How to Make Sure Your Future In-Ground Pool Survives The Chicago Climate

In-ground pools are very durable, but there are some weather challenges that can be taxing on any outdoor structure. Chicago has hot summers and very cold winters, which can challenge the well-being of an in-ground pool if you do not take proper precautions to keep it in good condition. Knowing what to do to handle the temperature swings in this part of the US can make all the difference when it comes to keeping your pool in great shape for years to come.

A skilled Chicago pool builder can tell you how to protect your pool properly from heat and cold and can set up your pool build so that the final, finished pool is ideal for the weather that you will face in this part of the world. Keep reading to find out more about how to keep your pool in good shape in spite of the tough weather in the Chicago area.

How to Make Sure That Your Pool Survives the Chicago Climate

1.     Winterize Your Pool Correctly

Most people are not aware that you need to prepare and protect your pool from winter weather. They just assume that you stop taking care of the water and then clean out the pool when the summer rolls around. This is not the case because very cold weather in the Chicago area can damage your pool’s pump and filter, and cause cracking and damage to the walls and the liner.

Winterizing your pool means covering it up properly and protecting all of the essential parts that keep your pool usable, like the pump, filter, and heater. You will be able to learn how to winterize your pool from your pool builder, but you can also hire a skilled team to come and tackle the winterizing process each year if you are not up for the task.

This is one of the most critical steps of pool upkeep each year in the Chicago area, and you cannot skip this important part of keeping your pool in great shape if you want it to last.

2.     Prevent Algae and Microorganism Growth

When you close your pool for the winter months, it can be primed for takeover by unwanted algae and bacteria. You want to be sure that you have the right products on hand to keep your pool from turning into a green swamp. You will need to have algaecide or algestat on hand as well as chlorine to get your pool water ready for the winter months. You should maintain an organism-free pool at all times if you want to be able to use it in comfort and get it back up and running after the winter months with ease.

If you are not sure that you can manage the pH of the water on your own, there are companies that can come to your home and handle this part of your pool’s upkeep for you. This is one of the best investments that you can make in your swimming pool if you want your in-ground pool to be ready to enjoy at all times, even after a long winter.

3.     Close Later and Open Early

One of the best ways to make the most of your pool in the Chicago area is to close it as late in the year as possible so that you can enjoy the peak of summer and the nice days in the fall that follow. You will then want to open as early as possible. The less time that your pool is shut down and covered, the better.

Planning to use your pool for the maximum number of days each season can also make it far more rewarding to have a swimming pool, since you will get a lot of bang for your buck after adding the pool to your property. Be sure that you ask your specific pool builder or maintenance team about their recommended closing and opening dates. You should have good luck if you stick with their guidelines.

4.     Cover Your Pool Properly

A winterizing cover will be a much thicker, heavier covering that will need to be stored correctly during the heat of the summer in a place that is climate-controlled and where it will stay clean. The cover that you use for the rest of the year might be one that is deployed at the touch of a button, or it could be a cover that you pull over the pool when you are done using it each day.

These covers will keep the water clean, keep pests out of your water, like frogs or bugs, and help prevent kids or animals from falling in. You will want to explore your options when it comes to covers since there are so many kinds of pool covers on the market today. It’s easy to choose the right cover for your specific pool type, especially if you get some advice from your pool builder.

Caring For Your In-Ground Pool Can be Straightforward With the Right Guidance

When you know how to care for your in-ground pool, you will enjoy having it in your yard far more. This is one of the best ways to make the most of your outdoor spaces at your home, but you will need to know how to keep your pool safe and clean throughout all of the weather extremes that happen in the Chicago area each year. Be sure that you invest in quality covers and that you take the time to winterize your pool properly. Also, be sure that you are prepared to handle the pH of the water and to keep your pool clean.

Chicago’s weather patterns can make pool ownership slightly more challenging than in some other places in the world, but it is easy to figure out a system for pool upkeep that works. Be sure to ask for advice from your pool builder and any pool maintenance company that you decide to work with.