Properly closing your pool for the winter will save you a lot of time and money when it reopens in the spring. Close the pool as soon as it gets cold to make sure you protect it well from freezing damage. This article describes the steps you need to follow to defend your pool for the winter.
Steps
Step 1. Avoid breathing the vapors of the chemicals used
Wear a dust mask / respirator. The powerful fumes of acids, alkalis, chlorine, etc. (even if partially diluted), dusts, vapors can burn / damage the respiratory tract.
Step 2. Never add water into chemicals
Pour the substances into the pool or into a bucket instead of adding water to a bucket containing the products - this is to avoid dangerous reactions that cause splashes or bursts of vapors.
Step 3. Wear eye and hand protection when handling chemicals
Protect your skin from chemicals. Many of the pool products are very strong chemicals (alkali, chlorine, acids, etc.). Avoid getting hurt or damaging your clothes.
Step 4. Follow the instructions on the packaging of the product you use to make sure it is effective and to proceed safely
Part 1 of 4: Balancing the Chemical Composition of the Pool Water
Step 1. Adjust pH, alkalinity and water hardness
By making sure these components are balanced, you protect the pool from corrosion or scale build-up that can occur during the winter when the pool is closed. These adjustments must be made approximately five days before the pool is completely closed.
- Adjust the pH to a level between 7, 2 and 7, 6.
- Adjust alkalinity from 80 to 120 ppm (parts per million).
- Adjust the hardness to 180-220 ppm.
Step 2. Get a chlorine shock treatment
Use chlorine or a chlorine-free substitute to kill bacteria that can live in the pool. Purchase a shock treatment product with at least 65% sodium hypochlorite or get a chlorine-free substitute with equivalent strength. Fill a bucket with 20 liters of pool water, add the amount indicated on the label of chlorine granules, and pour it into the pool while the filtration system is running.
If you typically use a shock treatment product that allows people to swim in the water right after, it's probably not strong enough to kill all the bacteria in your pool. Since you are closing it, use a stronger treatment
Step 3. Let the chlorine level return to between 1 and 3 ppm over the course of a few days before proceeding to the next step
Step 4. Add algaecide for the winter
The algaecide kills existing algae and prevents them from blooming. Algae can cause your pool to discolor and smell, so it's important to treat your pool with an algaecide before closing it.
- Make sure the chlorine level returns to 1-3 ppm before adding the algaecide, otherwise the chlorine will make it ineffective.
- Buy an extra-strong algaecide intended for extraordinary pool maintenance and not an ordinary maintenance product. The strongest algaecide is intended to prevent algae from blooming throughout the winter.
Part 2 of 4: Cleaning the Pool
Step 1. Remove anything other than water from the pool
That is to say ladders, baskets, pipes, filters, pumps, heating systems and any decorative accessories of the swimming pool.
- Rinse all the pool equipment and put it to dry thoroughly.
- Put the equipment in the garage, shed, or other dry place all winter.
Step 2. Clean the pool
Use a net to remove all floating substances on the surface of the pool, including leaves, insects and other debris that may have fallen into it. Do a thorough cleaning, since this is the last time you clean it before winter.
Step 3. Vacuum and brush the pool
Use your specific equipment to clean the bottom and walls.
If there is a lot of debris on the bottom of the pool, use a suitable net to catch it before vacuuming and brushing
Step 4. Clean the pool the same day you decide to close it to prevent more debris from accumulating in the meantime
The filter must necessarily be rinsed several times. This must be done while the pool is running
Part 3 of 4: Lower the Water Level and Drain the Equipment
Step 1. Lower the water level with a pump
The water should be below the level of the skimmer, based on the type of cover you are using.
- If you are using a knitted cover, lower the water between 12 and 18 centimeters below the skimmer.
- If you are using a rigid movable cover, reduce the water to 3-6 centimeters below the skimmer.
Step 2. Drain the equipment
All pumps, filters, heaters and chlorinators must be drained of water before winter. If the water freezes, it could damage or ruin them.
Open the drain on each piece of equipment to remove the water
Step 3. Remove the filters and clean them thoroughly
Store them in a dry, closed place for the winter.
- For sand filters, the sand may need to be cleaned manually or replaced if cleaning is not possible.
- If the filters cannot be removed, use a vacuum cleaner or air compressor to blow out the remaining water.
Step 4. Save the plumbing for the winter
The plumbing accessories running in your pool must be dry so as not to freeze and crack during the winter.
- Use a vacuum cleaner to blow air from the skimmer through the appliance. Use expansion anchors to connect the system to the pool so that the water no longer enters.
- If you don't turn off the system, you can add antifreeze to the pool to prevent residual water from freezing. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Part 4 of 4: Complete the Pool Closure for the Winter
Step 1. Cover the pool
It is essential to use a cover that fits well, without cuts or cracks to prevent debris from entering the pool during the winter.
- A protective mesh cover perfectly covers the pool and is the most suitable solution to shelter it well during the winter.
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Solid floating covers don't fit as tightly, so there may be a need to pump out rainwater and other debris entering the pool.
Use water bags or pots filled with water to secure the cover as tightly as possible
- Fold any excess cover around the edges of the pool by folding it under the water bags so that it perfectly covers the entire perimeter. Water bags are more comfortable than sand bags, as the former can be emptied during the spring.
- If there are trees surrounding the pool, you can put a net over the pool to retain debris.
Step 2. Use air cushions
These prevent ice from expanding in outdoor pools, but are not necessary for in-ground pools.
- Inflate the air cushions with a compressor or vacuum cleaner and tie them to the bottom in the center of the pool.
- Larger pools require two or more air cushions.
Warnings
- Never empty a pool completely - hydrostatic pressure can cause damage.
- Keep an alarm on in the pool during the winter months. Pets and children may have accidents regardless of the season. It is always too cold to swim in the winter.
- Do not use car antifreeze in the swimming pool system.
