Winterizing your pool is a crucial part of protecting it from the winter weather. It’s true. Closing your pool is a lot of work, but it can be made easier with a little organization and advanced planning.
Having all of the supplies you’ll need on hand prior to beginning is always wise. Let’s first take a look at what you’ll need to complete the process.
- Pool chemicals or a pool winterizing kit
- An air compressor or shop–vac
- A pool brush and vacuum
- A telescoping pole
- Tools
- A winter pool cover and accessories
Once you’ve purchased everything on your list, it’s time to get started. Read on for some handy tips on how to winterize your pool.
Step 1 — Balance Your Water
This step won’t be a big deal if you’ve stuck to a regular water maintenance routine throughout the warmer months. A week before you close your pool, test the water to determine which chemicals are needed. The water’s pH levels, alkalinity and calcium need to be balanced to prevent corrosion and scale build-up during the cold weather.
Step 2 — Clean Your Pool
Get out the pool brush and telescoping pole and start by giving the pool walls a good cleaning. Grab the vacuum and suck up any dirt or debris the cleaning dislodged from the walls. If your pool has algae growth, attack it with an algae brush and then vacuum again. Once the walls and floor are clean, test your water to see if any chemicals need to be added.
Step 3 — Remove and Store Equipment
Begin by cleaning your pool’s skimmer baskets. Once dry, they can be stored for the winter. Remove your ladder or drop in steps and give them a good scrub, followed by your solar blanket. Once dry, they can be put into storage as well.
Step 4 — Draining the Pool
You won’t want to drain your pool dry. Instead, drain just enough to prevent freezing damage. The amount you actually drain is determined by the type of cover you have. Follow the cover manufacturer’s drainage instructions to make certain the water level will support the cover.
Step 5 — Clean the Pump and Filter
Backwashing is an effective way to clean your filters. After cleaning, it’s important to drain all water from the filters as well as the pump and pool heater. Once dry, the filters can be stored.
Step 6 — Blowing Out the Lines
This is a difficult but essential step to protecting your pool’s plumbing. Blasting air through the pool’s lines will remove all traces of water, which is key to preventing damage. Because this can be a difficult process, it may be best to hire an expert to take care of it for you.
Step 7 — Install a Cover
Installing a cover is the last step in your winterizing process. A cover will keep your pool safe from the ravages of winter while also protecting the composition of your water. Using pool cover weights or water tubes will help keep the cover in place. A pool cover pump can also be beneficial. It will get rid of water laying on top of the cover, protecting it from water damage and excess weight.
Pool Tech
If you’d rather not tackle pool winterization, get in touch with us at Pool Tech, your local swimming pool service experts. As the top pool supply store in Maryland, Pool Tech has everything you need in stock to winterize your pool from pool safety covers to winterizing kits. Drop by our Salisbury showroom to pick up your supplies or send us a message to schedule a service.