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The weather has changed and it’s time to say goodbye to the warm days of summer. It’s time to winterize your inground pool. For the inexperienced this may be a challenge, but with the right tools and knowledge anyone can have a swimming pool ready for the winter in no time.
Why Winterize My Pool?
Winterizing a pool has a couple of benefits. The first is to protect the pool from damage. Freeze damage is common during the winter and occurs from the expansion of ice within the swimming pool system. The damage can be very expensive to repair so it’s best to protect the swimming pool system before this happens.
Another benefit for winterizing a swimming pool is that it helps keep it as clean as possible for the next season. Taking the time to close a swimming pool can save a lot of work when it comes to opening your swimming pool in the spring.
Getting Started
It’s a good idea to have a checklist of the items that are needed for closing a swimming pool. Here is an example of the kinds of products used for closing a swimming pool.
STEP 1: Balancing
The first step is to make sure the water is properly balanced. Without proper water chemistry staining can occur. Also improper pH may be very destructive and corrosive to the pool and its equipment. Testing the water can be easily done by utilizing a water testing kit.
STEP 2: Cleaning the Pool
Next make sure that the pool is completely clean. This means scrubbing the walls of any dirt and debris as well as making sure that the swimming pool bottom has been vacuumed. Any dirt and debris left in the water can cause staining so it is important to be thorough in the cleaning process.
STEP 3: Adding Winterizing Chemicals
When the pool is completely cleaned, add the winterizing chemicals. To add the chemicals follow the specific manufacturer’s instructions. Remember to circulate the pool water after adding chemicals for at least 1 – 2 hours. This will ensure that they will be distributed evenly.
STEP 4: Removing Pool Accessories
In the next step remove all the major pool accessories. This includes all skimmer baskets, eyeball return fittings, cleaners, solar blankets, and ladders from the pool. When these items are removed, store them in a safe place for the winter.
STEP 5: Winterizing Pool Lines
The next step is to winterize the plumbing lines within the pool system. Utilizing a shop vacuum or an air compressor you’ll want to blow air from the skimmer, through the equipment and back to the pool. Air should now be coming out of the skimmer lines, return jet lines, and the vacuum line.
While air is being blown through the lines, plug the returns using the winterization plugs. For the skimmer, use a Skim Insure to plug the skimmer line. When using a Skim Insure there will be no need to drain the swimming pool.
STEP 6: Removing Pool Equipment
Now it’s time to remove the pool equipment. Remove the drain plugs from the pump, filter, heater or pool heat pump and chlorinator to allow water to drain out. Make sure all water is drained from these items as any water left in them can freeze and crack. The results can be costly damage to the swimming pool equipment.
To further protect the equipment, store them in a safe place like a basement. For larger the larger items like the heater use specialized heater winter cover.
STEP 7: Using a Winter Cover
The swimming pool as well as the equipment should now be ready for the winter. All that is left is to secure the winter cover. Carefully place the winter cover in position over the swimming pool. It is important to make sure there are no holes or gaps where leaves or debris may enter the pool.
Once the cover is in place it is time to secure it. Using water tubes or aqua blocks to secure the cover to the deck will keep the winter cover in place during high winds. When using water tubes make sure to fill them 2/3 full. With aqua blocks only fill to the designated fill line. The swimming pool is now ready for the winter months.
All Done
Winterizing a swimming pool is a task that anyone can do. With the right tools it can be accomplished in no time. So protect your investment and keep your pool safe this winter.
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