Getting ready to Winterize a Pool can be a simple and pain-free process. In today’s article, we share our top 10 tips for closing a pool quickly and easily.
1. Begin One Week Before Closing
One week before closing, add a phosphate remover to keep the algae at bay and prevent any potential algae growth. When the water temperature is below 65 degrees, we recommend closing the pool.
2. Thoroughly Clean and Remove All Debris
Before the winter season, clean up your pool by thoroughly cleaning the sides and floor. This will prevent algae from growing and make the spring opening easier.
3. Manage Your Water Level
Freezing Area – Water should be 4-6 inches below: skimmer (vinyl-lined) or tile line (plaster)
Non-freezing Area – Water should be filled to the top, almost to the point of overflowing
4. Balance the Pool Chemistry
This is one of the most important steps to ensure that your pool's water balance is healthy. It can be done by measuring the water's pH and total alkalinity. Total Alkalinity should be between 80-120 ppm, pH level should be between 7.4-7.6
5. Shock Your Pool
Shock the pool before it closes for winter to kill any bacteria that might remain in it.
6. Backwash Your Pool Filter
Set the pump to run for a full cycle before backwashing and chemically cleaning your pool filter.
7. Drain Pool Lines and Add Pool Antifreeze (for freezing temperatures only)
This step can prevent the costly repairs that can occur from damaged pool equipment. It will also help minimize the risk of having to replace the pool pump, filter, and other pool equipment. Draining the equipment will allow the water to drain out. Draining the pool filter and pump can help minimize air resistance and prevent buildup. A small vac or liner vac can also be used to quickly remove air.
8. Install an Air Pillow (for above ground pools)
Place the air pillow in the center of the pool. An anchor can be used to secure it.
9. Install a Cover
Protect your pool and family with a secure pool cover. No matter what type of cover you choose, make sure that it is tightly sealed across your pool.
Safety covers are designed to provide complete protection from intruders and keep pool guests from entering. They are also anchored into the deck.
Winter covers are not ideal for preventing people from falling into the pool. Instead, they are designed to be placed around the pool. If you are planning on keeping your pool covered this winter, choose a mesh winter cover instead. Solid winter covers can help keep the pool clean and prevent debris from settling on the surface.
If you live near a pool, a leaf net can be used to keep the water flowing through the pool. They're typically used in areas with a lot of trees near it.
10. Monitor Chemical Balance Monthly
When it comes to water chemistry, check the chemicals in your test kit to ensure they're balanced. If the chemicals become unbalanced, consult a Leslie's Service Associate or visit one of their stores.
This post was originally published on Leslie's
If you have any other questions about pool and spa products please do let us know - we are here to help!