Fall is here and winter is just around the corner. For homeowners with outdoor swimming pools, preparing it for the winter is essentially important. While it is sad to see summertime go, waiting until the last minute to winterize your swimming pool could be a recipe for disaster.
Unless you have a pop up or blow up swimming pool, you should be forewarned that winter prep is a very time consuming task. However, if you’re going to protect your investment, it is essential.
It is extremely important that your pool is properly prepped for winter because freezing temperatures could cause serious damage to the pool. If water is left in the pool and the temperatures drop to a freezing level, the frozen water will begin to expand which will create cracks and other damage to the pool. Even if you live in a climate in which the winter does not get to freezing temperature, these tips are still recommended.
Check Chemical Levels
One of the most important steps to winterizing your pool is to check and see if the pool is chemically balanced. Many homeowners neglect the chemical levels once the pool is not longer in use. If you have someone who maintains your pool throughout the summer months, it might be advisable that you ask them to check the level of chemicals in the pool.
If you want to do it yourself however, there are pool supplies that you can get from many retailers in your area. The chemicals you are looking for are necessary for the winter. Such products would include winterizing algaecide and anti-freeze. Some stores also sell do it yourself kits that come with everything you’ll need in one package. You will need to treat the pool with algaecide and shock treatments.
Remove Attachments/Accessories
Now is the time to remove all the things from your pool that could be damaged by the frozen water. Take your pool cleaner, ladders, and skimmer baskets and place them in your home. You also want to make sure that you remove all of your filters, pumps, and chlorinating equipment from the pool as you don’t want water to become frozen and cause cracking in the equipment. It is also wise to vacuum all of the water from your pumps.
Drain the Pool
Next step to winterizing your pool for the cold weather is to drain your pool water levels down below the skimmers. If water is allowed to sit above the skimmers it could cause a lot of damage. However, if you don’t wish to drain the water, you can buy an Aquador which is a piece of equipment that is used to block water from entering the skimmer.
Clean the Pool
Before you seal off your pool for the winter you need to make sure that you have it cleaned. You do not want to have unsightly debris and dirt in your pool just sitting for several months as it can be a pain to clean in the summertime. Once the pool has been properly cleaned out you can install a pool cover. It is extremely important that the pool cover is the accurate size. There are covers that work specifically for winter weather.
Try to get your pool winterized it is best to do it ahead of time. Also, be sure to consult a professional if this is your first time doing it. You want to make sure your pool is safe and secure for a happier summer season.
