Summer is Coming to a Close
As the seasons start to change, the leaves begin to fall, and the wind takes on a chill, homeowners and pool professionals will be called upon to winterize the pools within their care. Winterizing a pool is an important process as doing so incorrectly can lead to frozen and cracked pipes, tiles, and pool equipment such as pumps, filters, and heaters to malfunction.
To Begin...
You will start by cleaning your pool just as you normally would. Skim the pool to rid the water of leaves, twigs, dirt, and other debris, then empty your skimmer basket. You will then want to vacuum your pool to rid the surface of small debris, then brush the walls of the pool to ensure the pool is nice and clean. Be certain to empty both the pump basket and the leaf canister before you consider the pool clean, then prime your pump.
It is will then be time for you to test your chemicals. If you are in the Phoenix, Arizona, or Chandler, Arizona, areas, bring a sample of your pool water in to be tested at one of the ePoolSupply stores. We can tell you exactly what your pool needs in order to be pristine once again. If you live outside of the Valley, either test your chemicals using a chemical testing kit or have your local pool store test them for you, then add whatever chemicals you require in order to make your water clear and ready for winterizing.
Balancing Water Chemistry & Winterizing Chemicals
You will want your water to measure as follows:
pH level: 7.2-7.6
Alkalinity: 80-120ppm
Calcium: 200-400ppm
Chlorine: Normal Levels
Bromine: Normal Levels
In addition to the ordinary, everyday chemicals you've used to clean your pool, you will need to use a few different winterizing chemicals to ensure the water remains crystal clear and as clean as possible. Do not neglect to shock your pool a day or two prior to closing for the season; you can utilize either chlorine or non-chlorine shock.
Applying a long-acting algaecide is very important, as is using a stain and scale preventer to protect both the surface of your pool as well as the plumbing. You can also purchase winterizing chemical kits to keep it simple.
Getting the Pool Prepped
You will want to lower the water level in your pool depending on what the pool is lined with. If the pool is lined with vinyl, lower the water to one inch below the skimmer. If the pool is concrete and tile, lower the water to below the tile line. Make certain you do not drain your pool completely as this will cause structural damage that will be costly to fix.
Draining and blowing out your plumbing is the next step. Use a shop vac or an air blower to blow out the lines (skimmer, return, and main drain if plumbed). Be certain to plug the return jets with winter plugs after adding antifreeze to the lines if your area experiences hard freezes. You will also want to install a skimmer plug to prevent cracking.
Prepping the Pool's Equipment and Accessories
Once the plumbing is drained and blown out, it's time to take care of your pool equipment. You will need to drain and remove water from your pump, filter, heater, salt cell, and chlorinator. Be certain to leave the valves open and to store the plugs in a safe place.
You will then want to remove and store the accessories that you utilize during the pool season - removable ladders, handrails, diving boards, skimmer baskets, and cleaners.
Cover Your Pool
If you live in an area with a great deal of autumn leaves, debris, or snow, you may wish to cover your pool. Use either a safety cover or a solid winter cover with water bags or cable tie-downs. Be certain the cover is free of gaps and is secure. One option is to utilize a cover pump to rid the cover of precipitation during the autumn, winter, and spring seasons.
Shop with ePoolSupply!
Whether you are a new pool owner or have been enjoying your outdoor oasis for many years, you will want to outfit your pool with the best equipment for you and your pool. For over 25 years, ePoolSupply has been the leading supplier of pool equipment and parts. Get everything from cleaners, filters, heaters, lighting, and more. We even have a selection of YouTube videos meant to assist you in getting to know and maintaining your pool products. Check out our YouTube channel today!
With extensive experience in pool repair and maintenance, our experts are here to help you through the process of winterizing your pool, choosing your brand-new or replacement product, or helping you with any question you may have. Give us a call at 602-274-7946 or send us an email at support@epoolsupply.com.