Category: Brandpoint Home & Garden

2022-12-24T05:15:00

(BPT) – Just because winter’s here doesn’t mean you have to put household DIY projects requiring grout on hold. As long as you take precautions, indoor projects like setting tile can go smoothly and easily. And whether you’re a novice DIYer, seasoned home decorator or hiring a professional contractor, your decisions don’t stop at what kind of tile to use — selecting the best grout also makes a huge difference for the look and wear of your space, as well as how easy it is to apply.

1. Consider design goals when selecting grout color

While tile gets most of the attention when people plan their kitchen, bathroom or other space, the grout you choose can make or break the look you want. Choosing the best color option for grout depends on what you’re looking for with your overall design. Want to make the tile appear seamless, enlarging the feel of your space? Or do you want to highlight the graphic element of the tile pattern itself? In other words, do you want the grout to fade into the background so it’s mostly the tile we see, or use grout to enhance the look?

When you want seamless tile to be the star of the show and the space to appear larger, you’re better off with a neutral grout color that’s lighter than the tile — which is why many choose white or off-white shades for grout. However, if you’re looking to make the tile pattern pop, grout colors like shades of gray that are darker than your tile will stand out, becoming part of the design. Given the many grout colors available today, some designers even choose grout matching a color used elsewhere in the room, such as in wall paint or another design element.

2. Be choosy about your grout

To ensure you’re using the best possible product for virtually any tiling product, consider a top choice of construction pros: Prism Ultimate Performance Grout, the uniquely formulated high-performance cement grout from Custom Building Products. Known for its incredible color consistency in an array of 40 color choices, this product is also long-lasting and highly stain resistant, requiring no sealing — even for challenging applications like a kitchen backsplash or high-traffic floor. Its exclusive calcium aluminate formula controls hydration to ensure color consistency without shading or mottling, regardless of the conditions of the space. You won’t see any efflorescence, either — that unsightly whitish crusty deposit that can sometimes appear on the surface of the grout joint. Beyond being very easy to work with, Prism creates super dense grout joints that resist stains better than any other cement grout.

Prism Grout is ideal for grout joints from 1/16” up to 1/2”, and you can use it in any sanded grout application or in place of non-sanded grout in narrow joints like plank tile assemblies. This grout also performs exceptionally well in the extra wide and deep joints found with pebble or irregular tile and can be used for challenging applications such as wet areas, exteriors or submerged tile. Unlike some grouts, Prism sets up quickly and can be walkable in as little as four hours.

3. Use grout correctly

As with any product you use in your home, make sure to follow the product instructions exactly. For example, be sure you’re using the precise amount of water recommended for mixing your grout so it will bond correctly.

Because a cold environment can negatively impact the grout setting correctly, be careful that your grout powder is both stored and used in rooms with temperatures between 50-80 degrees Fahrenheit. The water you use to mix your grout should also be in this temperature range. After applying, make sure the room temperature stays between 50-80 degrees for at least 72 hours while the grout is setting. In addition, avoid foot traffic on floor tile until you are sure the grout is fully set and dry.

With the right grout product and using these tips, you can update the look of any space using tile, even during colder months. To learn more about Prism Ultimate Performance Grout and to see a video highlighting its uses, visit CustomBuildingProducts.com. The product is available at Home Depot and other leading home improvement stores.

2022-12-22T23:01:00

(BPT) – House Beautiful’s Whole Home is back for its fifth year, loaded with modern conveniences and timeless charm. Located in the Buckhead neighborhood of Atlanta, this home marks the first time the project has featured renovating an existing property.

If you’re planning to build or renovate in 2023, you can find inspiration from this elevated modern Tudor that focuses on living better at home. Keeping that in mind, two of the most important spaces in a home for ease of modern living are the kitchen and the owner’s suite.

Kitchen: English vibes and upscale appliances

Indianapolis-based designer Whitney Parkinson took a traditional approach to the kitchen remodel, adding English flair with the high-end chef in mind. The space features warm woods, quartz countertops and antiqued mirror tile that make this brand new kitchen feel like it’s been there forever.

