How to winterize a pool without lowering the water?
- Turn off all pool equipment per the manufacturer’s directions.
- If needed, partially drain your pool to lower the water level below the skimmer and return lines.
- Remove all drain plugs to completely drain the equipment, then remove the pool pump, chlorinator and hoses.
- Bring all equipment indoors for storage over the winter.
How to close or winterize your above ground swimming pool?
You will need the following:
- Your pool test kit.
- A winterizing chemical kit containing a pH increaser, alkalinity increaser, calcium hardness increaser, pool shock, and an algaecide. ...
- You will also need a winter skimmer cover plate, some expansion plugs and return line plugs, as well as an above ground pool winter cover, a cover winch, and matching ...
How do you winterize an inground swimming pool?
Steps to Winterize Pool; Even in Florida
- Clean the pool thoroughly. Whether opened or closed, clean the pool thoroughly to prevent algae buildup, stains and clogged pumps.
- Balance the chemicals. Maintain the pool’s chemicals in the winter as you would in the summer. ...
- Run the pump. ...
- Remove the pool accessories. ...
- Use a swimming pool cover. ...
Should I winterize my inground pool?
When Do I NOT Need To Winterise My Pool?
- When the temperature stays warm enough to swim all year round. As long as the water can’t freeze in the lines, then it’s not necessary to winterize. ...
- When you have a heated pool. I am hesitant though to recommend not winterizing your pool because it is heated. ...
- If you have a temperature-controlled indoor pool. ...
What happens if you don't winterize pool?
Without winterizing your pool, the water could turn green with algae. If the chlorine system stops functioning, you'll say adieu to the beautiful blue pool you know and love. Come spring, your pool will be a homely sight and cause a real dent in your wallet. Bacteria that feed on algae could even cause health risks.
How do I winterize my swimming pool?
Steps for Winterizing an In-Ground PoolStep 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 you have to winterize your inground pool?
If left open and operating, a swimming pool has water circulating through its pipes; when this water freezes and expands its mass, it can burst the pipes and damage equipment like the filter or pump! That's why it critical to properly close down your pool for winter.
Is it OK to leave water in above ground pool for winter?
A: Winterizing your above ground pool saves future maintenance, money and time. By draining water from pipes, filters and pumps, the risk of damage from freezing is eliminated. Water left in the pool helps protect the liner and the structure from cold weather damage.
What chemicals do I need to winterize 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 run pool pump in winter?
Run your pool pump continuously when temperatures are near or below freezing. You don't need to run your heater, moving water likely will not freeze. Disconnect any aerators and lines to slides. Booster pumps for pool cleaners don't need to run continuously.
At what temperature should you winterize your pool?
around 65 degreesOur rule of thumb is to wait until the temperature is consistently around 65 degrees. This is the best time to winterize and close your pool. In our climate, the best practice is to cover your pool and winterize the piping and equipment before freezing temperatures occur.
Does pool water freeze in the winter?
With the cold months upon us, pool owners may be wondering how to prevent their pools from freezing. Yes, they can freeze solid. If temperatures reach below zero, swimming pools that are not circulating can freeze solid within a few days.
How much water do I need to drain my pool for winter?
4 to 6 inchesIn 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.
Will pool walls collapse without water?
An empty pool (or as little as 1/4 filled) and an exposed liner on a hot day can cause the liner to shrink from the heat and deem the liner useless. An empty pool is also susceptible to collapse. Especially, in high winds and/or bad weather. Keep in mind!
What month should I close my 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.
Should I just drain my pool and start over?
Most in-ground pools will have to be drained and refilled at some point. But cleaning should not be the reason to do it. Pools will need to be drained and refilled every 5-7 years on average, or if there is a major necessary repair. Otherwise, avoid draining your pool if at all possible.
How much shock Do I need to winterize my pool?
Add 1 gallon of shock per 10,000 gallons of pool water and 1 gallon of Winterizing Pool Chemical Agent per 15,000 gallons of pool water. Spread swimming pool covers for above ground pools over pool and secure cable around the perimeter.
Should I shock pool before winterizing?
You also need to shock your pool with a chlorine shock to bring the chlorine level to 10-12 ppm. Then, give the pool time to come down to its normal level around 1.5-3.5 ppm before adding your cover or winterizing chemicals.
How much water do I need to drain my pool for winter?
4 to 6 inchesIn 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 do I drain my pool lines for the winter?
Screw the connecting hose from the blower or air compressor into the suction side of the pool's pump. Then turn on the air. This will blow the water out of the skimmers and the main drain line. Run air through the lines until only a light mist of water is coming out the skimmers and main drain.
Why is it important to winterize a pool?
But even in areas where winter means more rain and wind, proper winterization of your pool is important. To help protect your pool from harsh conditions so you can jump right into the summer fun next year, ...
How much does it cost to winterize a pool?
