Is it time to winterize your pool? It may not seem like it now, but before long, the weather will be changing. Leaves will start to fall, and families will start to look toward the holidays. Winterizing your pool protects it from damage when water freezes. If you have a cover, it also keeps out leaves and other debris. Whether you have an in-ground or above-ground pool, here’s how to get it ready for the months ahead.
Deep Clean Your Pool
No matter what kind of pool you have, it needs to be sparkling clean before you winterize. That water isn’t going to be circulating through the filter for months, so anything you leave behind will be a mess to deal with in the spring. Make sure you deep clean in the fall to protect your pool and make it easy to open again next year.
Sometimes hard water stains build up on pool tiles, making them look cloudy. These deposits can be extremely hard to remove. When water sits along the tile line all winter, it leaves behind discoloration and oils from the water. Consider hiring a company that specializes in hard surface cleaning to remove stains before you cover your pool for the season.
Steps to Winterizing an In-Ground Pool
Always check with your pool equipment’s manufacturer to see if there are precautions unique to your type of equipment. The first step in winterizing any pool is to balance your pool water. Several weeks before you close your pool, shock the water, then adjust your pH.
Clean the pool as thoroughly as possible to remove any debris. Lower the water level about a foot and add the chemicals from a pool closing kit. Use your net or brush to make sure chemicals are distributed evenly.
Clean your pool filter and remove drain plugs from filtration equipment. Blow out the lines to make sure there’s no water left that can freeze and cause pipes to burst. Use freeze plugs in skimmers and returns, then shut the pump off at the circuit breaker so it won’t kick back on.
If your pool has a vinyl liner, take a few extra precautions. Monitor your water level to make sure it doesn’t get too low or your liner may pull away from the wall and become damaged. Add water as needed to prevent damage.
How to Winterize Above-Ground Pools
Winterizing an above-ground pool requires many of the same steps as other pools. Make sure you do the following:
- A few weeks before you close your pool, check and adjust chemicals.
- Clean your pool and get the water crystal clear. Be sure you vacuum the sides, floor, and clean along the water line.
- Add winterizing chemicals.
- Drain water from all pool equipment.
- Secure your pool cover.
When it’s time to get your pool tile and other hard surfaces as clean as they can be, B Clean Pro Surfaces specializes in restoring surfaces to like-new condition. Get a free quote on our professional cleaning services today.
