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.
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.
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.
How do you close an above ground pool for the winter?
How to Close Your Above Ground Pool in 10 Steps Step 1: Deep Clean. Step 2: Balance your Water. Step 3: Add Winterizing Chemicals. Step 4: Add Pump Protector. Step 5: Protect Your Return and Skimmer. Step 6: Prepare Your Filter for Hibernation. Step 7: Clear the Pool. Step 8: Set Up Ice Equalizer Pillow.
What month do you winterize your pool?
September and October are a good time to close the pool because the weather is ideal. It’s still warm to be outside, enjoying the sun, even if you hate to say goodbye to summer. But once those temperatures start dropping significantly, you’re going to kick yourself for not closing the pool sooner.
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.
How much shock Do I need to winterize my pool?
Several days before closing, shock the pool with a chlorine shock or non-chlorine shock, using at least 2 lbs per 10,000 gallons (follow package directions). Allow the chlorine level to return to 1.0-3.0 ppm before adding any winter algaecide or your pool cover.
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.
Does an above-ground pool freeze solid?
Above ground pools can freeze solid, especially in negative degree temperatures. Above ground pools will freeze solid from side to side within a few days in temperatures below zero degrees. However, very rarely will a pool freeze all the way to the bottom.
Can you leave above-ground pool up all year?
A common question asked is, “Can above ground pools stay up year round?” And although the easy answer is that “Yes, they can,” whether you want to leave them up year-round really depends on the type of pool you have. Dismantling some above ground pools for the winter may be more hassle than it’s worth.
What happens when your pool freezes?
Mild climate pools often freeze across the surface overnight. However, if the ice sheet becomes thicker than ¼” to ½”, it will put pressure on your pool tile and skimmers as the ice expands. Ice can crack tile or loosen the grout, letting small pieces of tile come loose.
What temperature should I keep my pool at in the winter?
It is best to close your pool when the temperature of the water is consistently below 60 degrees. Once the water temperature drops below 60 degrees, microorganisms and algae cannot grow and become dormant for the winter season.
Should I add algaecide when closing pool?
By simply adding algaecide to your water prior to closing, you can prevent algae growth from occurring during the cold, winter months which makes for an easier opening in the spring. You can apply algaecide directly to the pool water and allow the pump to continue to circulate for approximately two to four hours.
How do I prepare for my pool closing?
Ten Steps to Closing your Pool the Right Way Balance water chemistry: The week you’re closing your pool, make sure your water falls within the ranges below. Add shock and algaecide: Clean pool: Store equipment: Lower water level: Drain pump, filter, chlorination and heating equipment: Lubricate: Winterize plumbing:.
Should I shock pool before winterizing?
Shocking kills any bacteria that might linger in your pool during the winter. We recommend shocking a few days before you close the pool. If that is not possible, make sure to shock the pool the night before you close it for winter.
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 chlorine is needed to winterize a pool?
Super chlorinate with liquid chlorine or other chlorine source and add winterizing chemical kit to pool; allow filter to circulate to evenly distribute chemicals. (Use chemicals as labels indicate.) Use 1 gallon of liquid chlorine per 10,000 gallons of pool water.
What temperature will pool pipes freeze?
If you have an above ground pool with the pool filter system and plumbing above ground (like nearly all above ground pools), pipes and pumps can freeze up in less than an hour of minus 32 degrees.
