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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.
What happens if you don’t winterize above ground pool?
Your Pool Could Crack Surface cracks are very common in pools that don’t get winterized. Harsh conditions can lead to cracks as well as any water that is left inside the pool. That water will likely freeze and could lead to surface cracks.
What happens if you dont winterize your pool?
If your pool equipment isn’t winterized, water can freeze inside of your pump, filter or heater damaging these components so it’s important to keep water flowing through your pool’s system the entire time the temperature is freezing. There are things you can do to prevent costly repairs and replacement: 1.
Is winterizing a pool necessary?
You will want to close your pool properly over the winter to prevent freezes from damaging expensive pool equipment. Surface freezes can also tear through vinyl liners as a result of ice expansion. A second reason to winterize your pool is because most people completely stop maintenance over the winter.
Do I have to close my pool for the winter?
In most cases, pool owners use fewer chemicals during the winter than spring and summer. The cooler temperatures preserve the chemicals in your water. That means you are losing less chlorine and water through evaporation. For some, this may be the only reason they need to close their pool for winter.
Can I leave my above-ground pool uncovered in winter?
No, but winter covers protect your pool from stains, algae growth and poor water balance that could damage pool surfaces. It is recommended to use a winter cover, and 99% of pool owners who have their pool winterized do cover the pool for winter.
How long does it take to winterize a pool?
Depending on how you’re removing the water from your pool, this process may take a day or two.
Can above-ground pool collapse?
Above ground pools are more likely to collapse than inground pools, but both types of pools are capable of collapsing. Below are common causes of pool collapse: The weight of snow or ice on a pool’s cover. If you don’t drain your pool cover, the rainwater that collects can freeze and form a sheet of ice.
Can above ground pools stay up year round?
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 chemicals do I need to winterize my above-ground pool?
Winterizing chemical kit or pH increaser, Alkalinity increaser, Calcium hardness increaser, Pool shock, and Algaecide. Clarifying enzyme supplement (optional, but recommended) Above ground pool skimmer cover. Expansion plugs.
How much should I drain my above-ground pool for winter?
Adjust Water Levels In most cases, you will want to drain the pool to be at least 4 to 6 inches below the top of the skimmer. This allows adequate space for expansion of the water throughout the winter without risking damage to the pool.
How long does it take for pool pipes to thaw?
Approximately two weeks must pass for water inside your filter, pump and pipes to freeze completely, so your pool’s lines may not be frozen just because there is a layer of ice on top of the water surface.
Should you wrap pool pipes to prevent freezing?
Insulate plumbing lines with blankets or towels to prevent freezing. Even pool noodles can serve as good insulation around pipes. Open all lines to ensure proper water flow. If a valve is shut off, no water will be flowing through that pipe, and there is the danger of freezing damage.
How do you defrost pool pipes?
Running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe. Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hairdryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water.
How much does it cost to winterize a pool?
Most homeowners will spend between $125 and $375 to have their pool winterized by a professional. The national average reported cost is $232. The minimum cost a homeowner paid was $50 while the maximum reported cost was $700.
How much does it cost to lower a pool for winter?
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.
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 causes a pool to burst?
If the water level in the pool is higher on one side than the other, the frame can fail on the side with the higher level. Once you fill the pool with water, anything pressing against the liner could rupture it.
Why would a pool explode?
A filter tank can trap or accumulate air. The pump discharge compresses any entrapped air and pressurizes the filter. This creates a risk of explosion or “sudden separation” of filter parts. Filter manufacturers have known about the explosion risk since at least the early 1970’s.
How often should you drain your above ground pool?
Even with proper and regular pool maintenance, it’s often necessary to drain your pool — completely or partially — every 3-5 years. Draining your pool often isn’t necessary, especially if you’re following a proper and regular maintenance program.
