near or overhanging the pool equipment, pool screen room, and pool deck. Additionally, take the time to clean the pool deck drains to prevent any clogging or blockage.

6. STORE REMOVABLE CHILD SAFETY FENCES AND INSTALL FENCE DECK CAPS. If you have any removable child safety fences around your pool, it's important to remove and store them before the storm. Additionally, install fence deck caps for added protection.

1. REPLACE ANY CHILD SAFETY FENCES: Let's make sure our little ones are safe! Store the deck caps for future use.

2. DO NOT EMPTY THE POOL: We want to avoid any damage caused by high ground water. So, don't worry about emptying the pool.

3. SUPERCHLORINATE THE POOL WATER: Time to get rid of all that debris! Use a rake and skimmer to remove leaves and other organic materials as soon as possible. They can really consume chlorine! Once the chlorine levels are back to normal, have the water tested for proper balance. Heavy rain can throw off the mineral balance needed to protect your equipment and pool finish.

4. REMOVE ALL DEBRIS IN POOL: Let's avoid any clogged lines before restarting the system. Grab a rake and skimmer and get rid of any debris. 

5. DANGER: SPECIAL CARE FOR CHEMICAL FEEDERS: Some chemical feeders require special attention before starting the pump motor. Reach out to All Clear Pool and Spa Shop or your pool company for guidance.

6. REMOVE ANY WRAPPING AROUND PUMP MOTOR: If the motor has been submerged, it's best to have it professionally cleaned and dried out. If the pump has remained dry, turn on the electricity.

7. CHECK THE PUMP OPERATION: Let's make sure everything is running smoothly! Check if the pump is operating normally and if the water is circulating in the pool. Don't forget to reset your time clocks. 8. RUN THE FILTER: Keep the filter running until the water is crystal clear and get ready to resume normal pool operation. Enjoy your clean and sparkling pool!

If you are heating the pool, Fall is a good time to do routine cleaning and maintenance of the heater as described in the owner’s manual. If you are heating the pool it should be covered with a pool blanket to save money. Liquid pool blanket is the next best alternative to a pool blanket. All gas heaters should be turned off at least 15 minutes before the pump turns off. A fireman’s switch added to the time clock is the easiest way to do this.

Unfortunately, fall also means the trees will begin dropping their leaves and making a mess of the pool. Skimmer baskets and pump strainer baskets need to be emptied more often. Chemical consumption should decrease, be careful not to over chlorinate the pool. Leaves should be cleaned up around the pool pump to prevent fire and over-heating.

Fall is also a good time to remodel your pool before the next swimming season starts. This is also a good time to any other annual maintenance, for example de grid cleaning, salt cell cleaning, and leak repair. If you have not upgraded to an energy efficient pump, you may be able to decrease the amount of time you run the pool pump to 4 or 6 hours/day.