How to Winterize Your Pool Properly - More In Depth Approach

As winter approaches, it’s crucial to take steps to properly winterize your pool to protect it from the cold weather. Failing to do so can lead to costly damage and time-consuming repairs once the warmer months roll around. Winterizing your pool involves preparing both the pool and its equipment for a period of inactivity, ensuring that everything stays in good condition. In this article, we'll walk you through the steps to winterize your pool and keep it safe from winter weather, whether you have an inground pool, above-ground pool, or a spa.

1. Clean the Pool Thoroughly

Before winterizing, it’s essential to thoroughly clean your pool or spa. This includes brushing the walls and floor to remove algae, vacuuming any debris, and skimming the surface to clear leaves, bugs, and dirt. The goal is to ensure that the water is as clean as possible before you close it down for the season. Any debris left in the pool over the winter can cause staining, clog your filtration system, or become a breeding ground for bacteria, making the reopening process more difficult.

• Brush and vacuum the pool thoroughly.
• Skim the surface to remove floating debris.
• Clean the pool filters and pump basket.

2. Balance the Water Chemistry

Once your pool or spa is clean, the next step is balancing the water chemistry. Proper water balance is key to preventing damage to the pool’s surface and equipment. You'll want to ensure that your pH, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness levels are within the recommended ranges. Additionally, it's a good idea to add a winterizing chemical kit that includes algaecide, stain inhibitors, and chlorine to keep the water clean throughout the winter.

• Adjust pH levels between 7.2 and 7.6.
• Ensure alkalinity levels are between 80-120 ppm.
• Add algaecide and a shock treatment.

3. Lower the Water Level

For inground pools, it's recommended to lower the water level before closing the pool for winter. This prevents water from freezing and expanding in your pool’s plumbing, which could lead to cracked pipes and costly repairs. The water level should be lowered to about 4-6 inches below the skimmer for most inground pools. For above-ground pools, lowering the water level is less critical, but it’s still a good practice to prevent freezing damage.

• Lower the water level by 4-6 inches for inground pools.
• For above-ground pools, ensure the water level is just below the skimmer.
• Use a submersible pump if necessary.

4. Drain the Pool Equipment

One of the most important steps in winterizing your pool is draining the equipment to prevent any remaining water from freezing and damaging the system. This includes draining the pool pump, heater, and filter. For those with spas attached to their pools, it’s essential to fully drain the spa as well, as freezing water in spa jets and pipes can cause significant damage. You should also remove and store any accessories such as ladders, lights, and diving boards.

• Drain the pool pump, heater, and filter.
• Fully drain the spa, if applicable.
• Remove and store pool accessories.

5. Blow Out the Plumbing Lines

Freezing temperatures can cause water in your pool’s plumbing lines to freeze, expand, and crack the pipes. To avoid this, it’s crucial to blow out all the water from your pool's plumbing lines. This process involves using an air compressor to force air through the pipes, ensuring no water is left behind. Once the lines are cleared, plug the lines with winter plugs or expansion plugs to prevent any water from entering during the winter.

• Use an air compressor to blow out the plumbing lines.
• Plug the lines with winter plugs.
• Double-check that all water has been removed.

6. Cover the Pool

Investing in a high-quality pool cover is essential for protecting your pool during the winter months. A solid or mesh pool cover will prevent debris, dirt, and animals from getting into the pool, while also providing an extra layer of protection against cold weather. For added security, consider using water bags or cover clips to keep the cover securely in place. If you have a spa, covering it with a tight-fitting cover will help prevent heat loss and keep out debris.

• Use a durable pool cover to protect the pool.
• Secure the cover with water bags or clips.
• Ensure the spa is tightly covered to retain heat.

7. Monitor the Pool Throughout Winter

Even though your pool is closed, it’s important to check on it periodically throughout the winter. Heavy snowfalls, strong winds, or ice accumulation can cause damage to the cover or equipment. Inspect the cover to make sure it’s still securely in place and that there’s no water accumulation on top. If necessary, use a pool cover pump to remove any excess water.

• Regularly inspect the pool cover for damage.
• Use a pool cover pump to remove excess water.
• Clear off snow and debris from the cover.

Key Takeaways:

• Thoroughly clean and balance the pool water before winterizing.
• Lower the water level and drain all equipment to prevent freezing damage.
• Blow out the plumbing lines and secure the pool with a durable cover.
• Monitor the pool during winter to ensure the cover and equipment remain intact.