Steps To Winterizing Your Pool
Now that summer is drawing to a close, it is time to think about winterizing your pool. Let’s take a closer look at the steps you’ll need to take, so that your pool will remain ready once springtime rolls around.
- Test and Balance Chemicals
Be sure to balance your water chemistry and check your pH levels before covering the pool for the winter. In addition to the pH levels, you’ll also want to make sure that the calcium hardness levels and total alkalinity are where they’re supposed to be. By balancing all of the chemical levels, you protect your pool against corrosion and staining.
- Clean Pool
This step should be obvious, but you should also hold off on your final pool cleaning until the chemical levels have been fully balanced. Brush and vacuum the pool, so that all debris is removed. By doing so, you have a better chance at preventing the formation of algae.
- Clean Filter
Allow the pool’s pump to run for an entire cycle. From there, it is time to backwash your filter and clean it chemically. Remove the hoses, spray them with filter cleaner and use a garden hose for rinsing.
- Add Winterizing Chemicals
To keep your pool protected during the winter, you’ll need to add winterizing chemicals. Algaecide is a one of the commonly used chemicals and most pool owners will also opt to shock their water before the winter begins. In certain instances, homeowners may also want to add stain, scale and metal control chemicals to enhance their pool’s level of winter cleanliness.
- Drain The Water
Before you open the skimmer, you’ll need to drain your pool’s water to the appropriate levels. If the pool is painted or has a natural finish with a solid cover, it is best to drain the pool to about 6 inches below the opening of the skimmer. Solid covered plaster pools should be drained 1 to 6 inches below the skimmer opening, while vinyl lined pools must remain 1 inch below. A mesh covered pool requires the most draining, so be sure to leave the water level at least 18-24 inches below the skimmer opening.
- Winterize Skimmer
To properly winterize, the skimmer must be drained and plugged, so that winter precipitation or water from the pool cannot get back inside. When in doubt, purchase a skimmer closure.
- Remove Accessories
Any and all fitting and accessories must be removed from the pool. This includes pool ladders, skimmer baskets, jet casings and pool cleaners. Leaving accessories over the winter allows bacteria to thrive and could cause damage to the equipment.
- Cover Pool
This is the last and most obvious step. Be sure to choose the cover that corresponds with your pool’s make and model and do not make the mistake of using your summer cover during the winter, as it will not not provide adequate protection from wind and snow.
