Learning How to Properly Winterize Your Pool for a Safe and Healthy Off-Season

Winterizing a pool is a process that should be done every year before winter sets in. This process will help maintain the quality of the pool and protect the structure from possible damages that can occur due to freezing temperatures. Despite the fact that it might sound complicated and overwhelming, winterizing a pool is actually a simple process that can be done in a few simple steps.

The first step is to make sure that the pool is free of any type of debris. This can be done by using a pool vacuum or a net. Don’t forget to check the skimmer and pump basket for clogs. Cleaner tile lines are also more visible and easier to notice in the spring.

The next step is to balance the pH, alkalinity, calcium, and chlorination of the pool water. This will prevent scale buildup and corrosion and will make the process of starting the pool up in the spring easier. A winterizing chemical kit can help with this, but make sure to follow manufacturer instructions when adding chemicals. Make sure to add an algaecide as chlorine levels must be kept low in order to prevent it from damaging the pool cover.

In order to prevent hazardous freezing, drain the water in your pool down to the mouth of the skimmer and keep some water in the pool to prevent it from dislodging in case of the groundwater from the below freezing. This can also be helped by adding a flotation device to the pool’s center, which will balance any rainwater that accumulates on the cover preventing pressure from building on pool walls.

Before installing a winter cover, disconnect the filter and pump and use a shop vacuum or an air compressor to extract any water that is left in the pipes. Then use a good filter cleaner to remove dirt and grime from the system. Winter covers are more durable than summer covers and should span the entire area of the pool while being stretched tight across the surface.

Winterizing a pool is a great way to ensure your pool’s longevity and avoid damage that can be caused by freezing temperatures. The investment and effort spent on this process will save you time and money in the future, as the pool won’t require extensive repair and cleaning come spring. Helping to protect your pool from being damaged by harsh winter conditions is as simple as following these few simple steps and making sure your pool is winterized properly.