Featuring a number of award-winning Signature Kitchen Suite appliances, the kitchen and entertaining spaces are filled with technology and smart organization. The oversized eat-in kitchen features the first-of-its-kind 48-inch built-in French Door Refrigerator with a unique combination of precise preservation technology and features, including a dual compressor system with exceptional capacity and functionality in a sleek, innovative design.

Offering several unique design features, the refrigerator can elevate the overall aesthetic of any kitchen and is available in stainless steel and panel-ready options. Its purposeful design offers one of the most versatile and larger width interiors in the industry with a total capacity of 26 cubic feet, Lift and Go drawers, fully adjustable door bins and LED lighting that is hidden away and focused on the food. The WiFi-connected unit includes a Dual Ice Maker with slow-melting, spherical Craft Ice to elevate beverages of all kinds.

Parkinson also selected the Signature Kitchen Suite 48-inch Dual-Fuel Pro Range, the first range on the market with built-in sous vide functionality — in addition to induction and gas, all on the same cooking surface, along with two ovens below. Adjacent to the kitchen is a walk-in scullery and pantry, featuring the ultimate chef’s tool — the wall oven with Speed Cook, steam-combi, microwave, convection, sous vide and broil — and the advanced PowerSteam ENERGY STAR certified dishwasher, marrying high efficiency, high performance and high style.

Owner’s suite: Walk-in closets and laundry care

One of the primary suite’s walk-in closets features the stylish, unique LG STUDIO Styler clothing care system that refreshes, deodorizes and sanitizes clothing with the gentle power of steam. This appliance takes fabric care to the next level with increased capacity for up to five hangers along with a pants press in the door, and an exclusive black tinted mirror for a full-length reflection.

Also featured in the primary suite and upstairs laundry room is the ENERGY STAR certified LG STUDIO WashTower, a single-unit vertical laundry solution that takes up half the floor space without sacrificing capacity. The smart design features an industry-first Center Controlpanel that offers convenient access to controls (no step stool needed). Plus, its built-in intelligence takes out the guesswork thanks to AI technology that selects optimal washing and drying settings for each load to deliver the best in fabric care.

To explore these rooms and learn more about the appliances and other features, visit HouseBeautiful.com.

2022-12-19T23:01:00

(BPT) – Before winter sets in, you should prepare your home for winter to avoid expensive repairs down the road. Frozen pipes and ice dams are the most common problems that can lead to costly repairs. According to State Farm, this year alone, burst pipes and ice dams cost $181 million in claims, averaging $20,000 per claim.

Even if you live in a warmer state, don’t skimp on preparing your home for the cooler months. It may be hard to believe, but in 2021 and 2022, Texas was the No. 1 state with losses because of pipes and dams. This year, total claims in Texas cost $64 million.

If you want to protect your home from winter damage, check out these eight tips to help prevent frozen or burst pipes and ice dams.

1. Secure outdoor hoses, valves and faucets

Before winter hits, take a walk around your front and back yard and disconnect your garden hose. If possible, use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. These simple measures can reduce the chance of freezing in the short span of pipe just inside the house.

2. Let water drip and open cabinet doors

Most of the time, frozen pipes are preventable by simply leaving cabinet doors open and letting your faucets drip. Keeping cabinet doors open keeps the pipes warm by allowing airflow from the room, while letting the faucet drip keeps warmer water flowing through the pipes, making it more difficult to freeze. Also, an open faucet acts as a release that can help prevent pressure from building up inside the pipe and bursting.

3. Watch your thermostat

During the winter, keep your thermostat set at the same temperature day and night to reduce the risk of frozen pipes. This can also help reduce the strain on your furnace during extremely cold weather.

If you have a vacation home, set your thermostat to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Also, make sure before you leave for a while that you replace the battery in your thermostat.

