Winters can wreak havoc on your pool if it’s not closed properly in the fall.
Here are our 6 tips for winterizing your pool.
1- Don’t close your pool too early
To prevent the growth of algae and micro-organisms, it’s best to wait until the water temperature is under 12 degrees Celsius. This will help to maintain good water quality and make things easier when you open up your pool in the spring.
2- Take out all your accessories
Before you close up your pool, don’t forget to take all your accessories out of the water: the robot pool cleaner, the ladder or steps, etc.
3- Lower the water level
This step is crucial in order to prevent damage, because the water in your pool will expand when it freezes.
First, reduce the water level to about 30 to 45 cm below the skimmer. Then, pour the products from your pool closing kit into the water. You can also ask your pool dealer what water level is recommended for the type of pool you have.
4- Empty the hoses
It’s important to make sure there’s no more water in your hoses, so that they don’t freeze. For above-ground pools, all you need to do is unscrew the hoses and drain out any liquid inside.
For inground pools, because hoses are underground, you need to use a vacuum to make sure they’re empty. To prevent any freezing damage, pour about a ¼ gallon of antifreeze into the skimmer.
5- Protect the skimmer
For pools with a bottom drain, disconnect the hose connecting the skimmer to the drain and pour in antifreeze. Then, insert a foam rope into the hose, plug it with an expansion plug, and close the skimmer valve.
When you close your pool, it’s also a good idea to put some styrofoam or polystyrene pieces into the skimmer to protect it from the ice that can form there in winter.
6- Replace the filter and pump
Follow these steps to replace the filter and the pump:
For the pump:
- Disconnect the pump and turn off the circuit breaker.
- Empty out the water
- Store the pump in a dry place
For the filter:
- Empty out the water in the filter
- Set the valve to “winterize” or “winter”
- Remove the moveable parts (pressure gauge and backwash indicator)
- Store the drain plug in a dry place
- Wrap the filter to protect it
There are many different types of pools out there, so don’t hesitate to contact your manufacturer or dealer for more information on how best to winterize the model you have.
Also, don’t forget to let your insurance agent know if you have a pool. It might be a good idea to add coverage to your home insurance policy for your pool and equipment.
Finally, closing your pool isn’t the only thing you need to do in the fall to make sure your home is ready for winter. Check out our article How to prepare your home for winter for more tips.