Is it time to winterize your pool?
Most of us don’t look forward to it much, do we? Swimming equates with warm sunny days and even though we don’t have to deal with the subzero stuff here, some of us just don’t care much for the temperature change. It’s coming though regardless of how we’re feeling about it. This list will help ensure that you don’t leave anything out when closing the pool.
Guard against algae growth
If you’ve ever uncovered your pool in the spring to discover the water has turned green and murky, you understand the importance of guarding against algae!
This first step to winterize your pool takes place about a week in advance. Adding a phosphate remover to the water eliminates algae’s primary food source. That’s going to go a long way toward preventing an algae bloom over the winter. We recommend waiting until the water is consistently below 65 degrees Fahrenheit before dumping it in. Anything above that temperature increases the risk of algae growth. It flourishes in warm, still water.
Remove debris
Dirty pools promote algae growth too so you don’t want to dump in your phosphate remover and call it good. Thoroughly brush the sides of the pool with a stiff-bristled brush. It’s a good idea to brush—actually, a broom works here if you’re not into holding your breath for extended periods—the bottom of the pool as well. Then, vacuum as normal. Once that’s complete, remember to clean out the skimmer and pump strainer baskets.
Water levels
Since our temps never stay below freezing for extended periods, we don’t anticipate the water in our swimming pools to actually turn to ice. Colder climates require draining the water level to be four to six inches below the skimmer or tile line.
We’re good to go here in Florida though. Your pool’s water level should stay at the normal operating level or higher.
Chemistry—just a scary word
Some of us tend to get a bit nervous upon hearing words such as “chemistry” interjected into the directions we’re to follow. However, the chemicals in your pool water protect against major water issues. These can include metal stains, calcium scale, cloudy water, and, of course, algae-infested water.
You can use an at-home test kit to determine where you stand or take a sample of water to your local pool store. Most will gladly check the chemical levels for you and make sure you take home what you need to get everything shipshape.
You’ll need to balance your pool water if they don’t fall within the following ranges:
- Total Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm, depending on the type of sanitizer you use
- pH: 7.4–7.6
- Calcium Hardness: 200–400 ppm
Shock factor
Once you ensure that the chemicals are at the proper levels, it’s time to shock the water. It oxidizes any organic contaminants. The Free Available Chlorine helps control any bacteria or algae spores that may still be lurking about.
Normally, shock treatments require treating the water with one to two pounds of shock for every 10,000 gallons of water. Your Free Available Chlorine level should range between 2.0 ppm and 4.0 ppm on the day that you close your pool. If it doesn’t, shock it again before the cover goes on.
Backwash Pool Filter
The chemicals are balanced and chlorine levels are up to par. Run your pump through a full four to twelve-hour cycle… whatever your norm is… so the water completely turns over. After that, it’s time to backwash or manually clean your pool filter.
There’s no reason for it other than the fact that if you don’t, you’ll open up the pool come spring and, hopefully, remember that it needs to be cleaned first thing. When you shut down with a dirty filter, though, it does reduce the life because the dirt and debris just work toward decay.
If your system uses a DE grid or filter cartridge, completely remove them for cleaning. It might be helpful to soak them in a chemical solution that breaks down stuck-on oil and any calcium buildup.
Draining the lines
Homeowners who live where the temperature drops below freezing for extended periods need to drain their pool lines. We’ve had some out-of-the-norm weather this year, but surely we don’t have to consider freezing pipes!
If the water in the lines turns to solid ice, odds are they’re going to bust wide open. Those types of repairs get costly. It’s an easy process to complete and a small shop vac does the job quite well. You would simply blow the water out of the lines and insert your drain plugs. It’s not a hard task, so if the forecasters throw us a “head’s up!” about things to c-c-come, you can take a few minutes and get the job done.
Cover it up
There are two types of pool covers to choose from and you’ve likely already made your choice. However, if this is your first year as a pool owner and you need to get one yet, here’s the difference.
Safety covers
These covers provide you with the highest level of protection against accidental intruders and winter storm debris too. They anchor to the surrounding deck and take all the worry out of off-season pool maintenance.
Winter covers
These types of covers simply fit across the top of your pool and are made of thinner materials. They will not support weight so don’t protect against people or pets falling into the water. The covers are held in place with a series of water bags or winter cover blocks to weigh down edges.
They come in mesh or solid styles.
Mesh covers keep debris out while allowing water to filter through the material. It can make sitting out by the pool during the winter months more enjoyable visually. Solid covers create a more complete seal against accumulating debris but you’ll likely need a pump… or maneuver that shop vac just right… to remove the excess surface water that builds up during winter rains.
Routine monitoring
It’s a good idea to routinely check the water chemistry throughout the winter—especially if we get warmer than usual temperatures. When the water is consistently over 65 degrees, algae growth is possible.
Ready and waiting
Most of us would rather that we never needed to worry about having to close our pools for extended periods due to the weather cooling down. It’s not for long and with the holiday season rapidly approaching, the next few months are sure to fly by.
Since you made the decision to winterize the pool like a pro, when those warm days return, you’re going to be ready to go!
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