4. Insulate pipes and keep them warm

Exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing. Even if you live in a climate where freezing is uncommon, you’re best off insulating the pipes in your home’s crawl spaces and attic. You can also use heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables that wrap around your pipes and keeps them warm even in freezing conditions.

5. Insulate your attic

While you’re insulating your pipes, check your attic’s insulation. Ask a contractor to check the space to ensure the insulation in your attic space is adequate for the climate.

If you don’t have insulation, consider installing some before winter sets in. Adding insulation to your attic can help prevent your home’s warm air from escaping into unheated attic spaces, keep your pipes warm, and prevent ice dams from forming.

6. Seal leaks

Leaks in your home can make it easier for pipes to freeze and ice dams to form. Look for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents and pipes and use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out. Verify all penetrations, access panels and electrical fixtures are properly sealed and insulated to prevent heat and moisture from entering the attic space.

7. Clean gutters

Before winter weather hits your area, clean your gutters of leaves and other debris. While this may not prevent ice dams, clean gutters can drain ice melt during a thaw.

8. Check the soffits

Verify that soffits (the exposed siding underneath your roof’s overhang) and roof or ridge venting exist along your home’s roof planes. Also, make sure that soffit vents aren’t blocked by attic insulation or covered by newly installed maintenance-free finishes outside the home.

What to do if your pipes freeze and dams are damaged?

If you turn your faucet on and nothing comes out, it’s probably because your pipes are frozen. The first step is to turn off the water to the home. If your pipes have burst, you won’t know until it thaws. A 1/8-inch crack can spray more than 250 gallons of water a day, ruining floors, carpets, furniture and irreplaceable personal belongings. Next, open all your faucets and call a plumber. Look for cracks in your pipes and if one is identified, place a bucket below to reduce damage once the pipe thaws.

There are some short-term remedies for ice dams, but it’s best to determine and fix the cause. Make sure to consult a trusted and competent professional who can get to the root of the problem, fix it and hopefully prevent it from happening again.

Using these tips, you can prepare your home for the winter and reduce your risk of burst pipes and ice dams. If your home suffers damage this winter, contact your local State Farm agent to see if it’s covered under your homeowners policy. You can also check out more winter home maintenance at StateFarm.com/Simple-Insights.

2022-12-15T07:01:00

(BPT) – The kitchen is a space that fosters creativity — from the design choices to the art of cooking, it is the heart of the home; a place for people to come together to celebrate and share in abundance. To create a meaningful kitchen, incorporate characteristics of maximalism, such as personal items that showcase individual style and purposeful accent pieces.

Complementing contrasts

Maximalism has existed throughout time, but personalization and avant-garde touches can take it to the next level. Take a cue from previous eras to inspire home design, and do not be afraid to select and pair seemingly contrasting elements, patterns or mediums within a space. Select fixtures with tone-on-tone split finishes to create a grand statement that elevates the traditional home. Create breathtaking variations by combining artistic flair with eclectic features, such as selecting faucets with unique fluting details. These aesthetic choices bring beauty into a space while enhancing the sensory experience.

The Tulham™ Kitchen Collection by Brizo^® reimagines every detail by combining elegant contours with art deco motifs for an inventive blend of traditional and avant-garde, making it a great addition to a maximalist-inspired kitchen. When paired with other elements in the space, such as a vintage light fixture or a modern barstool, these distinct attributes can create an intriguing and layered design that makes the space feel and look unlike any other.

The grandeur of technology

The integration of technology is a great way to elevate the kitchen even further; it can be both functional and innovative. Whether it is used to make the room easier to clean or makes cooking more efficient, technology opens up a world of culinary possibilities. The Tulham™ Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet has both a Touch-Clean^® nozzle, to make wiping away mineral deposits simple, and a two-function wand with spray and stream elements to make the faucet as practical as it is lavishly beautiful. Optional SmartTouch^® Technology on the Pull-Down and Pull-Down Prep Faucets activates water flow with just a tap, making both clean up and cooking functional without sacrificing style. The Tulham™ Instant Hot Faucet easily coordinates with any aesthetic and can deliver near boiling water, ready at a moment’s notice. From brewing French press coffee to steeping tea, the faucet’s innovative technology elevates even the most ordinary kitchen tasks. With its creative technology and beautiful, artistic details, the Tulham™ Kitchen Collection enhances the art of cooking and brings maximalism to the heart of the home.

