It is essential to take proper precautions in caring for pools. Winter is fast approaching, marking the end of the swimming season. Proper maintenance now will ensure the pool is ready for the next cycle. Winterizing swimming pools is very important as it prevents algae growth, ice damage, and unwanted objects from collecting in the pool. Therefore, this blog will explain the effective way to winterize pools to foresee any damages resulting in high expenses & enjoy cleaner pools when the spring season approaches.
In addition, the appropriate time to carry out any maintenance of the pool and cover it to prevent its use for some time would be when the average daily temperature has a range that goes down consistently to below 60 – 65 degrees. These lower temperatures make algae proliferate less easily, making the pool get dirty less when shut down. On the other hand, looking at pool winterizing due time will only increase the threat level of freeze damages on the pool-specific equipment, ultimately even ruining the drain or any associated conduits.
How to Winterize Your Pool
Gather your winterizing supplies first. You’ll need the following items to winterize your pool:
Use a pool brush and skimmer to remove any leaves, dirt, and debris from the pool. A clean pool reduces the chances of algae growth and stains forming over winter. Consider using a reliable robotic pool cleaner, like the Aiper Scuba S1 Pro, to ensure that even hard-to-reach spots are spotless.
2. Balance the Water Chemistry
Ensure water is chemically balanced as per ppm (ideal range is 7.2 – 7.6), alkalinity (80 – 120 ppm), chlorine (2 -4 ppm), and calcium hardness (200 – 400 ppm) soft so that water condition is maintained while the swimming pool is not in use. Proper chemical balance prevents corrosion and scale build-up as well as liner damage.
3. Shock and Treat the Pool
Add a pool shock treatment to eliminate any lingering bacteria or algae. Then, treat the water with a winter algaecide formulated to last through the off-season and protect against algae growth. Follow the package instructions and distribute chemicals evenly around the pool. If using chlorine shock, avoid adding it simultaneously with algaecide to ensure effectiveness.
4. Lower the Water Level
Drain the pool water to 4–6 inches below the skimmer. This helps prevent freeze damage in the skimmer and other equipment. Be careful not to drain too much water, which could affect the pool liner or structure. The water level should be about a foot below the skimmer if you have a mesh cover and about 6 inches below the skimmer for solid covers.
5. Drain and Store Pool Equipment
All such equipment, such as a pump, filter, heater, etc., must be disconnected and drained to prevent freeze damage. Place everything in a safe, dry place because frozen water might create problems like cracks if left within the unit.
6. Add Pool Antifreeze (Optional)
For those in extremely cold areas, adding pool antifreeze to the plumbing lines can prevent water from freezing inside. Simply pour antifreeze into the skimmer and open the lines for extra protection.
7. Cover the Pool
Finally, cover your pool securely if you want to close the pool for winter. A durable pool cover removes debris and animals, making spring opening much easier. Ensure the cover fits snugly and securely at the edges to prevent any exposure to soil. Pool covers come in two categories: safety covers and winter covers. Safety covers anchor down, offering strong debris protection and preventing accidental falls, while winter covers are easier to set up but offer less protection. Whichever you choose, ensure it’s tight-fitting and free of holes or tears.
How to Winterize Your Above-Ground Pool
Winterizing an above-ground pool requires some special steps to protect it from potential damage.
Use Air Pillows: Place air pillows in the center of your pool to help prevent the water from freezing and expanding outward. The air pillows absorb the pressure, protecting the pool walls and liner.
Protect the Cover: Use air pillows as an additional measure against the accumulation of water of any form, snow or rain, on the pool cover. Thanks to the presence of air bulbs at the center, they reduce the likelihood of the pool cover being weighed down or sagged.
Flexible Set-up Pools: When you have a folding above-ground pool, be sure to drain it, wash out all dirt and debris, and put it away inside the house until warm weather returns.
Final Thought
It may take some effort and time to winterize a pool, but it is a necessary step, especially for maintenance purposes and to avoid sinking your finances into repairs. Most people will buy pool winterization equipment such as the one below and do it themselves, and this will cost less than $200 while turning to professionals will cost more than $500. Consider investing in the Aiper Scuba S1 Pro cordless robotic pool cleaner for effortless cleaning. This durable cleaner easily handles cold environments below 60°F with ease and efficiently cleans pool walls, helping reduce your workload when winterizing your pool.
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