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How to Close a Pool for Winter
The Only Step-By-Step Guide You Need
As the leaves start to fall and the temperatures drop, it's time to prepare your swimming pool for winter. Properly winterizing your pool is essential to ensure it remains in excellent condition during the colder months. Should you choose to do the process yourself, here's a detailed step-by-step guide to help you. As always, we’re standing by with professional pool winterizing services in Southeast WI!
Closing Your Southeast WI Pool
When closing your Southeast Wisconsin pool, lower the water level to 4-6 inches below the lowest plumbing line to prevent freeze damage. Balance your water with a pH between 7.2 and 7.6, alkalinity around 100 ppm, and calcium hardness near 200 ppm. Add a winterizing algaecide to help combat algae growth during the winter months and preserve your pool's appearance and water quality.
7 Steps to Closing Your Pool in SE Wisconsin
1. Remove Pool Accessories and Equipment
Start by removing all miscellaneous pool accessories, such as heaters, vacuums, ladders and handrails. Properly clean and store them in a dry, sheltered area. Storing your equipment away prevents unnecessary wear and tear, and ensures it will be ready for use when spring returns.
2. Skim the Pool Surface and Remove Debris
Before proceeding further, skim the surface of the water and scoop out any loose debris like leaves and twigs. This step ensures that your pool water is as clean as possible before closing it for winter.
3. Lower the Water Level
Lower the water level of the pool to about 4-6 inches below the lowest plumbing line, which is usually the water return line. This prevents freezing and potential damage to the plumbing lines during the winter.
4. Balance the Water Chemistry
Balancing the chemistry of the water is essential to protect your pool during winter. Ensure the following water parameters are in the right range:
- pH Level: Maintain a pH between 7.2 and 7.6 to prevent corrosion or scaling.
- Alkalinity: Keep alkalinity around 100 ppm to maintain stable pH levels.
- Calcium Hardness: Aim for approximately 200 ppm to prevent damage to the pool's surface.
Balancing the water chemistry before winterization helps prevent scale buildup, corrosion and other water-related issues.
5. Shock and Treat the Pool
Use a chlorine shock treatment to kill bacteria and other microorganisms in the water. Choose a solution with at least 65% sodium hypochlorite or another substitute with similar potency. This step ensures the water is sanitized and safe during the winter.
Winterizing algaecide is crucial to prevent algae growth during the winter months. Even in cold weather, algae can form and discolor the surface of your pool. Adding a suitable algaecide helps maintain the pool's appearance and water quality.
6. Drain Equipment and Plumbing
Properly drain the pool pump, filters, heaters and chlorinating equipment. Any residual water left in these components can freeze during winter, potentially causing significant damage. It's essential to ensure they are completely dry and free of water before closing your pool.
To prevent damage from freezing, blow out the plumbing lines in your pool system. This process removes any remaining water and minimizes the risk of freezing and cracking. Ensure the plumbing lines are securely sealed to keep out moisture during the winter.
7. Cover Your Pool
Finally, cover your pool with an appropriate cover. You can choose between a mesh cover or a solid pool cover, depending on your preference and needs. If your pool is surrounded by trees, consider adding a leaf net to prevent a buildup of debris on the cover.
Professional Pool Winterizing Services in SE WI
If you'd rather not handle the intricate process of winterizing your pool, hire us! Our experienced team specializes in pool closing services, saving you time and ensuring your pool is winterized correctly. With years of expertise, we efficiently handle all aspects, from balancing chemicals to equipment maintenance. By leaving it to the professionals, you’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing your pool will be in top shape when spring returns, while also preventing potential issues.