2022-12-09T06:01:00

(BPT) – If you have a swimming pool, it may be the last thing on your mind during winter. However, snowy, icy weather or severe temperature drops can bring risks to your pool.

The good news is, you can help protect your pool from winter storms and freezing temperatures with these tips from the experts at Leslie’s.

1. Keep excess snow from weighing down your pool cover

Occasional light snow is nothing to be worried about, but heavy snow can weigh down a cover. Especially when blizzard conditions dump a foot or more of snow at once, it’s cause for concern. Light, fluffy snow can be blown away with a leaf blower. But for wet and heavy snow, try using a soft broom or skimmer net to remove as much extra weight as possible. While removing snow, be careful to never step onto your pool cover — even if you think the water beneath is frozen.

2. Make sure your pool boundaries are well marked

To help avoid accidents and prevent anyone from stepping onto the pool cover, make it easy to spot the boundaries of your pool after a heavy snowfall. Don’t set heavy objects like patio furniture on the deck near the cover, because those items could damage the cover if they fall onto it. Setting lightweight objects, such as rubber or plastic cones or empty buckets, near the corners can help you see where your pool’s boundaries are located.

3. Check for fallen tree limbs after a storm

Fallen tree limbs are common after a heavy snowfall or ice storm. If they land on the pool, remove them as quickly as possible and check for cover damage. A rip or tear in the cover can allow debris to fall through or water to come out, and may even cause the cover to fail under strain. Multiple rips, or damage larger than a dollar bill, should prompt you to get a new cover, though smaller tears can usually be patched.

4. Make sure your cover is secured

In addition to causing fallen limbs, high winds can also damage your pool cover. Keep the cover well secured to prevent wind whip, and be sure that your deck and yard area is free of large, unsecured items, such as patio furniture, which may blow onto the cover.

5. Safeguard against a deep freeze

Unexpected freezing temperatures can happen anytime, anywhere. If you haven’t winterized your pool when frigid weather strikes, be prepared with a backup plan. Water expands as it freezes, which can cause damage to plumbing and pool equipment that’s still filled with water. DO NOT use any type of portable heater, heat lamp or electric blankets to protect the pump and filter — this can damage equipment or even start a fire. For pools with equipment that’s still connected, run the pump on high speed until the danger of freezing temperatures has passed. If your power goes out during freezing temps, you’ll need to act quickly to avoid damage.

Steps for emergency winterization:

• Turn off the circuit breaker (so equipment doesn’t turn back on when power is restored) and remove all drain plugs from your equipment. Open the air relief valve on the pool filter, too.
• Remove the top from any valves with water in them and set your multiport valve to “winter” or between any two settings.
• Protect your tile line against ice expansion by placing air pillows, inflatable pool floats or empty, lightly weighted plastic jugs in your pool. A weighted 5-gallon bucket can also be set on the steps, as long as it breaks the water surface.
• Avoid skimmer damage by placing an empty, lightly weighted plastic drink bottle (or skimmer guard, if available) into the skimmer.
• Wrap a towel around the vacuum breaker of your auto-fill mechanism (if applicable) for insulation.

Need help? Leslie’s can provide assistance and resources to help you safely recover your pool after winter weather events, including at-home equipment inspections, winter pool maintenance, repair services and free in-store water testing or troubleshooting. Find your nearest Leslie’s location or visit LesliesPool.com for helpful tips and information.

2022-12-07T11:01:00

(BPT) – In previous years, home remodeling projects were often done with the goal of increasing resale value. Recently, however, homeowners have been staying in their properties longer and are making these projects a priority of functionality as well as a reflection of personal style.

