If you want to enjoy your swimming pool for many years to come, winterizing it should be high on your to-do list this fall. Closing your pool for the winter is no small feat.
But with our help, you can handle the process like a pro. Read on to learn the seven essential steps to protect your pool from the cold.
Step #1 – Balancing Your Water
If you’ve been faithful with your pool maintenance this summer, the water shouldn’t need a lot of work. A week before you plan to close your swimming pool, use a test kit to check the water’s chemistry.
You’ll need the usual pool chemicals on hand to ensure the water’s pH levels fall between 7.2 and 7.8, the alkalinity between 80 and 120 ppm, and calcium hardness between 180-220 ppm. Add shock as needed as well as algaecide if you detect any slime.
Step #2 – Cleaning The Swimming Pool
Once a week has gone by, the cleaning process can begin. Start by brushing down your pool’s walls. The filter should be set to the drain or waste position to eliminate dirt from the water. Next, it’s time to vacuum.
Go over your entire pool to catch any remaining grime. If the cleaning process has revealed some algae, get out your algae brush and give the affected areas a good scrub. Vacuum again to suck up the dislodged algae before moving on to other cleaning tasks.
Step #3 – Cleaning And Storing Equipment
Start by removing your pool ladder or drop-in steps from the water. Give them a thorough cleaning and, once dry, store them away for the winter.
Next, it’s time to turn your attention to the skimmer baskets and solar blanket. Once they are clean, they can also be put into storage.
If you have a slide or diving board, give them a wash as well and allow them to air dry before wrapping them up for the winter.
Step #4 – Draining The Water
While you won’t want to drain all the water from your swimming pool, lowering the water level is crucial for protecting your pool from frost and ice damage.
The proper drainage amount will be determined by the type of winter pool safety cover you have. Simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how much water to let out.
When at the right level, the water will support both the cover and any snow or ice that falls on it. Be sure to use a soft-bristled brush or broom for removing snow buildup.
Step #5 – Cleaning The Pump And Filter
The cleaning continues as you remove and wash your cartridge filter. Once dry, it can be put into storage. The next step is to backwash the remaining filters.
This is an excellent way to rid them of debris and dirt. Lastly, you’ll need to drain all existing water from the pump, filters, and pool heater to prevent freezing.
Step #6 – Blowing Out The Lines
This is the hardest part of the job. Blowing out the lines means blasting air through your pool’s plumbing to rid it of all water. This protects the lines from freezing and cracking.
Getting the air pressure right is key to keeping your swimming pool in good shape. If you’d rather not take the chance on damaging the plumbing, then why not hire a pool technician to take care of it for you?
Step #7 – Installing a Pool Safety Cover
The right winter cover will protect your pool from the ravages of Old Man winter while also keeping your water uncontaminated.
Adding pool cover weights and a pool cover pump to the mix will help your cover stay afloat by balancing it and eliminating any water laying on top of it.
SWIM WORLD
If the idea of winterizing your swimming pool isn’t appealing, it’s time to call the professionals. Our swimming pool service technicians at Swim World can take care of all your pool maintenance needs.
As the top pool supply store in Washington, we stock an array of high-quality products to keep your pool in good working order from pool safety covers to cleaning supplies.
Swim world offers swimming pool service in two packages: Chemical Service and Full Service. To find out which package is right for you, visit our Swimming Pool Service Page. Contact us at 509-682-3431 to schedule a pool service.
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