According to Benjamin Basch, chief development officer for American Pool Enterprises in Owings Mills, MD, the cost of winterizing a residential pool can range from $250 to just under $1,000.
Why does my pool pop out of the ground?
A swimming pool with little or no water can become unstable due to hydrostatic pressure from underground water. “If heavy rain comes in, the pool can pop out of the ground a foot or two,” Meece says.
What to do after cleaning pool?
After you’ve cleaned the pool, consider adding chemicals to help prevent an algae bloom. Since algae eat phosphate, experts suggest adding a phosphate remover treatment and a stain prevention product too.
What is the best cover for a pool?
One reliable option is a winter pool cover, which is made from a plastic fabric and is held in place by anchors surrounding the pool. These covers do a great job at keeping out dirt, leaves, and other debris. You can also use a tarp cover that’s held down by water bags surrounding the pool, but it could be a drowning hazard.
How long can you run a pool pump?
If the temperatures unexpectedly plunge to 32 degrees or below before you close, you can run the pool pump for a full 24 hours. As long as the water is moving through the pipes, it won’t freeze.
Do pools need to be winterized?
It all depends on where you live. Homes in sunny Southern California or Arizona probably won’t have to close at all. But if you live where it gets frigid, your pool will need to be winterized before temperatures dip to 32 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent water from freezing.
Watch the Temperature Outside
Believe it or not, closing your pool too early while the weather is still warm is a bad thing because the winter chemicals will not last until the spring. When you open your pool in the spring, we guarantee you’ll encounter an unpleasant surprise.
Do You Need A Professional to Winterize Your Pool?
While hiring a professional pool servicing company to winterize your pool isn’t essential, you should get your water tested by a professional. It may seem like a hefty investment at first, but a certified specialist can administer the appropriate amount of chemicals to your pool.
Choosing the Ideal Time for Pool Winterization
If you decide to close your pool without any help from a professional, follow these nine easy steps to ensure a smooth winterization.
Keep Your Luxury Pool Safe This Winter
No matter how you decide to close your pool, just make sure to do it on time. No one wants to deal with an algae-filled pool and then have to jump through hoops to fix it in the spring. The Shoreline Pools servicing team is more than qualified to help you winterize your pool.
How to winterize a pool skimmer?
Insert a winterizing skimmer plate into your pool’s through-the-wall skimmer. This will generally involve removing the screws that hold the plate that attaches your pool skimmer to the pool wall. Keep in mind that you do not need to lower the water level of your pool below the skimmer when you are putting on this winterizing plate. This is especially true in areas where winters are harsh. Keeping the water level at or slightly lower than the skimmer is fine.
What to buy to keep pool clean in winter?
You can buy a winterizing pool kit or a pool closing kit that contains everything you need to close your pool for the winter, including chemicals that prevent the growth of algae during the winter. This can be beneficial in keeping your pool clean in the off-season.
What Chemicals Do I Need to Close My Pool?
Before closing it for the winter, you want to add chemicals to your pool to bring the pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness and free chlorine within range, says Swim University. Some of the chemicals needed to make that happen (depending on the type of pool you own) include:
Should I Drain My Pool for Winter?
Draining your pool every winter is not recommended other than for specific circumstances. Draining your pool creates the unnecessary expense of refilling your pool later on and may cause your pool liner to shrink, crack or rip when it dries out.
How to shock a pool?
Shock the pool for a final time before closing it, using winterizing shock. Add your chosen shock chemicals and apply the shock to your pool according to the manufacturer's instructions. Allow your pump to run overnight after shocking the pool. Then, test your water again the next day to make sure it’s balanced. Correct any problems before proceeding to the next step.
What to add before covering a pool?
Before you cover the pool, add a pool floater with a winter-grade chlorine tab.
How to keep a pool from falling in the off season?
Add a safety cover. This helps ensure that no one falls in during the off-season. Using a garden hose, add up to 2 inches of water on top of the pool cover. This prevents damage from the wind.
How to winterize a pool?
Winterizing an In-Ground Pool for Freezing Conditions 1 One week prior to closing your pool, add 14 fluid ounces of Pool Magic + PHOSfree for every 10,000 gallons of water directly into the skimmer. 2 Brush and vacuum the pool thoroughly to remove all dirt, leaves and debris.
When to put winterizing plugs in skimmer?
When the water has completely drained out of the plumbing lines (or after you've blown out the lines), put winterizing plugs into the return and skimmer lines.
What to remove from pool cover?
Remove articles as ladders, hoses, over-the-top skimmers, floats, toys, and so forth. If you have any handrails, diving boards, or pool slides that will come in contact with the pool cover, consider removing those, as well.
How to stop a pool pump from turning on?
Turn off the main power supply to the pool, and remove the ON and OFF trippers from the time clock. This will prevent your pump from turning on during the next steps.
How far apart should you place water bags in a pool?
