30/11/2016How To Winterize Your Home Swimming Pool
Now that December is finally here, it’s time to winterize your home swimming pool. Winterizing a pool takes more than just skimming debris and putting a cover over it. If you haven’t already started the process, now is definitely the time to do so. In addition to the basics, you must also properly treat the water and attend to other equipment that keeps your pool clean. The process for winterizing your pool is best left to the professionals. If, however, you are compelled to do it yourself, follow these steps on how to winterize your home swimming pool for the winter season. Proper winterization will protect your pool from the elements and ensure a quality, working pool this coming summer.
How To Winterize Your Home Swimming Pool
Balance the Water
Balance the water chemistry in your pool a week prior to closing it. The pH level should rest between 7.2 – 7.4, while Alkalinity should be set between 80 – 120ppm. In addition, the Calcium Hardness should remain between 180 – 220ppm. Next, shock the pool a few days prior to closing. Use a chlorine- or non-chlorine shock with a ratio of 2 lbs/10,000 gallons. Allow the chlorine level to return to between 1.0 – 3.0ppm, then add winter algaecide and cover your pool.
Clean the Pool
Remove the skimmer baskets, ladders, fittings, and any other materials from the pool. Once this is done, you must skim, vacuum, and brush the pool before permanently closing it. Skim the bottom and surface with an adequate net, and follow by vacuuming the pool floor. Once you have vacuumed, brush the pool walls and floor, and give it a final skim to ensure the water is clean and clear.
Lower the Water Level
Lower the water level in your pool during the winter months. This prevents algae from growing in still-standing water and decreases the risk of damage from ice formation. Use the pool filter pump to lower the water level 12″ – 18″ below the skimmer level for mesh covers. However, if you use a solid, or floating cover, lower the level 3″ – 6″ below the skimmer level.
Drain Additional Equipment
Drain or blow out all remaining water in your pool filters, pumps, the heater (if you have one), and chemical equipment. Water left in any of these features will freeze and crack in the winter cold, leaving you with a pricy repair come summer time. Follow additional instructions if you are using a specific type of filter.
Add Lubricant
Lubricate the pump lid before shutting down your pool for the season. O-rings along the hoses, pumps, and filters should also be lubricated for better sealing and chemical resistance.
Winterize the Plumbing
Blow air out from the skimmer, through the equipment, and back to the pool if you have an in-ground pool. As an alternative, you can also add Swimming Pool Antifreeze to the line instead of blowing air through it. Above ground pools need only disconnect the hoses from the pump and filters and then plug the wall outlets for the winter.
Add Algaecide to Pool
Add algaecide to the pool in an even distribution pattern. Remember not to add algaecide and chlorine-shock the pool at the same time!
Cover the Pool
Once all is said and done and the pool is clean and ready for winter, the last thing to do is add the pool cover. Make sure the cover fits the pool without any gaps or holes that will allow air or debris to get in. Solid covers do not protect against rain or other elements entering the pool throughout the season, and will need to be drained periodically throughout the season.
Winterizing your pool takes more effort than people think. As a result, most tend to do a half-hearted job and wind up with nothing but problems to deal with when it’s time to re-open the pool. Don’t let this be you! The professionals at Sunday’s Off know exactly how to winterize your home swimming pool. They know which products to use for your specific type of pool and can have your pool safe for the winter months in no time. Call us today for a consultation. After we’ve gone through how to winterize your home swimming pool, we’ll show you the best maintenance techniques to use until summer comes again. Call us today!
