How To Winterize A Pool

1. Test and Balance The Pool Water

The initial step to prepare your swimming pool for the winter season is to test you water with water testing strips. Following that, balance your water based on the test results. This going to help safeguard the pool from any damage that might happen at the surface.

• Balance its alkalinity, pH, then complete hardness.
• The alkalinity should be 80 to 150 ppm. Add a alkalinity increaser when the levels are lower.
• pH: 7.2 to 7.6. Once more, use an increaser, if required.
• Hardness: 175 to 275 ppm.

2. Clean The Pool And Its Filter

A vital part of the winterizing process is thoroughly cleaning the pool.

• Utilize a pool skimmer to clear the pool water of any floating rubbish (leaves, sticks, insects, etc).
• Utilize a pool vacuum to clean the pool floor.
• Empty out each of the skimmer baskets.
• Backwash the filter then clean the filter media using a filter cleaner.

3. Pool Shock And Water Circulation

A fast pool shock can sweep the water of any microbes or algae growth. A mid-winter shock is recommended for pools in warmer areas.

• Shock the pool in accordance to the pool shocks guidelines.
• Utilize a quality pool shock that is not going to intensify the pool water’s calcium hardness or pH levels.
• Circulate the pool water for a minimum of 4 hours following that.

4. Run The Pool Pump To Hinder Algae

Take the proper precautions to hinder the growth and spreading of algae in the pool.

• Verify the labels directions, then add a dosage of algaecide to the pool.
• Be sure the algaecide is not going to cause any staining on the surface.
• Allow the pool pump to run for 24 hours to correctly spread and circulate throughout the water.

5. Winterize Pool Equipment

Pool equipment is required to be winterized and stored away for the upcoming season.

• Turn-off all equipment, in accordance to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Remove all drain plugs, the pool pump, its hoses, and the chlorinator.
• Bring all equipment inside.
• Put the sand filter multiplier valve on its winterize setting.
• Drain the cartridge filter, rinse it off and bring it inside.
• Diatomaceous Earth filters are required to be drained.

6. Plug And Cover The Pool

Be sure the pool cover is big enough and strong enough to endure any rough weather.

• Remove the eye-ball fitting on the pools return line and plug it with a rubber plug and wing nut.
• Drain the pools water 4-6 in. below the skimmer. Add a skimmer cover following that.
• Blow up an air pillow and put it in the middle of the pool cover.
• Place and secure the pool cover.
• Remove the pool ladder and/or any other decking equipment.
• Store all chemicals/equipment inside.