Seasonal Pool Maintenance and Security Tips

The leaves are turning, and the air is cool and crisp. It's a sure sign that fall is here and winter a close step behind. In Western New York, this marks the end of the 2022 swim season. Here are a few basic tips to prepare your pool for its closing:

1. Remove Debris: Most homeowners take extra care to remove leaves and other surface debris (toys, floats, etc) from the pool. If there are leaves at the bottom of the pool, we suggest removing them as soon as possible because they could stain or cause algae growth.

2. General Cleaning: Once debris and pool toys have been removed, you should scrub the walls and tiles (if you have tiling) and use the pool vacuum to ensure the bottom of the pool has been thoroughly cleaned.

3. Filter Check: Clean filters after a busy summer pool season to keep them working into the fall, even if they plan to close the pool. No one wants to open the pool in the spring with dirt and grime from the last season, especially if you’re the one opening the pool.

4. Chemical Check: As you would during peak swim season, please ensure your water is properly balanced, especially going into your pool closing. If you need help balancing the pool, bring a water sample in to your local Colley’s retail store, or give them a call!

5. Perimeter Security: For pool owners, protecting the backyard and the pool area is year-round. It is not unheard of, especially locally, to have animals such as deer fall into pool and cause damage to the cover and/or pool during the fall/winter. A fence or secure perimeter may help to mitigate any unwanted guests from entering the pool area.

PebbleTec Application Process

Having a new gunite pool installed or having your existing gunite pool re-finished and wondering how the PebbleTec application process works? This blog is for you! We’ll also be updating the website with the latest finish options that PebbleTec offers!

Step 1: Prep the Pool for Application

For pool remodels, the existing surface finish would need to be stripped off to create a smooth, blank canvas for the new finish.

Step 2: Mix it Up

After the pool surface has been prepped, your applicator will mix up your desired finish.

Step 3: Spray 

In this step, we will use a pneumatic spray applicator or other specialty equipment to shoot the PebbleTec material through a hose and onto the pool surface. This application technique ensures even, consistent coverage. Immediately after application, your authorized applicator will hand trowel the material to properly secure the pebble mixture.

Step 4: Expose the Finish

Next, we will spray the pool with water or wipe it down to remove any excess cement from the surface. This process may vary depending on your finish type (PebbleTec, PebbleSheen, PebbleBrilliance or PebbleFina). For example, glass finishes typically require different exposure methods compared to pebble finishes. Whatever finish you’ve chosen, as PebbleTec authorized applicators, we are trained to apply each finish using the most effective techniques to ensure the best possible result.

Step 5: Set & Harden

The finish is left to set and harden. The specific details for how long the material needs to sit will depend on the type of finish you’ve selected.

Step 6: Pressure Wash & Detail

A special acid solution is used to create a clean finish free of any excess residue or film left behind by the application process. Once detailing is finished, the application process is complete and it’s time to fill up the pool. Be sure to properly balance chemicals prior to diving in! It is always best to consult your project coordinator to determine best steps for ensuring your pool is ready to be used!

Storage Tips for the Winter

The 2022 pool season has come and gone and we’re just as sad as you. Not only do you need to properly close your pool, but there are some different ways of storing and maintaining your pool’s equipment, toys/floats/games, chemicals, etc.

Pool House: If you have a pool house- use it! You can make it an all-encompassing area for soring equipment, furniture, games/toys/floats, chemicals and other various pool-related items. During the swim season, your pool house can remain a focal point of entertaining while in the winter a secure spot to store your pool’s accessories.

Shed: Often times, a shed is houses all kinds of outdoor items, from lawnmowers to snowblowers. You can carve out a section of your shed to house your pool’s accessories over the winter. It is important you keep your pool section neat and tidy and that chemicals are properly stored.

Storage Bench: For smaller items like handrails, ladders, floats, toys and games, a storage bench is a great vessel to store these items. As a bonus, you can find storage benches that double as seating! Clean up is quick and easy- just toss your items in and shut the lid!

Design Your Own: Get creative! If you are a DIYer take on a project to turn a space in your home or backyard into a conventional area for storing your pool related items! You can find plenty of ideas on sites like Pintrest or Houzz!