Swimming Pool Winterizing

Swimming Pool Winterizing

The days are getting much shorter and cooler as the sun makes its way south for the winter. If you have a swimming pool it is that time of the year to do your swimming pool winterizing. Most pool owners do swimming pool winterization as a DIY project as it is not a difficult task and cost several hundred dollars if a pool service company performs the work. By following the swimming pool winterization suggestions below your pool will make it through the winter without suffering any damage. These suggestions apply to in-ground swimming pools and above ground swimming pools.

To properly winterize a swimming pool you should begin by making sure that the pool water is clean of all debris such as; leaves, bugs, pine needles, and any other similar items. They can be vacuumed or removed by use of the filter but first use an extension pole with net to skim the worst from the water surface.  

After cleaning the pool perform your standard chemical treatment. A mixture of winter chlorine, winter alkalizer, and winter powder will insure that your pool stays clean throughout the winter and is ready for use in the spring when the warmer weather returns. Most pool owners or pool maintenance service companies use a ready-made winterizing kit that contains all the chemicals for winterization. If you use a ready-made winterizing kit be sure that you follow the directions carefully as each manufacturer’s kit is different in terms of the chemical makeup. The chemicals will put very high levels of chlorine, alkaline, and algaecides in the water in preparation for the winter months ahead. Some require the pool filter be turned on while adding the chemicals while others do not.  Make certain you follow the directions carefully to avoid staining the liner.

After the chemicals are added slightly drain the pool to the appropriate levels recommended by the pool manufacturer. The lower level will allow for expansion of the frozen water.

 Next remove the filter hoses attached to the skimmer and output hole. If draining is not required, cover the filter skimmer and output hole with appropriate covers. The cover will prevent water from leaking and ice from forcing its way out.

Remove the filter hoses. Open the drain at the bottom of the filter to let out any water in the filter.  Store the filter and hoses in a garage or basement for the winter. Leaving a filter outside over the winter can lead to serious damage from freezing.

Install a floatation device in the center of the pool before installing the swimming pool cover. The floatation device can be a large inner-tube or a large inflatable winter pillow sold by your pool supply company.  The floatation device will balance the rainwater, snow, or ice that will collect on the pool cover during the winter months. The area around the float will not freeze and will allow the ice to push inward toward the float rather than outward towards the pool wall. This will relieve the tension on the pool walls.

Pick up and store all pool toys and pool furniture around the pool. Winter winds can blow such items into the pool causing damage to the pool liner or the cover. By following these swimming pool winterizing suggestions will insure that your pool does not suffer damage over the winter and be ready for use when the warm weather returns.