what is pool winterizing powder

Full Answer

Are pool winterizing chemicals necessary?

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 do you use winterizing powder?

It contains a non-chlorine sanitizer, water stabilizer which helps control ph over the winter, and an algaecide to fight algae growth. There are two bags of dry powder and a bottle in the kit. You thoroughly mix the first packet of winterizing powder in a large bucket of water and then toss it in the pools.

What does winterizing pool mean?

What is Winterizing a Pool? Different from closing a pool, winterizing your pool is the finale to the pool season. This means that your pool will not be used for several months, equipment is turned off, accessories are removed and the water is removed from lines and vessels.

How much liquid chlorine do I need to winterize my pool?

You'll need about 52-104 oz of liquid chlorine per 10,000 gallons of water. This amount should get the chlorine level to between 5 and 10 ppm.

What chemicals are in a winterizing kit?

Here's what's in a typical pool closing kit and here's which of the chemicals and pool supplies you actually need:Winter Algaecide. ... Slow-Release Winter Ball or Winter Pill. ... Stain and Scale Preventer. ... Chlorine-Free Shock (Oxidizer) ... Phosphate Removers. ... Time-Release Floaters or Absorbing Sponges. ... Air Pillows.

How do you add winterizing pool chemicals?

0:141:44In what order do I add winterizing chemicals? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOnce it's balanced the first chemical you want to add is the rust and scale preventer. And you'llMoreOnce it's balanced the first chemical you want to add is the rust and scale preventer. And you'll add that to the pool. And then wait about thirty minutes let it circulate.

What happens if I don't winterize my 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.

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.

Do you leave pump on when winterizing pool?

The water won't freeze if you leave the pump on, so it might seem like a good idea to leave it on all winter, but this could still cause problems if there's a power outage. Therefore, it's better to winterize when you can. If you're experiencing frigid temperatures, you can also add antifreeze to your lines.

Can I use bleach to winterize my pool?

Household bleach, Clorox and liquid chlorine can all be used to sanitize a pool. They are all types of chlorine. Household bleaches such as Clorox usually contain about 5-6% available chlorine, about half that of pool liquid chlorine. Household bleaches often have unwanted fragrances and colors.

Should I put chlorine in my pool during the winter?

Add Chlorine to Your Pool to Ensure a Clean Opening In the fall, make sure to add chlorine and algaecide to your pool for over the winter. Don't add too much chlorine though. If the chlorine level is too high over the winter, you can bleach the liner.

How many bags of shock Do you need to winterize a pool?

Unhook the filter hoses, and store all pool supplies indoors for the winter. 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.

How do you use flocculant powder?

How to use flocculantTurn the filter to the 'Recirculate' setting.Make sure the pH level in your pool is balanced (between 7.4 and 7.6).Read instructions on your package of flocculant. ... Once added, run the pool pump for two hours to properly circulate it and evenly distribute it.More items...•

How do you use powdered shock?

1:182:16How To SHOCK a Swimming POOL | Swim University - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo let's pour the shock inside the pool. So that's it all you want to do is you want to pre-dissolveMoreSo let's pour the shock inside the pool. So that's it all you want to do is you want to pre-dissolve each bag in a bucket of water that means water first then put in the shock mix it up with a stick.

When should I start winterizing?

Many lawn care experts recommend that if you choose to fertilize your cool-season lawn only once each year that you should do so in fall. The lawn fertilizer typically available in fall is called winterizer fertilizer. In most locations, you should aim to apply winterizer fertilizer in October or November.

How do you use powdered chlorine?

Don't cut corners.Test your pool water and your fill water for free available chlorine. Record results. ... Dip the bucket into the pool until it is about 3/4ths full of water. ... Stir until the powder is completely dissolved. ... Slowly pour the completely dissolved solution into the pool.

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 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 is a skimmer plate?

Most above ground pools work best with a skimmer plate, which is a solid cover that seals the skimmer away from the pool. Adding one of these means you won’t have to lower the water level, either, which is nice for saving time.

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.

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.

Will Underground Pool Pipes Freeze?

Whether your underground pool pipes freeze depends on the care that you take in closing your pool. If you live in a warm climate, you may choose to blow out your lines. If you blow the lines of your pool properly, you should not have to think about the lines freezing at all. However, it is very difficult to get all the water out of your pool lines. If you have any doubt whatsoever about whether or not you are able to get the water out of these lines, it's necessary for you to add antifreeze to the lines. If you live in a colder climate, it’s probably best to add antifreeze to the lines.

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.

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.

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.

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 add before covering a pool?

Before you cover the pool, add a pool floater with a winter-grade chlorine tab.

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.

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 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.

What is a winterizing kit?

Winterizing chemical kits can be purchased with chlorine or non-chlorine products. Lots of people prefer the non-chlorine type because they prevent the common bleaching and fading of the pool surface. Most kits contain a winterizer, shock, a stain-preventer, and a floater.

What does shocking a pool mean?

Shocking your pool is basically an industry term for super-chlorinating or oxidizing your pool for the purposes of killing off any bad stuff that your regular chlorine doesn’t kill.

What is in a pool stain preventer kit?

Most kits contain a winterizer, shock, a stain-preventer, and a floater. In addition, you will need to buy a good algaecide. At this point, you should have already shocked your pool and it’s time to add the stain-preventer that comes in your kit.

Why is water pool chemistry balanced?

The water pool chemistry needs to be balanced in order for your other pool chemicals to work efficiently. Balanced water will also result in less damage to your pool liner. Normal levels should be:

How to get water out of a pool line?

1. Use a wet/dry vac to blow the water from out of your lines, then plug the lines with expansion plugs; or. 2. Use a swimming pool antifreeze (note: not a regular antifreeze you use for your car) in the lines and just follow the manufacturer’s instructions. For the return line, seal it with a winter pool plug.

What does low pH mean in water?

The pH level is the acidity of the water. A low pH level (under 7.0) can cause corrosion because it’s very acidic. But if it’s too high, it greatly reduces the effectiveness of the chlorine and causes scaling. Scaling creates deposits which can clog your filters and cause cloudy water.

Why is it important to cover a pool in winter?

A winter cover is important for your pool because it will protect the water during the months when it’s not in use. Installing a pool cover can be cumbersome, so I always recommend getting help! Lay the cover out over the pool, making sure there is overlap on all sides. Get it as even as possible all the way around.

Testing Levels

Ph Balance and Chlorine

Other Chemicals

• There are other winterizing chemicals that you can buy to help keep your pool in tip-top shape for the coming winter. The most popular ones are usually sold in the winterizing kits that you can buy online. 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 sprin...

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