If necessary, fill and place Water Bags or Hold-Em-Downs around the edge of the pool. In normal conditions, these can be placed 18 inches apart, but in windy areas, they should be placed end-to-end.
Can you keep a pool open all winter?
On the other hand, you could also keep the pool open all winter. For more information on the different off-season options for warmer climates, check out our blog: " Winter Care for Sunbelt Pools ."
Does the stain and scale pill come with the pool closing kit?
If you purchased a Pool Closing Kit, your stain and scale prevention products will be included in the package. Now is the time to add either the Stain and Scale Pill or MetalFree, depending on which is included in your chosen kit.
How to close a pool for winter?
The first step in closing your pool for the winter is to give it a thorough cleaning. Manually skim off any debris floating around, then scrub the surface down good with your pool brush, paying particular attention to any areas you see buildup, algae or dirt. Once you have thoroughly brushed your pool, run the vacuum (or do it manually) ...
What to do if you are not sure what pool you need?
Just use your best judgment and ask your local pool supply store for help if you’re not sure what pools in your area require.
What are the different types of pool filters?
There are three basic types of pool filters: sand filters, D.E. filters and cartridge filters. Sand and D.E. filters require backwashing —here are the simple steps: Shut off the pump, roll out backwash hose, check waste line for any closed valves. Turn the multiport valve handle to backwash, or slide a push pull valve.
How to close a pool with algaecide?
Then retest the levels to see which chemicals need to be added to bring them within normal ranges. Follow up with algaecide right before you close your pool. Step 4. Lower the pool water.
What is a pool pillow?
Buy on Amazon. A pool pillow is an air pillow you put on the surface of your pool underneath the pool cover. What it does is create a little space between the frozen water and the cover. This can prevent damage, both to the cover and to the pool liner because it helps prevent too much expansion if the water freezes.
How to make sure skimmers are emptied?
First, you'll want make sure the skimmers are almost completely emptied by scooping out any water left over after lowering.
What to do if pool cover is heavy?
If your pool cover happens to be heavy or cumbersome like most large covers can be, you'll need to enlist the help of a friend to get it covered.
Why do you need a winter cover for a pool?
The cover acts as a barrier for debris, as well as a barrier for sunlight. Properly installed, a winter cover will protect your pool in a form of "stasis" throughout the winter, making Spring opening potentially as simple as just adding water, start-up chemicals, and turning your filtration system back on. This is important because all that ...
What happens if you leave a pool unfiltered?
On top of this, an uncovered pool with no filtration or chemicals will be prime breeding ground for all kinds of nasty things, like algae, bacteria, and insects. Plus it will look like something fit for Swamp Thing if it gets too out of hand.
What happens if you shut down your pool?
Once you shut down your pool for the season, particularly in fall and into early Winter, your pool is going to start gathering a lot of dirt and debris. Leaves, twigs, dust, and other things will start to fall into your pool, and if your pool is shut down, your filter isn't going to clean any of that out. This means all that "stuff" is going ...
Can a winter pool cover damage a pool?
It can also cause damage to your pool, particularly the liner and filtration system. Adding a winter pool cover will help your pool not only stay beautiful, but remain easy to take care of, and last a much longer time.
Is it necessary to cover a pool?
The short answer is no, it's not necessary. But it's not necessary just like brushing your teeth is not necessary and you'll survive if you don't. You could not cover it, but you probably won't like the results. Once you shut down your pool for the season, particularly in fall and into early Winter, your pool is going to start gathering a lot ...
Why do you winterize a pool?
By winterizing your pool, you can help protect your pool from weather related damage while it’s not in use.
Can you close an outdoor pool before freezing?
This answer will depend on where you live but the answer is the same close your outdoor pool before the outside temperature drops below freezing. This includes pools with solar heat or an electric heat pump as they are not made to work in cold temperatures.
Do you need to remove the plugs from a skimmer?
Now that you have lowered the water below the skimmer line you will need to remove all the plugs and water from the pump and filter system. And we mean everything this includes any water, heat pumps, decorative water features, primary pumps, and filters. Make sure you put the plugs in a safe place so you can re-attach them next spring.
Do you need to have a pool ready for winter?
Your pool and even the chemicals you use are made to be used during the summer and we need to have the pool ready before any thing freezes. It is important that you prepare the pool surface, water, chemicals, all pumps, filters, heaters, and other equipment where water flows for the winter months.
Can you keep a pool open year round?
If you have a gas or propane heater you can keep the pool open year-round but remember it will cost, as nothing can be allowed to freeze.
Can you use pool covers?
You may use pool covers as well.
Can you drain a fiberglass pool?
Now it is time to either drain or lower the water in your pool, remember a fiberglass pool should NEVER be completely drained. All you need to do is lower the water below the skimmer line. This will protect vital components in your fiberglass pool. You can get a special tool to keep the water out of the skimmer.