Winterizing the pools is one of the most crucial tasks for pool owners in winter. Winters can do significant damage to the swimming pools and increase maintenance costs when spring comes. Yes, winters often do cause some heavy damage. That’s why experts recommend taking some proactive measures to mitigate every possible risk and to keep your pool healthy through the winter season. Let’s understand how to keep the pool safe in winter with these 10 simple steps to winterize your pool. Let’s start with understanding more about the term ‘winterizing’!
What is Winterizing?
In simple words, winterizing the pool is a process of minimizing all the possible risks of contamination and damage caused by cold to your inground pool. Winterizing is a series of steps taken by the pool owners to prepare the swimming pool for winters. These measures not only save you time, but also a significant amount of your hard-earned money. Not winterizing the pool may result in higher repair and maintenance, not to mention the massive inconvenience.
If you are a pool owner and live in a region with moderate to extreme winters, you’ll be required to winterize the pool. Protect it from harsh weather, and Guess what! It is not rocket science. It is a series of easy steps that anyone can take.
Here are 10 simple steps to winterize your pool:
1- Clean the pool: Simply clean the pool by using algaecide, chlorine, and other chemicals to kill the algae and to clear the water. It’s extremely important to start winterizing with balanced pool water as it would make the remaining process much easier.
2- Balance the water: Once you are done with the cleaning process, you need to balance the water. Perform a test to check pH levels and alkalinity. Accordingly, you need to add baking soda if the alkalinity is on the higher side. Ideal levels of pH are between 7.2 and 7.8. Water balancing is said to be done a few days before you close the pool. It would give enough time for the chemicals to properly disperse.
3- Remove pool accessories: Now is the time to remove any extra pool accessories you may have added to the pool because it may not be of much use anyway. The pool must be free of accessories and must be clean and clear as early as possible.
4- Clean and backwash the filter: Carefully clean the filters as they are a crucial component of the pool. It would help determine the cleanliness of pool water. If that’s not the case, you might have to perform shock treatment.
5- Lower the water level: Reduce the level of water by using a pump or vacuum. You should lower the water level to 7-12 inches below the bottom of the tile. If you are going to use a solid cover, then you can keep the water just a few inches below the skimmer.
Related: How Much Chlorine is Safe For Your Skin & Ways To Measure It
6- Drain water: It is time to now open up the fitters. If there is any visible damage of tear and remove the cartridge filters and clean it thoroughly. It will be better to drain the pool completely.
7- Filters: Replace filters if the need be. You should clean and inspect the filters properly. If need be you might want to replace the filers. You can hire a swimming pool restoration expert in NJ if required.
8- Heaters, and chlorinating equipment: Use the pump and filter system which includes the chlorinator and heater, or some other pool equipment that contains water. If you don’t have the expertise or the equipment available, it is advisable to hire a professional pool maintenance expert.
9- Empty the chemical feeder: Empty all the chemical feeders as there would be no use. You are now almost done with the process. Ensure you secure the lid and clamp band safely and securely. Following these steps religiously would add to the longevity of the pool post winters and you won’t need to hire contractors for additional pool renovations.
10- Cover your pool: It’s time for the final step of the winterizing process. You might want to skim the pool one more time if required. The pool must be as clear and clean as possible. The pool cover should also be clean. Before you spread the cover over the swimming pool, you should inspect it closely one last time for any visible damage, or this would defeat the whole process. If there are any holes or tears in the pool cover, it might contaminate the pool. Ensure the pool is properly covered, and there is no passage for dust or debris to settle in.
Conclusion
Winterization of the pool is done! You now have to ensure it is all covered during the winter. Use a good quality pool cover because safety is of the utmost importance, particularly, if there are kids at home. It is advisable to restrict all activities nearby the pool area during winters. Although the winterizing process can be done on your own, if you face any difficulties or have no prior experience, you can always hire a pool expert.
