Seasonal Pool Care and Maintenance Tips

For much of the country, temperatures are dropping rapidly as the approaching winter months force us to trade our swimsuits for leggings, and put a halt on our outdoor water activities. However, just because we aren’t enjoying lemonade and sunshine by the Pool, doesn’t mean we can neglect the important maintenance and upkeep of our valuable swimming pools.

In order to avoid damage to your pool during the off season, here are a few basic seasonal pool maintenance and winterization tips that will keep your pool running smoothly and ready for summer fun!

Winterization

Winterization is essential in caring for your pool. Not only will you avoid potential damage caused by debris and freezing temperatures, you can actually increase the life-span of your pool, and rest assured that your pool will be running smoothly and ready for next summer!

Basic Winterization and Seasonal Pool Care Tips

Clear Debris – Debris build-up in your skimmers and filters can cause stress on the pool’s pump, drive up energy costs and cause damage to your pool’s cleaning systems

Keep Normal Water Levels – Low water levels, even when unused, can cause stress on the Pool’s Cleaning Systems, especially when freezing.

Minimize Operation – A good rule of thumb for pool maintenance during fall / winter is “minimal use = minimal operation”. Turn off all water features as soon as temperatures drop below your comfort zone to avoid damage during freezing temperatures.

Backwash and Clean Filters – This should be done before temperatures drop too low to avoid freezing of internal components. Make sure non-petroleum based lubricants are used where necessary.

Test, Chlorinate, Shock – Treat your pool’s chemical needs as if you are swimming every week. Getting behind on your pool’s chemical schedule can lead to cosmetic damage, unwanted organic growth and staining during the winter months.

Move the Water – Circulating your pool’s water during the coldest times of the day can help cut down on potential freezing hazards.


Many of the steps outlined above can be performed by you, the pool owner. However, there is no replacement for the advice and maintenance supervision of a professional. Don’t let your pool maintenance duties slip just because you aren’t using it. Contact the experts at Crystal Clear Pools and Spas if you have any winterization questions or wish to set up scheduled seasonal maintenance visits to ensure that the health of your pool is maintained this winter.

How a Spa Benefits Your Health

Are you considering installing a spa with your in-ground pool? Many people are unaware of the many benefits a spa pool can provide. For centuries, people have used heat and water as a healing remedy, however, even after years of study, physicians and therapists are only beginning to understand the mental and physical benefits that warm water hydrotherapy can provide. Here are just some of the benefits of owning a backyard spa:

Pain Relief: Warm water stimulates the release of endorphins in the brain, which can reduce tension and alleviate pain. It also increases blood flow, which helps to heal damaged cells.

Stress Relief: After a stressful day, there is no better remedy than escaping into your own backyard spa. The buoyancy reduces body weight relieving pressure on joints, which will allow the body to enjoy a full state of relaxation.

Better Sleep: Studies have shown that spending ten minutes in a spa pool before bed will help your body and mind to transition into sleep. In addition to the stress and pain relief previously mentioned, the shift in temperature can signal to your body that it’s time to sleep. This will not only help to fall asleep more quickly, but to also stay asleep.

Lowers Blood Pressure: In addition to simply feeling more relaxed, there is a more scientific reason why spending time in a spa can reduce your blood pressure. The heart is constantly working to keep your body’s temperature warm. Once the hot water raises the core temperature, the heart doesn’t have to work as hard, therefore lowering the blood pressure.

Year Round Use: A spa can be used year-round, and in fact is most commonly used in the winter. Often times colder weather can exacerbate joint pain making the heat therapy even more necessary. Additionally, some people experience a higher rate of depression in the winter months, and the endorphins released with hydrotherapy can help to improve those symptoms.
If you are ready to take advantage of the many health benefits of owning a backyard spa, contact Crystal Clear Pools & Spas in Austin, TX to see our spa gallery, and ask how we can customize a spa just for you.

Pool Problem Troubleshooting Guide

You love your swimming pool ? and so do we. At Crystal Clear Pools and Spas, we specialize in troubleshooting and repairing your inground pool, but how do you know if your pool needs service or repair?

Here are a few of the most common swimming pool problems and suggestions on how to troubleshoot them:

THE FILTER PRESSURE IS LOW AND THERE IS NO WATER MOVEMENT

Do It Yourself:
- Check the baskets and empty them if needed.
- Check the water level and add water if it's low.

Call Us For Service:
- Weir blade in skimmer could be stuck in the ?up? position and needs to be replaced.
- There could be an air leak on suction side of the pump.

THE MOTOR ON THE PUMP IS LOUD

Do It Yourself:
- The pressure side of plumbing could be closed and you should check the valves for proper settings.

Call Us For Service:
- Bearings in the motor could be going out.
- The pump impeller could be clogged.

THE POOL LIGHT IS NOT COMING ON

Do It Yourself:
- Check your circuit breaker.
- Check your GFCI outlet and reset if needed.

Call Us For Service:
- If the light is tied into a computer system the power relay may need to be replaced.

THE PUMP HAS A LEAK

Do It Yourself:
- Remove, clean and reseat the O-ring.
- Secure the pump lid

Call Us For Service:
- It could be a leak at the plumbing that needs to be repaired.

THERE IS A LEAK AT THE FILTER

Do It Yourself:
- Tighten or replace Air Relief Valve.

Call Us For Service:
- The O-ring may be damaged and needs to be replaced.
- The plumbing has a leak and needs to be repaired.