Winter Is Not a Vacation for Your Pool

The Pool Guy Podcast Show

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1d ago 17:52

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Cold weather doesn’t put a year‑round pool on pause—it rewrites the playbook. We walk through the real rules of winter care for open pools in warmer regions, showing you how to keep water clear, equipment safe, and surfaces protected when temperatures drop. From algae myths to smarter chemistry, you’ll get a practical framework you can use the same day.
First, we tackle the big misconception: cold water doesn’t kill algae, it only slows it. That’s why a steady 3–5 ppm chlorine residual still matters, especially if you fire up an attached spa for winter soaks. We explain how to prevent cloudy water and organic stains from leaves, bugs, and runoff, and we share a simple routine for skimming, vacuuming, and keeping your cleaner productive when debris spikes.
Next, we dig into chemistry that actually changes with temperature. Using the Langelier Saturation Index, we show why cooler water allows a higher pH target—often 7.8 to 8.0—to avoid corrosive conditions. You’ll learn when to dose acid lightly, how to balance alkalinity and calcium hardness, and why small adjustments protect plaster and metal components. We also cut through pump confusion: yes, you can run the system less than in summer, but not zero. A thoughtful 5–6 hour schedule maintains circulation, filtration, and cleaner coverage without wasting energy.
We round out with field-proven tips—like long gauntlet nitrile gloves for cold mornings—and a candid look at the business side of winter service. Communicating why winter care matters helps clients understand the value: fewer stains, healthier water, and a pool that’s ready the moment the sun returns.
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We break down how to care for open pools through winter in warm regions, from sanitizer targets to pH strategy and pump runtime. We clear up myths about algae, explain why debris control ramps up, and share gear tips and business realities fo

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Chapters

1. Setting The Winter Agenda (00:00:00)

2. What Winterizing Really Means (00:02:14)

3. Why Warm-Region Pools Stay Open (00:03:59)

4. Myths About Cold Water And Algae (00:05:32)

5. Keep Chlorine And Water Quality Up (00:06:50)

6. Winter Brings More Debris And Dirt (00:08:18)

7. pH, LSI, And Cold Water Balance (00:09:44)

8. Yes, You Still Need Pump Run Time (00:12:18)

9. Gear Tip: Cold Weather Gloves (00:13:59)

10. Business Reality Of Winter Service (00:15:19)

11. Seasons, Mindset, And Final Resources (00:17:24)

1795 episodes

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