What To Do With Your Pool During Winter?

Owning a swimming pool brings endless enjoyment during warmer months, but as winter approaches, taking the right steps to protect your pool can prevent costly damage, maintain water quality, and make opening it in spring a breeze. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about winterizing your pool, from preparing it for closure to maintaining it throughout the colder season. Here’s how to keep your pool safe and sound all winter long.

Why Winterizing Your Pool is Essential

Winterizing isn’t just about preventing damage to your pool. It’s about ensuring your pool remains in excellent condition, maintaining water balance, and protecting essential components such as pumps, filters, and pipes from freezing temperatures. When water is left in these systems without adequate preparation, ice can form and expand, leading to cracks and other severe damage. Proper winterization saves you from expensive repairs and keeps your pool looking and working like new.

Steps to Prepare Your Pool for Winter

1. Clean the Pool Thoroughly

Before starting the winterization process, a thorough cleaning of the pool is essential. Clear out any debris, such as leaves, dirt, or insects, using a skimmer. Brush down the walls and floor to prevent algae buildup. Cleaning before closing minimizes the work you’ll need to do when you reopen it in spring.

2. Balance the Water Chemistry

Maintaining the correct water balance is crucial to prevent corrosion, scaling, and algae growth. Test your water for pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness, adjusting as necessary:

pH Level: Keep the pH between 7.2 and 7.6 to reduce scaling and staining.

Alkalinity: Aim for a range of 80-120 ppm (parts per million) to stabilize the pH levels.

Calcium Hardness: The ideal level is between 200-400 ppm to prevent etching or scaling.

These levels protect the pool’s surfaces and ensure the water remains stable throughout winter.

3. Shock the Pool

Adding a pool shock treatment will oxidize organic contaminants and prevent algae and bacteria from growing during the off-season. Choose a chlorine shock product or, for saltwater pools, a non-chlorine shock that’s compatible with salt systems. Run the pool pump for several hours after shocking to ensure even distribution.

Lowering and Draining Pool Water

1. Lower the Water Level

In regions where winter temperatures frequently dip below freezing, it’s essential to lower the pool water below the skimmer. This prevents ice from forming in and damaging the skimmer and other parts of the pool. For most pools, lowering the water level to about 4-6 inches below the skimmer opening is sufficient.

2. Drain and Store Pool Equipment

Remove and drain water from pool equipment, such as the pump, filter, heater, and chlorinator, as any remaining water can freeze, expand, and cause damage. Store your equipment indoors or cover it if it must stay outside. Pool heaters, in particular, are sensitive to freezing and should be emptied and covered to protect them during the winter.

Protecting Pool Plumbing and Fixtures

1. Use Pool Antifreeze

Applying pool antifreeze to plumbing lines prevents freezing and cracking during sub-zero temperatures. After blowing out the lines with an air compressor, add antifreeze to pipes and lines according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Be sure to use antifreeze designed specifically for pools, as automotive antifreeze is toxic and unsafe for pool use.

2. Cover and Protect Pool Skimmers

Place a winter skimmer cover or insert a specialized skimmer guard to absorb pressure from any ice formation. This small addition protects your skimmer from freeze damage, prolonging its lifespan.

Covering the Pool for Winter

1. Choose the Right Pool Cover

A high-quality winter pool cover keeps debris out, reduces algae growth, and helps maintain the water’s chemical balance. Choose a mesh cover for durability and drainage, or a solid cover for maximum protection against debris and sunlight. If you live in an area with heavy snow, consider a cover with reinforced material and a sturdy frame to withstand the weight.

2. Secure the Cover Properly

Make sure the cover is tightly secured around the pool’s perimeter. Loose covers allow dirt and leaves to enter, and strong winds can potentially tear or damage a cover that isn’t properly fastened. Use water bags or other anchoring devices to keep it in place and prevent accidental shifting.

Using Pool Accessories for Additional Protection

1. Install a Pool Pillow

A pool pillow helps to distribute ice pressure evenly across the surface of your pool. Place it in the center of the pool under the cover; this inflatable accessory prevents ice from accumulating directly against the pool walls, reducing the risk of wall cracks and liner tears.

2. Add Winterizing Chemicals

Specialized winterizing chemicals like algaecides and metal sequestrants prevent the growth of algae and reduce scaling during the winter months. These additives work together to keep the pool water clear and prevent staining. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct dosage.

Routine Winter Pool Maintenance Tips

Even during the winter, occasional maintenance can make a big difference. Every few weeks, check on your pool cover and clear away any accumulated leaves, snow, or debris. Check for any signs of damage, especially after storms, as high winds or falling branches can cause cover tears or loosen anchor points.

If your pool cover sags or dips in the middle, use a pool cover pump to remove excess water. Standing water can create pressure points that could eventually tear the cover or allow water to seep back into the pool.

Opening Your Pool After Winter

As the temperatures rise and it’s time to open your pool, having it properly winterized will save you time and effort. Remove the cover carefully, clean it thoroughly, and store it in a dry place for next year. Reattach and inspect your pool equipment, reconnecting any parts that were disconnected during winterization.

Test the pool water, adjusting pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness as needed. Run your filter system for several hours, and brush the pool walls and floor. Once balanced, your pool will be clean, safe, and ready for a new season of swimming enjoyment.

Proper winterization of your pool is a simple but essential process that protects your investment and ensures your pool is in pristine condition. By following these steps, you’ll avoid costly repairs, keep your pool water balanced, and enjoy a quicker and easier opening in the spring.