Preparing your pool for the winter can ensure that the pool and its equipment will be in good condition and ready for spring. May it be an above-ground pool or in-ground pool, preparing the pool for winter is easier than you think.
Below is an easy-to-follow guide from Katchakid Pool Covers on how to winterize your pool so it won’t sustain any damage during the winter.
Clean the pool and equipment.
Using a net, remove any debris, dirt, leaves and insects that are floating in the water or on top of your pool cover. You should also clean the tile line using a household tile cleaner to get rid of the scum. You will still be cleaning the pool tile in the summer but it is also better to do it earlier before new scum will grow. Furthermore, you will clean the filter, pump basket and skimmer, however, it is important to remember that you will do this after removing them.
Balance the pool water.
Note that balancing the water chemistry of your pool must be done all through the pool season. Making sure that the water chemistry in your pool is well-balanced before closing off your pool help limit the growth of algae throughout the off-season. The pool water’s’ alkalinity, calcium hardness levels, pH levels and sanitizer level must be within the recommended range.
Do not empty the pool.
It is common knowledge that as water freezes, it will expand. If there is no water in the pool when winter comes, the pool’s base will crack from the pressure of the expansion of the soil. There is adequate water in the soil under your pool that will freeze and expand as the temperature goes down. So it is important to leave sufficient amount of water in your pool, just below the mouth of the skimmer so you can avoid cracks.
Remove the water from plumbing pipes.
After lowering the water level, it is essential that the water in the plumbing lines of your pool must be removed. It is highly advised that you hire a pool professional to do this job. If there is water in the pipe when winter comes, the pipes will freeze. Frozen pipes will result in cracks and expensive repairs.
Float, cover, and store.
A floatation device must be placed at the pool’s center. Floatation devices can be purchased at pool retailers. The floatation device will help in balancing the ice and rainwater that will develop on the cover of the pool and it will also lower the pressure on the walls of the pool. Lastly, cover your swimming pool, make sure the cover is secured properly and keep all supplies in a store room so they will not be damaged.