Closing Your Pool for the Winter - Homeowner Tips
September has been pretty warm so far, but you know our crazy Canadian weather - today it is sunny, tomorrow it starts snowing. So, if you are a lucky owner of the backyard pool it is just the time to think about winterizing.
If you have never done it before - don't risk, get a professional to help and guide you through. If the closing is not done right - repairs might be very costly. But just so you have a general idea, here are the 4 steps, each with some sub-steps.
Step 1. Pool Water Chemistry must be balanced
1. Adjust the following: pH: 7.2 - 7.6; Alkalinity: 80 - 120 ppm; Calcium Hardness: 180 - 220 ppm - about 7 days before closing
2. Shock the water with chlorine. At least 1lb per 10,000 gallons. Allow the chlorine level to return to 1.0 - 3.0 pm before adding any winter algaecide. Chlorine tends to break down both algaecides and floating pool covers.
3. Add a winterizing algaecide.
Step 2. Clean the pool
1. Remove all the accessories from the pool: ladders, baskets, hoses, filters, pumps, heaters, and any decorative pool fittings. Rinse, let dry and put away for storage.
2. Skim the pool
3. Vacuum and brush the pool.
Step 3. Lower the water level and drain the equipment
1. Lower the water with a pump - usually below the skimmer level. The water level will depend on the type of cover you are using
2. Drain the equipment - chlorinators, pumps, filters, heaters. Open the drains on each piece of equipment to release the water inside. Remove and clean the filters. Store in a dry place inside for the winter. If the filters cannot be removed, use a shop vacuum or air compressor to blow the remaining water out of them.
3. Winterize the plumbing: dry out lines running water into your pool, use a shop vacuum to blow air from the skimmer through the equipment and back into the pool. Use expansion plugs to plug the lines at the pool so more water doesn't enter them. If you don't blow out the lines, you can add swimming pool antifreeze to them to prevent remaining water from freezing. Do not use auto anti-freeze!!!
Step 4. Cover the pool.
1. Use a cover that fits well and doesn't leave any gaps or cracks for debris to enter the pool over the winter
2. Use water bags or aquablocks to secure the cover as tightly as possible.
3. If you have trees surrounding your pool, use a leaf net over it to catch debris.
Here is also a quick video by Lowe's
Thank you for visiting!
Compliments of Marina Gavrylyuk
Real Estate Agent with Sutton Group Summit Realty
MarinaG.ca
If you have never done it before - don't risk, get a professional to help and guide you through. If the closing is not done right - repairs might be very costly. But just so you have a general idea, here are the 4 steps, each with some sub-steps.
Step 1. Pool Water Chemistry must be balanced
1. Adjust the following: pH: 7.2 - 7.6; Alkalinity: 80 - 120 ppm; Calcium Hardness: 180 - 220 ppm - about 7 days before closing
2. Shock the water with chlorine. At least 1lb per 10,000 gallons. Allow the chlorine level to return to 1.0 - 3.0 pm before adding any winter algaecide. Chlorine tends to break down both algaecides and floating pool covers.
3. Add a winterizing algaecide.
Step 2. Clean the pool
1. Remove all the accessories from the pool: ladders, baskets, hoses, filters, pumps, heaters, and any decorative pool fittings. Rinse, let dry and put away for storage.
2. Skim the pool
3. Vacuum and brush the pool.
Step 3. Lower the water level and drain the equipment
1. Lower the water with a pump - usually below the skimmer level. The water level will depend on the type of cover you are using
2. Drain the equipment - chlorinators, pumps, filters, heaters. Open the drains on each piece of equipment to release the water inside. Remove and clean the filters. Store in a dry place inside for the winter. If the filters cannot be removed, use a shop vacuum or air compressor to blow the remaining water out of them.
3. Winterize the plumbing: dry out lines running water into your pool, use a shop vacuum to blow air from the skimmer through the equipment and back into the pool. Use expansion plugs to plug the lines at the pool so more water doesn't enter them. If you don't blow out the lines, you can add swimming pool antifreeze to them to prevent remaining water from freezing. Do not use auto anti-freeze!!!
Step 4. Cover the pool.
1. Use a cover that fits well and doesn't leave any gaps or cracks for debris to enter the pool over the winter
2. Use water bags or aquablocks to secure the cover as tightly as possible.
3. If you have trees surrounding your pool, use a leaf net over it to catch debris.
Here is also a quick video by Lowe's
Click to viewThank you for visiting!
Compliments of Marina Gavrylyuk
Real Estate Agent with Sutton Group Summit Realty
MarinaG.ca