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Winterizing is the most important thing you can do to make your spring pool opening as easy as possible. There are enormous benefits to correctly closing your pool, including:
- Protecting your pool surfaces and equipment; protecting your investments
- Keeping water looking its best all winter long
- Protecting equipment from freeze damage
- Saving time and money on extra maintenance when you open your pool
Whether you completely cover your pool or just reduce maintenance, BioGuard® can make winterizing painless. Convenient Arctic Blue® Winter Kits include the products you need for cold weather care.
Vacation preparation
While on vacation, debris and bacteria can collect in your pool and upset the water balance. Consider a "vacation plan" to prevent problems so you can come home to a clear pool and not a messy surprise.
- Contact your BioGuard Dealer for a vacation maintenance plan. (Your dealer can give you instructions based on your specific BioGuard Program.)
- Clean your pool thoroughly, brushing and vacuuming walls and floors.
- Test pool water and make sure it's properly balanced. Anything that's out of balance, especially total alkalinity or pH, will likely get worse when left unattended.
- Run your pump at least eight hours a day to ensure adequate filtration. (Either set your timer or ask a neighbor to turn it on and off.)
- Upon returning, have your BioGuard Dealer perform a water analysis to ensure that your pool is properly balanced and ready for swimming.
Odds are you close your pool for the winter months! Closing your inground pool for the season is an important and sometimes confusing task. The reason we close our pools for the winter is to ensure the longevity of your pools plumbing lines and equipment. Here’s a step-by-step guide to how you can close your inground pool:
Introduction
As summer comes to an end, it’s time to think about closing your inground pool. Properly winterizing your pool will protect it from harsh winter conditions, save you money on repairs, and make opening it in the spring a breeze. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary supplies:
- Pool cover (mesh or solid)
- Winterizing chemicals (algaecide, chlorine shock)
- Pool skimmer and vacuum
- Pool water testing kit
- Air pillow (optional)
- Winterizing plugs for skimmers and returns
- A submersible pump (if needed)
Step 2: Clean the Pool
Begin by thoroughly cleaning your pool:
- Vacuum the pool to remove debris.
- Brush the walls and floor to get rid of algae and dirt.
- Skim the surface to remove leaves and other floating debris.
Step 3: Test and Balance the Water
Test the water chemistry to ensure it’s balanced.
- pH: Aim for 7.2 to 7.6
- Alkalinity: 80-120 ppm
- Calcium Hardness: 200-400 ppm
- Chlorine: At least 3 ppm
Adjust the chemical levels as necessary, and add a winterizing algaecide to prevent algae growth.
Step 4: Lower the Water Level
Lower the water level in your pool to below the skimmer and return lines. This prevents freezing and damage to these components. Use a submersible pump if necessary.
Step 5: Drain Equipment
Drain all pool equipment, including:
- Pump
- Filter
- Heater
Make sure to remove any water to prevent freezing and cracking. If you have a heater, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for winterization.
Step 6: Remove Accessories
Take out any pool accessories such as:
- Ladders
- Diving boards
- Lights
- Skimmer baskets
Store these items in a dry place to prevent damage.
Step 7: Plug Openings
Use winterizing plugs to seal the skimmer and return lines. This helps prevent water from entering and freezing in the pipes.
Step 8: Cover the Pool
Place a cover over the pool. Make sure it fits securely to keep out debris and minimize sunlight, which can promote algae growth. An air pillow can be placed under the cover to help with water drainage.
Step 9: Final Check
Do a final check to ensure everything is in order:
- Verify that all chemicals are balanced.
- Ensure all equipment is dried and stored.
- Confirm that the cover is secure.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can effectively close your inground pool for the season. Taking the time to properly winterize your pool will save you time and money in the long run, making the opening process much easier come spring. Enjoy the off-season knowing your pool is well protected!
Tips for Next Year
- Keep the pool cover clean throughout the winter.
- Check periodically for any debris accumulation.
- Plan your opening process early in the spring to enjoy your pool as soon as possible!