Table of Contents
Steps for Winterizing an In-Ground Pool Step 1: Remove pool accessories. Step 2: Deep clean the pool. Step 3: Adjust the water chemistry. Step 4: Lower the water level. Step 5: Drain and store the equipment. Step 6: Add shock and algaecide. Step 7: Cover the pool.
Do I need to winterize my pool or can I leave pump running?
Turn off and winterize water features. Running your pump prevents freezing, and keeps water flowing throughout your pool system. So unless you plan to also run your water features whenever you run your pump, it’s usually best to close the valves, turn them off, and keep them winterized.
What chemicals do I need for winterizing my pool?
What chemicals do I need to close my pool? Chlorine. Pool Shock. Soda Ash. Baking Soda. Muriatic Acid. Winter Algaecide. Pool Antifreeze. Stain and Scale Prevention.
How far do you drain an inground pool for the winter?
In-Ground Pools In-ground pool draining requirements are similar to those of their above-ground counterparts. Drain the water down to no more than 6 inches from the bottom of the skimmer if you plan to use a standard floating winter cover. Use your pool filter, switched to the “Drain” setting, to empty the pool water.
Do I need to add chlorine to my pool in the winter?
During the winter months, the amount of chlorine needed from your salt cell to keep the pool clean is reduced. This is due to the fact that it is difficult for bacteria to grow in cold temperatures.
How much water should you drain from a pool to winterize?
Lower the Pool Water Level When winterizing your above ground pool, lower the water level around 4″ to 6″ below the skimmer. You can do this with a submersible pump or by siphoning the water out with a short garden hose.
What happens if you don’t winterize pool?
The harsh weather conditions throughout the winter season can create potential damage to more than just the pipes. What happens when you don’t winterize your pool is that the water could turn green with algae. Bacteria that feed on algae could even cause health risks.
Can I leave pool uncovered in winter?
People often avoid covering their pool for the winter because pool covers are an additional cost. However, an uncovered pool will cost you far more over the span of a few short years than a simple pool cover. For one thing, an uncovered pool will become a catch-all for leaves and debris.
Will pool salt keep water from freezing?
Yes, although their freezing point is just a bit lower than regular chlorinated water. Salt water pools freeze usually freeze closer to 28 degrees as opposed to 32, but nonetheless, they still freeze. So, treat it just like any other pool.
Are pool winterizing chemicals necessary?
You do not need a pool winterizing kit. You really only need one chemical (algaecide) to properly winterize a swimming pool. You need some other stuff to protect your pool from harsh winter conditions, but only one chemical to add when closing.
Do I need to add chemicals to my pool in the winter?
Ideally, your pool’s chemistry should remain as balanced as possible throughout the winter. There’s a low chance that you’ll need to add chlorine as long as the pool isn’t being used and there is no water circulation.
What is pool winterizing powder?
Winterizing Powder to provides buffering for the pH during the winter months. It also provides improved scale prevention. Winter Stain & Scale Control is an effective dispersant and scale inhibitor which removes and controls scale, stains and other deposits in swimming pools.
Do inground pools freeze in the winter?
Yes, they can freeze solid. If temperatures reach below zero, swimming pools that are not circulating can freeze solid within a few days. If those low temperatures continue for several days, the ice sheet can increase in thickness by up to ¼” per day.
How high should pool water be in winter?
The best way to keep your winter cover on your pool is simply to maintain 2 inches of water on top of it and keep it free of leaves and other debris and monitor the water level inside the pool regularly.
Should I drain my pool below the skimmer for winter?
Do you need to drain any water when winterizing an above ground pool? The answer hinges on how you protect your skimmer during the winter. If you’re concerned about freezing and cracking, and don’t use a winter skimmer cover plate, then you should drain the water level below the skimmer and returns.
Should I add salt to my pool in winter?
Use salt test strips for an accurate reading and when the season starts cooling down, do not add anymore salt to the pool. It is better not to have a lot of salt in your pool toward the end of the season. Balancing your water’s chemistry is important for all pools during closing time.
How do I keep algae out of my pool in the winter?
Follow these steps to keep algae from invading your pool in the winter. Take preventive measures. Before you close the pool for the winter, give it a good cleaning. Keep it covered. Make sure the cover is clean. Balance the chemicals. Give it a shock. Keep the filter running- at least part of the time. Pay attention.
How often should you service your pool in the winter?
In the winter, you should balance your pH, pool water weekly at a minimum; spa users are recommended to check their water chemistry every two to three days. In addition, use an algaecide to kill any existing algae and prevent new blooms during the winter.
How low should you lower your pool for winter?
If you are using a solid winter pool cover (one that floats on the surface and is held in place by water weights), lower the water level 3-4″ below the bottom of the skimmer opening.
Is it bad if your pool freezes?
Do NOT let your pool freeze. While a thin layer of ice is unlikely to damage your pool, if you live in an area with continuous below-freezing temperatures, we highly recommend you winterize and close your pool at the end of swimming season. Keeping your pool open all year long is also an option.
