Winter is definitely on its way for most of the United States. Most states are averaging below normal temperatures right now and it is time to start working on winterizing your pool. Everyone wants to have a trouble free spring pool opening and if you take the correct steps for the winter then you will get exactly what you want.
Winterizing Your Pool the Right Way
Closing your pool for the winter is very important and it is necessary due to freezing water temperatures and the damage this could cause to your pool if you did not close it. A few simple steps and you will have your pool ready for the winter and you will have a much easier opening in the spring. Follow the easy steps below for closing your pool:
- Make certain that your pool chemicals are balanced and keep them at the same levels you do at any other time of the year.
- You can add winterizing chemicals to your pool such as non-toxic anti-freeze and winter algaecide, which you can purchase individually or you may invest in a winterizing kit. The kits can be found at your local swimming pool chemical supply stores or over the Internet.
- Strong oxidizing floaters are not recommended because they can stick to the sides of your pool and damage the surface of your pool. Do not use Bromine or Chlorine tablets for the same reason.
- Make certain that you clean the water in your pool completely. Give it all the muscle you have and then lower the water in your pool to just below the opening of the skimmer.
- Be certain to blow the water out of the plumbing from your lines. This step can be accomplished with a shop-vac. Use a Gizzmo to seal the line in your skimmer and make certain to use Teflon tape on the threads to be sure the seal is complete. The Gizzmo is another piece of equipment that you should be able to pick up locally or over the Internet.
- Be sure to drain all of the water from your filtering equipment, remove chemicals from any feeder source, if you have an air relief valve then open it and if you have removed any plugs during any of these processes do not put them back, instead, place them in a container and store them for the winter.
- Cover your pool with a quality pool cover, which you can purchase locally or over the Internet. This is your last step. Yes, you are truly finished winterizing your pool!
Now you can rest easy, knowing that your spring pool opening should be trouble free and that damage from freezing water should not be an issue. Just remember that time goes quickly and you will be back in your pool in no time, chasing away those winter blues and having fun in sun.
