Why It's Essential to Winterize Your Above-Ground Pool
- Protect Against Freeze Events: Whether it's frost or a hard freeze, temperatures that drop below 32°F are freeze events that can damage the pool's frame, liner, pipes, and lines.
- Avoid Algae Blooms: Your pool is more prone to algae during the warm, sunny months than it is during the winter. ...
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 a 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.
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.
Can I leave my pool full over winter?
Did you know you are supposed to leave most of the water when doing your pool closing? You may naturally assume it's best to completely drain your pool of water for the winter months, because you fear the water will freeze and cause damage. Actually, it's not good to leave your pool empty when the weather gets cold.
What needs to be done to winterize the 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.
What month should you close 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.
Should I close my pool for winter?
The main purpose in closing your pool is to protect it from damage due to freezing and cold temperatures. If done so properly, you can eliminate the risk of your plumbing lines freezing and bursting when your pool is closed.
How far down do you drain your pool for winter?
4 to 6 inchesAdjust 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.
Does leaving a pool empty damage it?
The Problem With An Empty Pool When that amount of weight and pressure is removed from the structure, the pool can actually pop out of the ground due to ground pressure forcing it up. This can compromise its structural integrity, damaging the walls, floor, liners, and even the deck itself.
Will my pool collapse if drain?
Most inground fiberglass and concrete pools are built structurally to withstand the weight of the dirt against them when drained. However, if the groundwater is high enough, it can push the entire pool out of the ground. The pool shell acts like a ship and floats up in the groundwater.
Do I run pool pump in winter?
Depending on the size of your pool, we still recommend you run your pump run at least 4-6 hours a day during the fall and winter months. The daily cycle can be divided into multiple cycles, but each cycle should be no shorter than 4 hours, for all the water to pass through the filter at least once.
What is the winterize setting on pool filter?
Sand Filter System Winterizing Tips After a backwash and rinse, place the valve to the “winterize” setting on the top mount valve. This will allow water to drain from the valve. Next, you're going to have to completely drain all the water from the filter tank.
How do I close my inground pool for the winter?
How to Winterize Your Inground PoolRemove Ladders and Accessories. Loosen the ladder anchor socket bolt. ... Balance Water Chemistry. ... Clean the Pool. ... Lower the Water Level. ... Turn off System Components. ... Add Winter Closing Kit Chemicals. ... Drain Pump and Filter. ... Blow out Water Lines.More items...•
When should you winterize your above ground pool?
In most areas, you need to winterize your above-ground pool around mid-October or when the pool water dips below 65°F and consistently remains below that point. Do not winterize the pool too early, or the winterizing chemicals will lose their potency before the end of the winter.
When should I close my pool in CT?
The best rule to follow is the 60F rule. When the temperature is consistently below 60 degrees it is safe to close your pool. In Connecticut this is generally towards the end of September and the middle of October. If the weather is still warm, there's no reason you can't still enjoy your pool into the fall.
At what temperature does chlorine stop working?
For most Pentair Intellichlor systems, the setting is the water temperature dropping below 52 degrees. When the sensors note the water temperature dropping below that value, the system will effectively shut off and stop their Chlorine production.
When should I close my pool for winter in Ohio?
Pools should not be closed until temperatures are consistently below 65 degrees. In Northeast Ohio and Erie, PA, our weather usually hits this tipping point in early to mid-October.
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.
Why is winterizing a pool important?
Winterizing a pool is essential for avoiding a variety of problems. Here are the most common threats winter poses:
How to winterize pool water?
For winterizing, it’s generally better to be on the high end of each chemical range. The chemicals will wear out eventually, but if they’re relatively high to start with, they’ll last longer.
How does freezing affect pool chemistry?
Cold and freezing temperatures can affect your pool chemistry. While the temperatures usually inhibit the growth of algae and bacteria, improperly winterizing your pool could throw the chemical balance off and lead to structural damage.
How long does a winterizing kit last in a pool?