Before homeowners begin thinking about the changes they’d like to make, they need to think about how a renovation may affect their home insurance policy. Their policy may need to be remodeled too.

“A common oversight when redesigning a home is the impact a new kitchen or bathroom remodel might have on their homeowners insurance,” said Bonnie Lee, Mercury Insurance Vice President of Property Claims. “If a renovation project leaves a gap in your existing coverage and is later damaged or destroyed, your insurance policy might not protect the upgrades you’ve made. You need to contact your insurance agent to discuss any renovations you’re considering.”

Two of the most highly used areas of the home are the kitchen and bath, places many people start considering when it comes to renovations. According to BluPeak Credit Union, the average loan for a kitchen remodel is $50,000 while the average loan for a bathroom remodel can cost up to $25,000. Most loans to fund the cost of remodeling the kitchen and bathroom area, including flooring, can total up to $100,000. Home improvement experts are seeing the following as an integration of personal style with form and functionality to these busy areas.

Opening up space – Open concepts throughout the home are still popular when it comes to remodeling the kitchen and bathroom. Giving a room an open feel can be as simple as installing mirrors or additional lighting to removing a non-weight-bearing wall or installing skylights. The idea is to create an environment that allows for a sense of space even though the square footage hasn’t changed.

“I consider the concept of an open kitchen as not only one of functionality, but also as a reflection of the homeowner’s lifestyle,” said interior designer Joy Cho. “When cooking you don’t want to feel isolated, you want to be a part of the interactions happening in your home. Think of the kitchen as more than another room, it’s the home’s heart where everyone gathers.”

According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), homeowners are also looking to open up areas in bathrooms by incorporating more lighting in mirrors, vanities and showers, as well as accent lighting for ambiance. Larger showers or bathing areas with integrated seating are trending with homeowners. These spa-like upgrades can meet future needs as more people consider aging in their home.

Smart home technology – Another trend is in the area of smart home technology. Smart lighting and appliances offer ease and convenience but may also offer homeowners savings in the form or lower utility bills due to the use of energy-efficient technology. And while smart tech is synonymous with clean design and large screens, the look doesn’t always have to be futuristic. Many modern appliances incorporating digital technology still have a standard look and feel. Smart ovens that can be preheated from the touch of an app and give homeowners the ease of meal prep may easily integrate with a current kitchen design.

Sustainable materials and organic design – Today more homeowners are thinking about the impact their remodel or renovation can have to both the outer environment and the one within their home. Many are incorporating natural colors, designs and textures into their renovations by using more organic materials and paints that are practical and functional while sourcing them locally to reduce the carbon footprint created by transport.

Before trying to decide between granite or marble tile, however, consider the things that are behind the wall. Pipes and electrical wiring, for example, may need more attention and upgrading before other installations can begin.

“Make note of the items that need to be updated and that are relied upon on a daily basis before beginning any renovation,” said Lee. “A safety precaution to take when upgrading these areas first is having any wiring or plumbing projects installed by a professional. Secure any necessary permits if required by your community or municipality. A permitted home renovation project may qualify you for a homeowners insurance discount.”

2022-12-07T10:01:00

(BPT) – Do you want a new look for your home in the new year? Perhaps you crave an update but you want to avoid the time and cost commitment of a complete renovation? You may be surprised how a few well-chosen elements can breathe new life into your home.

Interior designers know that strategic updates can revitalize a space without extensive construction. The key is to choose features with designs that speak to you. These items must have provenance and presence to create an atmosphere the moment you enter the room.

Curated design

The preferred design aesthetic of a room is highly personal, but all good design follows certain principles. Take cues from experienced designers who know that by selecting a few well-chosen products, you can create ambience that impacts an entire space. The design of the elements should be memorable and draw the eye without being overwhelming.

