Tips for Winterizing Swimming Pools

Once summer ends and cold days start to show up, it will be time to shut your pool down. The first step you need to take care of is the water. You need to start by checking your pH level, and making sure that it is approximately 7.5. If it is not, just put in some dry acid.

Next, you need to check your chlorine as well. You should use a winterizing product to ensure that your pool will be protected from algae during winter months. During these cold months, you have to run your pump for about six hours every day, in order to prevent the algae from settling in.

Next, check for any types of leaks as well. Switch your skimmer valve off and let the water drain to about six inches below the skimmer’s bottom. Doing this, you will have the preferred amount of water in your swimming pool. If you used a summer cover, give it good cleaning using fresh water or a pressure washer. Once you have cleaned it thoroughly, put it in your building or garage and take out a winter cover. When putting your winter cover on the pool, ensure that there is enough tension on the cover. This will prevent anything from getting under the cover.

You need to check the pool cover several days a week to make sure that it is still tight. Tell your family and friends that you have closed your pool down for the winter, and that they should not be close to it. Most of pool covers are designed to protect your pool; they are not made for safety. In no way, under any circumstances should you let a person or even a pet on the cover.

Once you are done with the cover, you need to take care of the equipment. You have to drain the water from your pump, filter and heater. Every one have a drain plug located someplace near the bottom, which makes it easy to drain the water out. Do not forget to do this, as the water will freeze inside of your equipment during the winter months and cause permanent damage of your equipment.

Once you are finished preparing your swimming pool for the winter months, you can relax knowing that your swimming pool is properly protected. Check on it every several days to make sure that nothing has happened.