Winterizing your pool protects it from the harsh elements. This keeps you from spending a fortune on repairs and replacements.
Do you know how to winterize a pool so that it survives until the snow melts?
As the days get colder and shorter, it’s time for you to prep your pool for the wintertime. Read on for in-depth pool winterization tips for in-ground pools.
Pool Winterization Steps
When the air temperature drops below 18 degrees celsius (65 degrees Fahrenheit), it’s time to take the first pool winterization steps. Winterizing too early causes algae problems.
Proper winterization takes a week to complete.
Step 1: Remove Accessories
Start the process by removing and storing pool accessories. This includes:
- baskets
- cleaners
- ladders
- steps
- solar blankets
Use a hose to remove dirt and algae before letting the items dry. Store them in a dry place.
Step 2: Deep Clean
Use a skim net to remove leaves and debris from the water’s surface. This helps prevent mould and algae from growing.
A pool vacuum removes debris from the bottom of the pool. Finish off your deep clean by scrubbing the floor and sides of the pool with a pool brush.
Make sure to cover your pool from now on to keep your hard work from going to waste.
Step 3: Adjust Water Chemistry
Test your pool’s water chemistry one week before closing it. Once you’ve measured the various levels, adjust as needed until your:
- pH is between 7.2 and 7.6
- alkalinity is between 80 and 150 ppm (parts per million)
- calcium hardness is between 175 and 225 ppm
- chlorine level is between 1 and 3 ppm
Because these levels decrease naturally as time passes, err on the higher end of these levels.
Step 4: Lower Water Level
If you live in an area where the water freezes during winter, you need to lower the water level before closing your pool. Do this using the multiport valve on your filter, the drain spigot on your pump, or good old-fashioned buckets.
Ensure the water sits 30cm (a foot) below the skimmer if you use a mesh cover, and 15cm (half a foot) if you use a solid cover.
Step 5: Drain and Store Equipment
Water expands when frozen, so it’s important to drain your pool equipment to prevent it from breaking.
Use a blower to clear water from the pool lines, then plug them with expansion plugs. Add pool antifreeze if you’re worried about burst pipes.
Most pool equipment pieces have drain plugs. Use these to drain the filter, pump, and heater. Remove and clean filters after they’re drained before storing them indoors.
Step 6: Add Shock and Algaecide
As your final step before covering your pool, add shock (to kill bacteria) and algaecide (to kill algae). Follow the instructions on the package and distribute the chemicals evenly throughout the pool.
If you’re using chlorine shock, add the algaecide a day or two later. Chlorine and algaecide combine and leave both products useless!
Step 7: Cover the Pool
There are two types of pool covers to choose from: safety covers and winter covers.
Safety covers provide the greatest protection and need to be anchored down. Winter covers offer less protection from debris, small children, and pets, but don’t need to be anchored down.
Make sure your cover has no tears or holes and is tight-fitting.
Pool Winterization Made Easy
Beyond keeping your pool and pool equipment safe from the elements, winterizing your pool helps decrease your energy bill and increases your pool filter’s lifespan.
If pool winterization doesn’t sound like your idea of a fun time, why not hire a professional to do it for you? Schedule a pool closing service with Scott’s Landscaping to ensure your pool survives the winter.
Book your pool winterization with us today.
