The water in your swimming pool could be dangerous in more ways than one.When the time comes to open the swimming pool for the summer, closing your pool in the winter can save you a lot of work.
Step 1: Before you start, turn off the pool heater.
Step 2: All pool accessories need to be removed.
Take the stairs, ladders, rafts, toys and other items away and store them properly.
Step 3: Take care of your pool pump and water lines.
You can store your pump in a protected shelter if you have an above-ground pool.To prevent drainage, remove the flexible water hoses and cap the water line openings.
Step 4: The pool water needs to be balanced.
It's important to start the winter with the proper chemicals to protect your pool.As necessary, test and adjust the levels of calcium, chlorine, and total alkalinity.
Step 5: The water should be shocked.
Adding a shock product will determine the proper amount according to the pool size.The chlorine levels were raised by shocking.
Step 6: The filter needs to be run.
If possible, allow the pump and filter to run for several hours.
Step 7: If you prefer, add winterizing chemicals.
It is easy to add the included items according to the pool size with specially packaged pool chemicals.Walk around the pool or broadcast these chemicals from the deep end.
Step 8: The pool needs to be cleaned.
To clean the pool floor, wipe down or brush the sides first.Skim the water and vacuum the floor.The surfaces of your pool can be damaged when left in it's original state.
Step 9: The pool equipment has to be cleaned.
The chlorinator has chlorine in it.The skimmer basket needs to be cleaned.The filters should be washed or cleaned to type.A garden hose fitted with a sprayer nozzle can be used to create enough water pressure to flush the grids filters.Sand filters need to be washed according to the instructions.
Step 10: The water level needs to be lowered.
To remove the pump from above-ground pools, you must lower the water.To prevent stress on the pool cover, drain to below the return line.Don't empty your above-ground pool completely.It is important to keep water on top of the winter cover to prevent wind damage.Quick clips are used to hold your cover to the pool frame in order to secure your liner.
Step 11: The snow weight should be kept to a minimum.
The pool's cover will eventually be damaged by snow and ice.As most pool covers are kept on by a cord that runs around the pool, excessive weight will cause the cover to stretch and the cord to tighten further.Don't let the pool cover get too heavy.With an above ground swimming pool, the weight of snow or rain on the cover can pull the walls of the pool in towards the center.Heavy snow or an excessive amount of rain can cause the safety cover to pop out in an in-ground swimming pool.
Step 12: Keep snow weight to a minimum.
Immediately remove excess water from the top of your pool cover with a small electric pool-cover pump.A Frisbee can be used to keep the pump from sucking up leaves.Keeping leaves and other debris out of your cover is a good idea.They should be removed whenever necessary.If the cover is too heavy for the cord to hold, simply cut it and let the snow fall.This is your last-step scenario.It is easier to clean the pool from debris than it is to deal with insurance companies.
Step 13: Don't let water enter your pool.
When weight is added to your pool, it can displace water, which can cause pool damage.
Step 14: Water displacement can be avoided if you take care.
Water displacement is a big concern during the winter.Before heavy snow events, double check the water level.The water level should be recorded under the cover.You will need to do snow removal if the level is lower than when you closed the pool.Water should be added to a frozen pool.The best way to save your pool is to get the snow off the top.
Step 15: It should be as much as possible.
Left alone, a frozen pool is better.Unless it gets covered with a fresh layer of snow, this is the best time to remove.Most of the snow should be easier to remove with the ice below.Use caution when getting snow off your pool.Do not walk on the ice.If you want to remove snow, use a long broom.The winter pool cover can be damaged by using a shovel with sharp edges.Pull the snow off the roof with a roof rake.Even a leaf blower can be used if the snow is light.
Step 16: The skimmer drain needs to be remembered.
To prevent it from cracking, remove snow from inside and on top of the drain.
Step 17: Don't use pool water.
Pool antifreeze can be used for in-ground pools.Blow out valves and water lines with either a reverse vacuum or air compressor.You can use both in combination, first blowing and then cycling through the lines.Add the product as instructed and then circulate for at least two minutes.Plug all lines with winterizing plugs.Before capping, blow out the drain underneath the pool.Immediately cap the drain line when bubbles appear.In harsh climates, the vapor lock will prevent the drain from freezing.