Pool Winterization Guidelines: Protect Your Backyard Oasis
Your swimming pool is your ultimate outdoor sanctuary and retreat. For many families, it is the perfect place for a precious staycation. However, pool ownership also comes with the responsibility of caring for this prized possession. To avoid major heartache in the spring, it is essential to follow proper pool winterization guidelines. Preparing your pool ahead of time protects your investment from harsh freezing weather.
Thinking Ahead: One Week Before Closing
Clean the Water Thoroughly
Keep your water as clean as possible before you shut down the system. Any leftover debris can harm pool surfaces and change your water chemistry. For a solid week prior to closing, keep your pool entirely clear of dirt and leaves. Consequently, we recommend running your filtration pump 24/7 leading up to closing day. Make sure you brush the walls, vacuum the floor, and empty the skimmer baskets daily.
Test Your Water Chemistry
Proper water chemistry is absolutely essential for off-season sanitization. Bring a water sample into our store a week before closing to have it tested by a professional. Make sure your free chlorine reading drops to 0 ppm before treating the water with your winterizing products. Furthermore, you must ensure you have the right closing supplies on hand. We offer convenient BioGuard winter kits to make this chemical process incredibly easy for you. You can also speak to one of our retail specialists to get personalized advice for your specific pool layout.
Recommended Off-Season Water Balance Levels
- Free Chlorine: 1.0 – 3.0 ppm
- Total Alkalinity: 80 – 120 ppm
- pH Level: 7.4 – 7.6
- Calcium Hardness: 200 – 350 ppm
Step-by-Step Equipment and Chemical Balancing
Protect Your Pool Surface
Before you secure your winter cover, you must properly prepare the pool shell for hibernation. Several staining issues can lurk throughout the dark winter months. If you own a plaster pool, you should add a stain and scale inhibitor. We highly recommend using a premium product like Pool Closing Complete to shield your plaster from mineral scaling.
Deep Clean Your Filter System
To prevent permanent equipment damage, make sure you clean, disconnect, and store your filters properly. If you use a cartridge or D.E. filter, clean the inside of the tank along with the cartridge elements or grid assembly. Meanwhile, we suggest a deep off-season soaking using a specialized degreaser like Kleen-It. If you have a sand filter, run a long backwash and use a chemical cleaner to strip away oils and organic buildup. Always verify that no excess water remains trapped inside your equipment where it could freeze and crack.
Inspecting Cover Quality and Lowering Water Levels
Adhering to Pool Winterization Guidelines for Safety
Inspect Your Winter Cover
Carefully look for damage, small tears, and hairline cracks on your cover and your equipment. Ensure everything is in good working order and address any structural issues before the snow arrives. If you do find a tear, do not panic. We keep our warehouse packed with in-stock Watercrafters parts and accessories to fix your concerns immediately.
Regardless of your cover style, you must keep it free from heavy debris all winter long. Do not let swampy, dirty water weigh down the material, and quickly remove pointy twigs that could puncture the fabric. As a result, using a reliable cover pump or blower to clear the surface will extend the life of your cover. If you are not comfortable inspecting this heavy equipment yourself, call our service department for professional assistance.
Lower the Pool Water Level
You must lower your water level to the appropriate winterization mark. Reducing the water volume prevents ice expansion and frozen pipes as the temperature drops. In addition, you should inspect the water level monthly during the fall and winter. Checking it regularly ensures you do not have an undetected liner leak. Ask our certified pool professionals if you need help finding the right level for your pool type.
Storing Accessories and Winter Maintenance
Store Your Removable Pool Features
Take great care of your steps, ladders, and plastic accessories so you can enjoy them without delay next spring. Remove all detachable features from the pool deck. Wash them down, dry them completely, and store them in a safe, sheltered place until next year.
Keep Your Pool Clean All Year
As harsh winter weather comes and goes, check your backyard regularly for cracks or cover damage. The cleaner you keep the surrounding pool deck, the safer your pool will be from unexpected issues. Therefore, do not wait too long to schedule your pool opening when the weather breaks. Be proactive and book your opening in early spring to avoid lingering algae problems.
If you are a new pool owner and want hands-on training, call us today. We can easily schedule an on-site pool school session with one of our certified pool professionals!
If you are a new pool owner and would like to learn more hands-on information about how to care for your pool, call us today to schedule an on-site training with one of our certified pool professionals.
