What does it mean to winterize a pool?
4 min read
Asked by: Lori King
What is Winterizing a Pool? Different from closing a pool, winterizing your pool is the finale to the pool season. This means that your pool will not be used for several months, equipment is turned off, accessories are removed and the water is removed from lines and vessels.
How do I winterize my swimming pool?
Steps for Winterizing an In-Ground Pool
- Step 1: Remove pool accessories. …
- Step 2: Deep clean the pool. …
- Step 3: Adjust the water chemistry. …
- Step 4: Lower the water level. …
- Step 5: Drain and store the equipment. …
- Step 6: Add shock and algaecide. …
- Step 7: Cover the pool.
Why do you have to winterize a pool?
You will want to close your pool properly over the winter to prevent freezes from damaging expensive pool equipment. Surface freezes can also tear through vinyl liners as a result of ice expansion. A second reason to winterize your pool is because most people completely stop maintenance over the winter.
What is the winterize setting on pool filter?
After a backwash and rinse, place the valve to the “winterize” setting on the top mount valve. This will allow water to drain from the valve. Next, you’re going to have to completely drain all the water from the filter tank. To do this simply unscrew and remove the drain cap on the bottom of the filter barrel.
Does a winterized pool freeze?
Yes, they can freeze solid. If temperatures reach below zero, swimming pools that are not circulating can freeze solid within a few days. If those low temperatures continue for several days, the ice sheet can increase in thickness by up to ¼” per day.
When should you winterize your pool?
65 degrees Fahrenheit
Most experts recommend waiting at least until temperature drops below 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius) to winterize your pool. However, if you can wait longer until your pool is below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius), you will have a much lower risk of problems occurring.
What happens if I don’t winterize my pool?
Without winterizing your pool, the water could turn green with algae. If the chlorine system stops functioning, you’ll say adieu to the beautiful blue pool you know and love. Come spring, your pool will be a homely sight and cause a real dent in your wallet. Bacteria that feed on algae could even cause health risks.
Can I leave my pool empty for the winter?
It’s not good to leave your pool empty when the weather gets cold. Leaving your pool filled with water can help prevent your vinyl or concrete foundation from being damaged.
Do I run pool pump in winter?
Depending on the size of your pool, we still recommend you run your pump run at least 4-6 hours a day during the fall and winter months.
What temperature should I keep my pool at in the winter?
76-78 degrees
Typically, the perfect pool water temperature runs between 78-82 degrees in the spring and fall months. However during the winter month’s it seems to drop to an ideal temperature to 76-78 degrees. An outdoor unheated pool will typically remain what the outdoor temperature is and can go as low as 53 degrees.
How much water should you leave in your pool in the winter?
Drain the water down to no more than 6 inches from the bottom of the skimmer if you plan to use a standard floating winter cover. Use your pool filter, switched to the “Drain” setting, to empty the pool water.
Should I put chlorine in my pool during the winter?
Add Chlorine to Your Pool to Ensure a Clean Opening
In the fall, make sure to add chlorine and algaecide to your pool for over the winter. Don’t add too much chlorine though. If the chlorine level is too high over the winter, you can bleach the liner.
Should I add shock to pool in winter?
Shocking the pool during the winter months can certainly help to avoid a green swamp-like pool in the spring. It’s often recommended. However, poor water balance or improper application can lead to unintended consequences, such as discoloration and damage to pool surfaces.
