Winterization can be a time-consuming, multi-step process and has to be performed correctly or you can cause damage to vital equipment in your pool. This is the process for the majority of pool’s but the exact location you live, volume of your pool, and exact type of equipment you have may have subtle variations in the steps involved.
Steps To Winterizing Your Pool #
- The water chemistry, including pH, alkalinity, and hardness, must be ideally balanced. A high dose of either chlorine or non-chlorine shock is then typically applied for further long-term stability.
- All swimming pool equipment, including skimmer baskets, ladders, and wall fittings, must be removed from the pool.
- The pool water should be drained out 3′ – 18′ to lower the level sufficiently to allow the cover to remain tight and sturdy.
- All pumps, filters, and other equipment must be drained entirely.
- Typically, pump O-rings are lubricated.
- The pool has been thoroughly cleaned, vacuumed, and brushed.
- All equipment lines are either blown dry or partially filled with antifreeze before being blocked.
- Once the shock chlorine levels have returned to normal, winterizing algaecide is added.
- A child and pet safe pool cover should be installed, as well as some form of pillow device to keep the cover afloat and prevent ice expansion.
Why Winterize Your Swimming Pool? #
Why is it critical to properly winterize your pool? #
Taking the effort to properly close a pool is critical for pool owners with hard winters, as it protects against both winter damage that can cost thousands in pool repairs and saves some sanity during spring cleaning. It’s a process that can alleviate a lot of future tension and set you up for pool opening success, so knowing how to close your pool is critical.
Improperly closing your pool can result in nearly irreversible imbalanced water and ice damage to your pool’s frame, which can be costly. It would be less expensive to purchase a suitable cover and chemicals to close your above ground swimming pool for the upcoming frigid winter. There are numerous critical components to properly closing your pool and caring for your investment.
Pipes and Plumbing Lines Can Freeze and Rupture #
Homeowners understand the need of protecting their pipes inside their houses over the winter, but pool pipes also require care and repair before the worst weather arrives. You must take extra care before, during, and after the season. The water will not freeze if you run water through the filter and pump to ensure constant water flow. Otherwise, the hefty expenditures of repairs and utility bills are unavoidable.
Possible Algae Infestations #
The harsh weather conditions that occur throughout the winter season can cause damage to more than just the pipes. If you do not winterize your pool, the water may turn green with algae. If the chlorine system fails, you’ll have to say goodbye to the lovely blue pool you know and love. Come April, your pool will be a drab sight that will put a serious dent in your cash. Bacteria that feed on algae may provide health hazards. To safeguard your pool and your family from this problem, clean it thoroughly during the winterizing process and check under the cover on a regular basis to ensure that nothing has gone wrong.
Damage To Pool Filter #
Pool filters are essential for keeping your pool clean and safe to swim in. When your pool is in use, you can choose from a selection of filters. However, if you do not winterize your pool with care and attention, this filter may shatter, resulting in a disastrous situation for your pool. Remove plugs and valves before ice develops and expands due to pressure.
When Should You Close Your Pool for the Season? #
When temperatures consistently fall below 65°F, it’s time to close your pool for the season; for our friends in the colder regions of the country, this may be in September, and for those in the warmer regions, it could be in October or November.
Even if you are not using your pool, it is critical that you run your filter and chlorinate it until it is closed. This will make closing your pool for the season easier and prevent your water from deteriorating before ultimate closure.
