When you reopen the pool in the spring, closing it for the winter saves you a lot of time and money.It's a good idea to close the pool a few weeks before the weather gets cold to make sure it doesn't get damaged.If the water temperature is well below 60 degrees, it is less likely that algae will grow.The steps you need to take to winterize your pool are outlined in this article.
Step 1: Do not breathe fumes of chemicals.
A dust mask is recommended.The fumes of acids, alkali, chlorine, etc. were strong.Dust of powders, mist of liquids and fumes can burn/injure the lungs, bronchial tubes and nostrils.
Step 2: Water shouldn't be added to the chemicals.
To avoid popping, splatter and fumes of strong chemicals, add chemicals to the pool or bucket of water instead of adding water to a bucket already containing chemicals.
Step 3: When handling chemicals, use rubber gloves and safety goggles.
Don't use chemicals on the skin.Many pool chemicals are very strong.Damage to clothing, towels, shoes and other things can be avoided.
Step 4: Follow the instructions on the label.
Effectiveness and safety of use are ensured by this.
Step 5: The pH, alkalinity and calcium hardness can be adjusted.
It's important to make sure these are in balance so that the pool doesn't get damaged during the winter.The pool should be completely closed about five days after these adjustments are made.The pH should be adjusted to a level between 7.2 and 7.6.The alkalinity should be adjusted to 80 to 120 parts per million.If you want to protect a plaster pool from dissolving minerals, adjust the calcium hardness to 180 to 220 parts per million.
Step 6: The water should be shocked.
Use an extra strong chlorine or a non-chlorine substitute to kill the organisms in the pool.A shock product with at least 65 percent sodium hypochlorite or a non-chlorine substitute of equivalent strength is required.If you fill a five-gallon bucket with pool water, add the instructed amount of shock granules for the size of pool, and pour it into the pool away from the skimmer water outlets while the system is running.It's probably not strong enough to kill all thebacteria in your pool if you use a shock product that is safe for people to swim in right away.Since you're closing the pool, use the stronger shock treatment.
Step 7: Stay out of the pool until the chlorine level is between 1 and 3 parts per million over the course of a few days.
Step 8: Add a winterizing product.
There are two things that kill existing algae and prevent more from forming.It's important to treat your pool with algaecide before shutting it down because it can cause a bad smell and cause the pool to become discolored.Before adding algaecide, make sure the chlorine level has returned to 1 to 3 ppm.The chlorine will make the algaecide useless.An extra-strength algaecide can be purchased.If you want to add to your pool on an ongoing basis while it's in use, use one meant to be used to overwinter a pool.The stronger the algaecide, the better it will be to prevent blooms all winter long.
Step 9: Everything in the pool is not water.
Ladders, baskets, hoses, filters, pumps, heaters, and any decorative pool fittings are included.Put the pool equipment out to dry.The equipment can be stored in the garage, shed or another dry place.
Step 10: Skim the water.
Leave, insects, and other debris can be removed from the top of the pool by using a skimming net on a pole.The built-in pool skimmer traps should be emptied.This is the last time you'll skim the pool before winter.
Step 11: The pool needs to be vacuumed and brushed.
The bottom and sides of the pool can be cleaned with your pool-cleaning equipment.If you have a lot of debris on the bottom of the pool, use a skim bag to collect it before vacuuming and brushing.
Step 12: The pool should be cleaned the same day you shut it down.
The filter needs to be cleaned frequently.The pool is working.If it is a DE filter, empty it and store the elements in a dry place.In the Spring, either will be recharged with water.
Step 13: Lower the water with a pump.
The main drain of an in ground pool can be used to drain from the bottom using the main control handle setting.It is possible to setup a vacuum hose so that the pump draws water from below the skimmer level.The water should be lowered below the skimmer and returned according to the type of pool cover you're using.Lower the water below the skimmer by 12 to 18 inches if you're using a mesh cover.If you're using a floating cover, lower the water to 3 to 6 inches below the skimmer.
Step 14: The equipment needs to be drained.
Before the winter, all pumps, filters, heaters, and chlorinators need to be drained.Return eyeball after removing the skimmer basket.Water could ruin the equipment if it were to freeze.The water can be released by opening the drain on each piece of equipment.
Step 15: To clean the filter, open the case and empty it.
For the winter, store the filters in a dry place.If it is a DE filter, the filters can be removed and replaced one by one.If there is a drain plug near the bottom, the excess DE may need to be removed by hand.If it is a sand filter, the sand may need to be cleaned manually and replaced if it isn't cleanable.If the filters can't be removed, use a shop vacuum to remove the water from them.An air compressor can build up excessive pressure in the system.
Step 16: The plumbing should be winterized.
The pool lines need to be dried out so they don't freeze in the winter.Through the equipment and back into the pool.This should be done one by one if you have more than one skimmer.Plug the lines at the returns and skimmer with expansion plugs to prevent water from entering them.If you don't blow out the lines, you can add swimming pool antifreeze to prevent the water from freezing.Above the plug in the skimmer, put 1/2 gallon of antifreeze.If rain water or snow-melt can cause damage to the skimmer, put a styrofoam chunk or plastic bottle in it as a doughnut.Follow the instructions.
Step 17: Take care of the pool.
The tarp cover is not child proof.It's important to use a cover that fits well and doesn't leave any gaps or cracks for debris to enter the pool over the winter.The pool would be protected with an anchored, strapped down, reinforced, mesh safety cover.It helps keep a child or pet out of the pool.The "solid floating covers" are like large, flexible-vinyl tarps and run up the walls of the pool.A small amount of water is added to the cover to keep the surface weighted down.You should watch to see if you need to clean the cover.It might be necessary to melt snow off the cover.For as long as water gets on the tarp, you could use an automatic cover pump.There are 1/2 full water bags around the edges of the pool.The cover should be centered over the pool.The rest of the cover lies on the deck if you press the edges down.There is no tarp to blow around the entire edge of the pool if the excess cover is folded under and weight all edges with the water bags.Sand bags are not convenient and water bags can be emptied for storage in the spring.If you have trees that leave leaves around your pool, you can place a leaf net over it to keep it from getting wet.Some trees don't have leaves in 3 weeks.
Step 18: Use air pillows.
In-ground pools don't need air pillows to prevent the expansion of ice.Tie air pillows down in the center of the pool with a leaf blower or shop vacuum.Two or more air pillows are required for larger pools.