During the summer your pool is a personal oasis in the middle of the scorching Texas heat. It’s the retreat that you look forward to after a long days work, the source of endless weekend entertainment. But when the cold of December rolls around, the fall days are officially over and that same pool can be an eyesore that reminds you of better times.
But the last thing you want to do is skip the pool winterization process. It’s not nearly as difficult as it seems, and if you properly prep things you won’t have a mess on your hands when pool season is back in session.
7 Easy Steps to Winterizing Your Pool
The tips below are general guidelines. Always follow the manufacturer’s suggestions for specific pieces of equipment. The winterization process will take three or four days to complete so keep that in mind before you begin.
1. Give the pool a good cleaning. This is probably the most time consuming part, but if you skip this step it will derail the entire process. Use a vacuum and skimmer to remove all the debris. Next use a gentle cleaner to clean around the inside of the pool above the water line.
2. Balance the water. If you aren’t sure of the correct level for the pH, calcium hardness and alkalinity you can always bring a sample into a professional for analysis.
3. Treat the water. About 48 hours prior to closing the pool, while the filter and pump are still on, additives should be put in the water. These include an algaecide and shock. Shock is a strong solution that kills bacteria and algae. The pump and filter will evenly distribute the solutions over the next 24-48 hours.
4. Remove the accessories while the solutions are being distributed. Take the next day or two to remove ladders, solar covers, wall fittings, etc. Rinse them off thoroughly with clean, fresh water and store in a secure area.
5. Drain pumps, filters, chlorinators and heaters. Locate the drain plug and drain the water to avoid cracking from frozen water during the dead of winter. Once the water is drained the filters should be cleaned and a shop vacuum should be used to blow out any remaining water. When possible bring the filters inside.
6. Winterize plumbing for inground and above ground pools. If you have an inground pool use a shop vac to blow out the lines, through the equipment and back into the pool. For above ground pools disconnect hoses from the pump and filter.
7. Cover the pool. Covering the pool not only keeps debris out of the pool during the winter it also makes your outdoor space much safer for little ones. The most important aspect of a pool cover is having a tight fit. Two good options are a mesh safety cover and a solid cover.
Winterizing the pool is much easier when you break it down into a step-by-step process. In seven simple steps you can get your pool ready for the winter and back up and running much faster in the spring.
Image Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swimming_pool
Original Source: http://timbertownaustin.com/maintenance/taking-care-of-your-pool-when-its-too-cold-to-take-a-dip
