Most people would think that Texans can use their swimming pools all year long. While that might be true for the southernmost areas of the state, there are other areas where the temperatures drop low enough that swimming may not be comfortable. Closing their pool during the winter months is the best way to prevent damage and keep all the components in good working order. Continue reading to learn more important steps of the process.
5 Important Steps to Take for Winter Pool Preparation
Taking proactive steps now can save you time, and money, and ensure your pool is in fine condition when the warmer days return. Here we will take you through four important steps to take for winterizing your pool, helping you navigate the seasonal transition with ease. Continue reading to prepare well for the colder months ahead.
- Clean Your Pool Inside and Out
Cleaning your pool thoroughly when you close it will make it much easier to open in the spring. In addition to washing and wiping down the interior walls of the pool, you will also want to clean the outer areas of the pool. Remove any lawn debris that’s nearby and sweep the area. You will also need to wipe down any pool equipment that is accessible. Clear away cobwebs and wipe each piece down carefully.
- Shock It
Shocking your pool one last time before you close it will keep algae from growing while it’s closed. You should add the algaecide a few days before you plan on closing your pool. This will allow the chlorine to dissipate so that when the pool is off and the temperature starts to drop, the algae will be kept under control. Don’t shock your pool with the pump turned off. This can damage the cover and make the pool harder to clean when you open it in the spring.
Also Read: Tips to Install a Winter Pool Cover
- Lower the Water Level
Lowering the water level in your pool will prevent damage to the liner if the temperatures drop below freezing. It will also make it easier to clean the pool in the spring when you are ready to open it up for the summer. With less water in the pool, you will also have less algae to deal with. Leave between 18 and 24 inches of water in the pool for the winter.
- Disassemble and Drain the Plumbing
It’s important to disassemble and drain the plumbing. If water is left in the pipes, it can freeze and damage several different parts of the pump and filtration system. You should always take the network of pipes apart to ensure no water is trapped in the pump system. Once the entire network is dry, reassemble it and tighten down all the parts.
- Add Winterizing Chemicals
Once the entire system is clean and dry, you can add winterizing chemicals to protect it from freezing. This will ensure that the pipes won’t freeze when the temperatures fall below zero. Leave the chemicals in place throughout the winter and only drain them once the threat of a hard freeze has passed. This keeps your pump and plumbing system in good working order all year long.
Trust Sparkling Clear Pool Service for a Stress-Free Pool Winterization Experience
Winterizing your pool is a process. If you have questions or want to make sure you are doing the job right, contact us to get in touch with our professionals at Sparkling Clear Pool Service. We have everything you will need to close your pool and maintain it through the long winter months. We will help you with all the necessary tools and expertise to ensure a seamless winterization process, allowing you to maintain your pool effortlessly throughout the colder months. Rely on us for a worry-free and effective pool closure experience.
