Knowing how to winterize your pool is a very important step in pool maintenance. If a pool is not winterized correctly, it could cause many issues, such as broken pipes, cracks in the pool wall, very imbalanced water, algae growth, and more. Before you start the winterizing process, check your pool for any damage that might need to be addressed before closing the pool for the winter. Here are some steps on how to winterize your pool.
Cleaning
A thorough cleaning of the pool is the first step. Clean the entire pool from top to bottom—the sides, the bottom, the crevices—everywhere! Make sure to only use tools recommended for your type of pool. Then, use a leaf net skimmer and a pool vacuum to remove all the dirt and debris that you stirred up while scrubbing. Clean out the skimmer and pump baskets after vacuuming.
Chemicals
Test the pool water to make sure that everything is balanced and at the right level. You’ll need elevated chlorine, plus balanced pH, alkalinity, and calcium to ensure longevity of your liner.
If you want to winterize your pool on your own, you can order a kit from Energy Center-Manhattan Pool. It comes with a shock, an algae protector, and all of the instructions that you will need. Of course, if you’d prefer to leave the task to the professionals, we are available to take care of that for you.
Closing
Before closing the pool, remove all accessories. Remove the filter, clean it, and store it for the winter. If you have a sand filter, the filter itself can be left outside; but, the plug and valve should be removed from the filter and stored inside. Make sure to store everything away in a safe place so that it’s ready and easily accessible in the spring.
For Inground Pools
If you are winterizing an inground pool, be sure to blow out inground lines and add antifreeze, as well.
For Above Ground Pools
If you are winterizing an above ground pool, remove all handrails and ladders, so the cover can fit properly.
Cover
If you don’t have a cover yet, the next step is choosing a pool cover. You can go with a regular winter cover, or you could choose a pool safety cover. Take the winter temperatures and conditions into consideration when choosing your pool cover. Pool safety covers will have some type of anchor system to help hold the cover in place. Regular covers are held in place by cinching a cord around the edge of the above ground pool, or water tubes for an inground pool. Once in place, be sure to keep the pool cover cleaned off throughout the winter.
To keep your cover from blowing away and getting torn in the Kansas winter wind, we recommend using Gladon wrap around above ground pools.
Above-Ground Pools
The steps for above-ground pools will be a little different. However, the cleaning and chemical steps are basically the same. You will need to protect the pump, return, and skimmer from the elements. It is best to seal off the return and the skimmer for the winter. We recommend that you drop your water level below the skimmer.
To protect your sand filter, tarp it for the winter. It’s not necessary, but it’s just added protection for your sand filter investment. Remove all of the pool accessories. Then, put an ice equalizer in the pool before putting the cover on. You might want to put some type of winter cover seal around the edges of the cover.
Following these steps should save you a lot of time and money when it is time to open your pool in the spring.
Winterizing the pool can be quite an undertaking. Remember, if you do not feel quite prepared to do this on your own, contact the professionals at Energy Center-Manhattan Pool. We offer pool closing and winterizing services. Call us at 785-776-5118 or 1-800-287-5118 with all of your pool-winterizing questions.