For example, the Occasion Lighting Collection from Kohler is a simple yet elegant way to transform any space. This elegant collection of impeccable craft combines sculptural metal frames with light-capturing ribbed glass shades that draw inspiration from the transformative designs of the early 1960s. This is a period of time when interiors were an intercontinental mix of bold color, tapestries, Japanese screens and other treasures to showcase the owner’s travels and interests.

This unique collection is engineered with the same precision as that of fine jewelry making. The interplay between the faceted frames and the sparkling, multi-dimensional display of light as it cascades through the crystal ribbed shades results in forms that are bold yet sensual, with an undeniable presence.

Strategic updates

Lighting is an accessible and high-impact way to transform a room and stay on budget. Whether it’s an eye-catching chandelier, pretty pendants, perfectly placed sconces or functional and fashionable flushmount lighting elements, there’s something for every space.

Beyond lighting, there are other strategies that can help you achieve an updated effect without taking on a renovation. Some other methods designers use to transform a room include thoughtfully selecting pieces such as a beautiful area rug, stunning wall art, graceful mirror or tabletop objet d’art.

You can add sophistication, create visual tension and add dramatic impact through color or sculpted form. Keep in mind, the provenance of the pieces selected can be anything from where each was found or made, the artist behind the design, the materials the piece is made from, or the craft employed to create the piece.

Above all else, it’s important to be selective. An artful form that has meaning or a story behind it elevates and redefines a space, allowing you to achieve a lot of impact without spending a lot of money. Whether curating the family heirlooms of tomorrow or simply giving your home a refresh by purchasing a pivotal piece, products that make a statement can take your interior to a whole new level in design.

2022-12-07T09:15:00

(BPT) – In the past few years homes have become vital sanctuaries — places where you and your family want to feel comfortable, cozy and serene. Recent shifts in home design are responding to this need, while also reflecting a desire for beauty and luxury. As a result, fireplaces are seriously trending — not just for living rooms or bedrooms, but even kitchens and bathrooms.

Thanks to recent innovations such as beautifully designed, easy-to-install electric fireplaces from SimpliFire, you can add the warmth and charm a fireplace brings to almost any room without undergoing major renovations or having to worry about things like chimneys, piles of wood, screens or gas lines.

The sleek, contemporary features seen in these electric fireplaces add a warm glow and ambient light to any room. You can select features like driftwood log sets and a variety of finishes, plus whatever flame color options and fire bed materials and colors suit your mood and style.

Time-honored luxury with a modern aesthetic

While adding fireplaces to various rooms may be an emerging trend in contemporary home design — and a boon for home values — the idea has a long history, as homes once relied solely on fireplaces for heating every room. Today’s designs, however, offer the drama and visual interest of clean lines and modern style — while also being much more convenient and energy-efficient than traditional wood-burning fireplaces. Another great advantage? You can run your electric fireplace anytime you’d like to enjoy the beauty and ambience it provides, with or without heat, all year round.

The heart of the home

The kitchen is possibly the most crucial room in every home. Because kitchens needed fireplaces for cooking functions in olden days, it seems like a natural fit to add a fireplace here. Today’s kitchens are the heart of the home in more ways than one, especially with open plan home designs allowing plenty of space for the entire family — and guests — to gather around and cook meals together.

What better space to create a warm, cozy and decorative focal point with an electric fireplace? You could even use a 3-sided style such as SimpliFire’s Scion Trinity Fireplace by Heat & Glo to connect a kitchen to dining or living areas, or use two units back-to-back to create a two-sided fireplace between any two rooms.

A personal spa

The bathroom has become a sought-after oasis in contemporary homes, inspiring spa-like features from heated floors or towel racks to deluxe standalone tubs that create an aura of comfort and luxury. Adding a bathroom fireplace is one more way to design the ultimate personal retreat. What could be more calming than relaxing in a hot bath by the light of a glowing fireplace?

Fortunately, today’s electric fireplaces make this renovation easier than ever. While a few special safety precautions need to be taken for bathroom applications, following your product instructions and local code restrictions will ensure that your fireplace will be as safe as it is enchanting.

