What is winterizing?

To start, you need to know what winterizing is not. It is not just switching off your pool and tossing a cover over it for a weekend work trip or family getaway. Winterizing your pool means you will not use it for several months during the coldest part of the year. During this process, any accessories are removed, cleaned, and stored safely before the pool receives a thorough cleaning.
Next, the chemicals in the water are balanced to prevent algae and bacteria growth, scale buildup, and corrosion. Equipment is drained, removed, cleaned, and stored, preventing expansion due to exposure to freezing temperatures. Finally, the pool is covered, and the bulk of your winter maintenance is complete. Be sure to inspect the pool throughout the winter, checking
for visible signs of damage such as cracks, leaks, stains, scaling, or staining.

Why is winterizing important?

Properly closing your pool helps prevent freezes that damage the pool and equipment. From visible cracks and leaks in the pool to burst pipes damaging the pump and filters, freezing temperatures present serious, costly risks. There is also the risk of algae and bacteria growth, scale buildup, discoloration, and corrosion caused by improperly balanced water.

When to winterize your pool?

Once the temperature consistently drops below 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Starting the winterizing process too early could result in algae growth due to warmer temperatures. Plan carefully because the process will take several days.

How to winterize your pool?

First, test your water and balance the chemicals. Balance the alkalinity to 80-150 ppm, then the pH to 7.2-7.6, then the hardness to 175-275 ppm.

Next, clean the pool. Use a skimmer to remove floating debris and clean skimmer baskets. Scrub the pool with a brush and use a vacuum on the floor. Clean the filter.

After cleaning, add shock to your pool and circulate the water for a minimum of four hours.

Add a dose of algaecide and circulate the water for 24 hours.

Next, turn off your pool. Drain 4-6 inches below the skimmer and return lines to remove, drain, clean, and store all equipment. Drain, clean, and store the filter.

Last, remove the fitting on the return line and plug it with a rubber plug. Add a skimmer cover. Place an inflated air pillow in the center of the pool. Cover the pool and secure it with winter clips. Be sure to store equipment and chemicals to protect them from freezing temperatures.

Not ready to take on this project alone? Call us and set up an appointment for a simplified pool experience!