Many pool stores sell winterizing chemical kits that should last for the entire season. Use one of these in your pool and follow the manufacturer’s directions exactly.
What to put in pool while it's open?
Accessories include toys, pool ladders, and anything else you might leave in or around your pool while it’s open. Thoroughly clean them, then store them in a dry area away from sunlight.
What is an air pillow in a pool?
Sometimes known as ice compensators, pool air pillows help to balance out the weight of any ice and snow that fall on top of your cover. The pad should be placed around the middle of the pool and ideally kept there somehow.
Can you winterize a pool when it gets too cold?
Unfortunately, cold snaps can be unpredictable, and homeowners like you don’t always have the opportunity to winterize things properly before it gets too cold outside. In these cases, the best option is to keep your pump running and winterize your pool as soon as possible.
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.
What do you use to winterize a pool?
So which do you use to winterize your pool? And how much should you use??? No matter whether your pool is inground or above ground, is cement or gunite, has a liner or is made out of fiberglass, whether you have a salt system or well water all you need to close your pool is a good Polyquat 60 algaecide.
Can algaecides be used in pools?
There are many different algaecides, and many of them are useless (super diluted) or cause staining (loaded with metals). There is also a lot of marketing talk describing them. Some are said to be good with salt systems, others for use with black algae, some with green or yellow algae, while others are said to be good for pools filled with well water.
Do you need a winterizing kit for a pool?
You do not need a pool winterizing kit. Weird first sentence for this article, but it’s true. 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.
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 ...
How to keep a pool clean in winter?
The line where your water level sits can be a particularly fruitful area for bacteria growth. Keeping it clean with the right brush and chemicals is vital especially through winter months when pools get less use.
How to winterize a pool pump?
If you retain the water in your pool, you will want to winterize your pool pump by having freeze guard or pool freeze switch installed. This guard or switch is a basic thermostat that will override your pool pump timer and turn it on if the air temperature drops too low.
Why is my pool pump so hard to work?
The dirtier your filter is, the harder your pool pump has to work. This makes it less efficient and also ends up costing you more in energy bills because it will need to run longer to circulate the water in your pool fully.
What temperature should a freeze guard be?
You will want to do this because a freeze switch or guard will generally only be accurate to within a few (up to five) degrees of the actual outdoor temperature.
What is the best way to clean a pool?
This includes using pool covers, automatic pool cleaners, and performing consistent cleaning with vacuums, brushes, and skimmers to remove dirt and lessen the load on your pool’s pump.
How to keep algae from building up in water line?
Doing a quick brush or scrub around your water line will not only help keep algae and bacteria from building up, but it will also move the water around to prevent ice buildup at bay a little longer if a frost occurs.
Why do you need a cover for a pool?
A pool cover can prevent leaves from collecting or critters finding their way into your pool. The leaves and debris that can accumulate over the winter will only require more work for you once spring arrives.
Why do you winterize a pool?
It’s essential that you winterize your pool effectively in order to keep it safe and extend its life. Pools aren’t a cheap investment and you really need to keep them in the best condition possible so that you don’t wind up spending money on maintenance that could be avoided.
What chemicals are used to winterize a pool?
Algaecide is a popular chemical, as this will help kill algae and prevent growth, giving you less to clean when you reopen the pool in the spring. Stain prevention and metal sequestering chemicals are also available to help winterize your pool. In the event of bad water chemistry, some metal buildup can occur and cause rusting or staining in the pool.
What should the pH level be in a pool?
In the winter months, you want your pH to be between 7.2 and 7.6, so that it can be balanced and calm all winter long. You should also test alkalinity and calcium, which should be at 80-120ppm and 180-220ppm, respectively. These levels can be tested with kits from your local pool store, just like the pH kit that you buy.
Is it safe to winterize a pool?
When it comes to winterizing your pool, chemicals are an important part of the process. Giving your pool a good foundation for a safe, healthy winter will make it that much easier to get things going again in the spring and prevent excessive maintenance or repairs that might be necessary without the right chemical treatments.