How electric fireplaces work

Electric fireplaces can supply light as well as being able to offer some heat, but the glow and warmth are created without an actual flame. With the press of a button, you can use a remote control to adjust both the “flame” and other effects, including the heat level, thermostat, timer, brightness, ember bed lights and accent lighting. Turn up the heat to take the chill off during wintry days, or turn the heat down and enjoy the fireplace just for its calming ambiance when the weather’s warm.

Installation is easy

Whether you choose to hire a professional or completely DIY it, electrical fireplace installation is remarkably easy. With just a few tools, a well-placed grounded electrical outlet and a revolutionary wall-mount SimpliFire Format electric fireplace, you can bring the comfort of a fireplace to any room in your home in a day.

Interested in making a statement with a new fireplace in your home? Visit heatnglo.com to see all of the beautiful possibilities to warm up the atmosphere in any room.

2022-12-02T16:21:00

(BPT) – Whether or not your pool is closed for winter, the cooler months generally bring a period of reduced pool maintenance. However, that doesn’t mean you can forget about it altogether. Keeping up with pool maintenance through the winter can help make reopening in the spring that much easier, and it may also prevent costly damage to your pool.

Here are tips for keeping tabs on your pool during winter, even when it’s closed.

1. Take care of your pool cover

It’s important to keep your pool cover in good condition so you’ll know it’s doing its job.

• Remove standing water from the cover with a submersible cover pump to keep it from getting weighed down with rainwater or snowmelt after you close your pool. A heavy cover is more likely to fail under the strain and can fall into the pool.
• Remove leaves and fallen twigs/branches to reduce the chances of murky water entering the pool, whether due to a cover puncture, or when removing the cover at pool opening time.
• Inspect your pool cover and cover accessories for damage.
  • Winter cover: Look for rips and tears, and repair or replace as needed.
  • Air pillows/water bags: Make sure they’re full and functional, and replace any if damaged.
    
  • Cover straps: If you own a safety cover, the straps should be tight and in good condition.

2. Check the pool water

Just observing your pool from the outside isn’t enough to make sure your pool will be in great shape come springtime. Keep an eye on water conditions by peeking under the cover once a month or so to inspect the water and catch potential problems early.

• Check for leaks: Low water levels can cause all sorts of problems in winter, including structural pool damage and a ruined pool cover.
• Test the water: Check to see how healthy the water is. If your pool is frozen, don’t worry about it. For temperatures below 60ºF, test the water once a month. For temps between 60–70ºF, test every two weeks. Once temperatures are consistently over 70ºF, consider opening the pool.
• Add chlorine or shock: Keep the water fresh with sanitizer. If a water test shows that Free Available Chlorine levels are above 2.0 ppm, add chlorine-free shock to oxidize the water and keep the chlorine working efficiently. If levels are lower than that, you may want to consider adding pre-dissolved granular chlorine shock or liquid chlorine to get levels back in the range of 2.0–4.0 ppm.
  • Chlorine lasts longer in winter, because algae and bacteria can’t flourish in colder temperatures.
  • If you add any chemicals, it’s important to circulate the water (see next section).

3. Circulate the pool water

Stagnant water is more prone to sanitization issues. To help keep your pool water in good condition while it’s closed, follow these steps to ensure an easier opening next spring.

• If you add chemicals, circulate the water to distribute them throughout the pool and prevent stains or discoloration on pool surfaces.
• Run the pump a few hours each day during colder weather if your pool equipment is still operating, such as with a partially closed or non-closed pool.
• Agitate water with a pool brush, or use a submersible pump and hose, to move water around the pool for a couple hours a month for fully winterized pools.
  

Need help? Leslie’s can assist with all your winter pool care needs. From free in-store water testing and water quality recommendations, to equipment inspections and installations, to pool care accessories for the season ahead, Leslie’s can help you get the most from your pool year-round. For more information, tips and resources to help keep your pool in great shape, no matter the weather, visit LesliesPool.com or find a store near you.