Still, haunted by that disgusting mess after your pool had gathered leaves and debris during the past winter? Oh, the hours you wasted getting rid of all that filth, stains, and the costs for reopening the pool!
Anyone would squirm at the sight of it, and this will be repeated if you don’t properly close your pool this year. If you fail to winterize, there’s a possibility that your pool will fall apart completely. You may have to deal with ruptured pipes and damage to your filter, heater, pump, and deck come spring.
Algae infestation is another problem you need to deal with if you fail to winterize your pool. This can lead to an ugly and costly clean-up. Algae serve as a breeding ground for germs and bacteria that can cause illnesses.
Don’t take the risk. Protecting your pool from the effects of bleak weather is a must. Here are some ways to do it:
1. Clean the Pool
Roll up your sleeves and do the dirty work. Cleaning your pool is an integral part of the procedure, so grab your pool brush and telescopic pole and get to work. Scrub everything from the walls to the floor, getting into the nooks and crannies if possible.
This step will agitate any trash or algae spores that have accumulated there. If you notice your water turning green or some murky stains, use an algae brush to get rid of it all before it takes root. When you’re through, vacuum up all the dirt.
Cleaning can be a very taxing task. To help you out, you can use a swimming pool robot pool cleaner. If you haven’t seen one yet, https://cleanup.expert/robotic-pool-cleaners/ has a list of the best pool cleaners today.
2. Test and Adjust Chemical Levels
In this step, you need a pool test kit to ensure that the water’s pH, alkalinity, and other mineral levels are balanced. Chlorine levels must be less than five parts per million, and alkalinity must be between 100 and 150 parts. The pH levels should be between 7.2 and 7.8. These chemical levels are essential to prevent the pool from having scale formation and corrosion over the winter months.
After balancing the chemicals, it’s time to add an Algaecide to prevent algae formation. If you have a high-quality, impermeable pool cover, you can use one dose. For a porous cover, use two.
You can also use Pool Enzymes. Although not required, they target any pool intruders, including algae and spores. A Winter Pill is helpful for pool maintenance because it sanitizes and cleanses the water after it dissolves in it. A single treatment of Winter Pill is good for the entire winter months.
If you use well water for your pool, you’ll also need a Metal Sequestrant. Well water may have metal traces, and without a metal sequestrant, the metal adheres to the pool’s edges and rusts. With the help of this chemical, they will be suspended in the water, and the swimming pool will be unharmed.
In-ground pools require pool antifreeze to prevent pipes from freezing and exploding. Draining the pipes is a good step, but to be safe, use antifreeze with a temperature rating the same as the climate of the place where you live.
3. Shock the Pool
Before you put your swimming pool to rest, give it one last shock. Add chlorine tablets to kill any remaining bacteria. This step will be more effective if you do it at night and the pump is left running until the following day. This will allow the chlorine to circulate throughout. If you have a saltwater pool, a saltwater cell can distribute the chemicals in the pool.
Then, you must lower the water levels in your pool to keep it from overflowing when the water begins to freeze. If you live in a warmer region where water does not freeze, you can skip this step.
You can bring the water down to two feet below your tile line or skimmer if you use a permeable non-vinyl liner or mesh. If you’re using a vinyl liner, you can lower it by one inch and two feet for solid non-vinyl liners.
4. Clean the Filters and Lines
By now, the filter has most likely been clogged with all sorts of debris. Remove and clean it so that when spring comes, it’s ready to go.
When it comes to blowing out the pipes, hiring a pool specialist is the best option.
If you make one minor error, your lines will break as the temperature drops. Attach an air blower to your pool’s main drain to pump air through your pipes if you decide to do it yourself.
To prevent water from entering your system, you can install a rubber plug. You can use antifreeze to prevent pipes from bursting once frozen.
5. Take Out Accessories and Cover the Pool
You cannot skip this step if you have a saltwater pool. The salt can corrode the accessories, so you need to remove the ladder, rails, and toys. You also need to protect your pool cleaner. Before storing them, make sure that they are completely dry.
The last step is to cover the pool, including the pool pump. There are numerous types of swimming pool covers available. Depending on which one you choose, you may need to wipe off dirt and snow throughout the winter. If you have an above-ground pool, place a pool pillow in the center of the pool before covering it. This prevents snow from burying the cover.
You can also use a cover pump to take out water that accumulates in the cover. This is a crucial step to prevent ice formation on top of the cover. Also, it’s a good safety measure against accidental drowning or injury.
Close Your Pool Before Winter Comes
Winter is fast approaching, so you will soon want to get your pool ready for the colder months.
If you live in an area where the winters are harsh, it is important to take the necessary precautions to ensure that the water, equipment, and all other aspects of your pool will be in good shape for the next season.