Do you really need a pool closing kit?
7 min read
Asked by: David Anderson
You do not need a pool winterizing kit. Weird first sentence for this article, but it’s true. You really only need one chemical (algaecide) to properly winterize a swimming pool. You need some other stuff to protect your pool from harsh winter conditions, but only one chemical to add when closing.
Do you need a winterizing kit to close the pool?
And the answer is no what you need in order to close your pool properly. Such that you will be able to open it and the water will be in good shape.
What you need to close a pool?
Ten Steps to Closing your Pool the Right Way
- Balance water chemistry: The week you’re closing your pool, make sure your water falls within the ranges below. …
- Add shock and algaecide: …
- Clean pool: …
- Store equipment: …
- Lower water level: …
- Drain pump, filter, chlorination and heating equipment: …
- Lubricate: …
- Winterize plumbing:
What does a winterizing kit do?
Winterizer – Strong and long lasting winter algaecide. Winter Stain Away – Prevents metal particles in your water from staining your pool over the winter. Chlorine-Free Pool Shock – Burns out contaminants, but does not affect the algaecide.
What do I need to close my above ground pool?
How to Close Your Above Ground Pool in 10 Steps
- Step 1: Deep Clean. …
- Step 2: Balance your Water. …
- Step 3: Add Winterizing Chemicals. …
- Step 4: Add Pump Protector. …
- Step 5: Protect Your Return and Skimmer. …
- Step 6: Prepare Your Filter for Hibernation. …
- Step 7: Clear the Pool. …
- Step 8: Set Up Ice Equalizer Pillow.
What do I need to close my pool for winter?
Top Ten Tips for Closing Your Pool
- Begin Winterizing One Week Before Closing Your Pool. …
- Brush and Vacuum To Remove All Debris. …
- Manage Your Water Level. …
- Balance the Pool Chemistry. …
- Shock and Chlorinate Your Pool. …
- Backwash Your Pool Filter. …
- Drain Pool Lines and Add Pool Antifreeze (for freezing temperatures only)
Should you shock pool before closing?
Before closing your pool, you need to make sure that the pH level in the pool is between 7.6-7.8, the pool alkalinity is 80-100 and the calcium hardness is 150-250. You also need to shock your pool with a chlorine shock to bring the chlorine level to 10-12 ppm.
What’s in a pool closing kit?
What chemicals do I need to close my pool?
- Chlorine.
- Pool Shock.
- Soda Ash.
- Baking Soda.
- Muriatic Acid.
- Winter Algaecide.
- Pool Antifreeze.
- Stain and Scale Prevention.
How much does it cost to close a pool for the season?
Opening a pool costs anywhere between $90 and $400. Closing a pool costs an average of $100 to $350, so the total cost of both opening and closing a pool in a typical year is between $190 and $750 on average.
What month should I close my pool?
Freezing temperatures
September and October are a good time to close the pool because the weather is ideal. It’s still warm to be outside, enjoying the sun, even if you hate to say goodbye to summer. But once those temperatures start dropping significantly, you’re going to kick yourself for not closing the pool sooner.
How much does it cost to drain an above ground pool for the winter?
In most cases, you will want to drain the pool to be at least 4 to 6 inches below the top of the skimmer. This allows adequate space for expansion of the water throughout the winter without risking damage to the pool.
Can I leave my above ground pool up all winter?
Pools very rarely need to be drained completely. If you have a vinyl-lined above-ground pool, leaving it full for the winter will protect the vinyl liner from shrinkage and other damage. Since these pools are above ground level, keeping them full ensures that the wind will not damage the walls, liner, or frame.
How much shock Do you need to close a pool?
Shocking your pool is easy: Use a shock treatment to bring your 10 to 12 PPM. Then, wait a day or two for the chlorine to come down to its normal level, about 1.5 to 3.5 PPM. Pro tip: For best results, shock your pool a few days before you plan to shut it down.
Should I put algaecide in my pool when closing?
By simply adding algaecide to your water prior to closing, you can prevent algae growth from occurring during the cold, winter months which makes for an easier opening in the spring. You can apply algaecide directly to the pool water and allow the pump to continue to circulate for approximately two to four hours.
What happens if you close your pool with algae?
Closing a pool that is green with algae, or dirty with debris or with water that is unbalanced, leads to heavy staining and saturation of the water with dead algae cells, which makes it easier for subsequent generations to grow.
How much chlorine do I add to pool when closing?
Super chlorinate with liquid chlorine or other chlorine source and add winterizing chemical kit to pool; allow filter to circulate to evenly distribute chemicals. (Use chemicals as labels indicate.) Use 1 gallon of liquid chlorine per 10,000 gallons of pool water.
Can you close a pool with high chlorine?
If you use chlorine shock to close the pool, it’s best to do so about a week before closing. A very high chlorine level can harm your cover and destroy your algaecide.
Do I need chlorine in my pool in the winter?
During the winter months, the amount of chlorine needed from your salt cell to keep the pool clean is reduced. This is due to the fact that it is difficult for bacteria to grow in cold temperatures.
What is a pool Winter pill?
Pool Winterizer in a Pill® WinterPill’s all-in-one formula makes winterizing your pool faster and easier than ever! WinterPill clarifies the pool water and helps reduce scaling and staining. WinterPill is enzyme enhanced and controls non-living organics to control waterline ring and enhance filter performance.
Do pool Winter pills work?
Has a clarifier to maintain sparkling. Clear water a scale inhibitor to prevent scale buildup.
How do I put winter pills in my pool?
Usage Instructions:
- Determine the number of WinterPill capsules needed according to pool size. One pill per 1000 sq. …
- Shake well before using. Remove the blue piercing tool from the package. …
- Place pill in the water. …
- Remove WinterPill and discard in trash next spring.
How many hours a day should you run pool pump?
8 hours
The rule of thumb is generally 8 hours, although it could be anywhere from 6-12 hours, depending on your pool’s size. Each pool is unique, so to keep your pool pump efficient and effective, you need to figure out exactly what your pool’s turnover rate is.
Is it better to run a pool pump at night or day?
It’s best to run your pool pump during the day
Not only does sunlight give fuel for algae to grow, it also destroys your pool chlorine and this is why you should always run your pool during the day!
Do pool pumps use a lot of electricity?
Outside of the air conditioner, the pool pump is the largest electricity consumer in the average pool-containing home. According to the study, at the national average of 11.8 cents per KWh, a pool pump alone can add as much as $300 a year to an electric bill.
Is it OK to run pool pump 24 hours a day?
The size of your pool, the efficiency of your pump and filter, and how dirty your pool is are just some of the factors you need to consider. Nevertheless, most pool cleaning professionals would advise against running a pool pump for more than 8 hours a day.
Should I turn off pool pump when raining?
If your pool pump manufacturer has declared your pump is rain safe, you can leave it on in rainfall. Nevertheless, during a thunderstorm, it is highly recommended that you switch off and unplug your pool pump to prevent any costly and irreversible damages to your pool equipment.
Can I leave my pool pump off for a week?
So if you have to leave it running for a week it shouldn’t make a big dent in the electric bill. Having to spend the money on getting the pool back in shape will probably cost more than leaving it on anyway. I would make sure you fill the pool water as high as you can though since you will be gone for a week.
