Winterizing the Pool: Dos and Don'ts
Winterizing the Pool: Dos and Don'ts
The process for winterizing the pool is one with several critical steps - which is perhaps why a large percentage of inground pool owners prefer to let the professionals have the honors each year. Keep in mind that it's important to winterize the pool not only to protect it from hazards of the cold weather, but also to prevent it from becoming an algae-filled germ factory over the winter months.If you have questions about how exactly this is done, here are some dos and don'ts when it comes to winterizing the pool.
Do have the pool thoroughly cleaned and examined for cracks and leaks beforehand. Not only should all cracks be repaired and all objects removed (toys, baskets, rafts, ladders, diving board etc.), but it's also important to skim the water, have the floors vacuumed, and brush the walls of the interior. Leaving objects, cracks, debris, or dirt in the pool is a surefire way to encounter more serious problems when it's time to reopen the pool next year.
Don't completely drain the pool. The level to which the water should be drained depends on the type of material with which your pool is made, but you should never drain all of the water. This can be a tricky step, and most pool owners have service technicians drain the pool to avoid problems. For more information, read our previous blog post that explains how to drain an inground swimming pool.
Do add winterizing chemicals to the pool. Once the water has been balanced and shocked, the winterizing chemical kit can be introduced into the pool. This solution helps to prevent the proliferation of algae and works to ensure clean, clear blue water when the pool is opened again.
Don't turn off the filter weeks before winterizing the pool - even if no one is swimming in it. The idea is to have the water at the balanced and treated properly when it's ready to be closed, and this task becomes harder if the filter hasn't been running for the last week or two.
Do install a good winter cover when winterizing the pool. If your pool cover is an old patchwork of tears and duct tape, it's worth investing in a new one to avoid any surprise debris or animals entering over the winter.
Don't be afraid to ask for help. Winterizing the pool every year takes time and care, and pool professionals can ensure that everything is done properly and efficiently. If you live in the North Shore or western suburbs of the Chicagoland area and would like assistance winterizing your inground pool, feel free to contact us.