To properly
winterize a swimming pool, the owner should begin by
making sure that the pool water is clean of debris.
Leaves, bugs, pine needles and other similar items
should be vacuumed or removed from the pool by use
of the filter, or by using an extension pole and net
to skim the water. A good time to begin the winterizing
process is in the fall, just as the colors change,
but before the leaves have a chance to fall into your
pool.
A chemical
treatment to your pool is essential. A mixture of winter
chlorine, winter alkalizer, and winter powder will
insure that your pool stays clean over the winter and
is ready for use in the late spring when the warmer
weather arrives. Many manufacturers supply ready-made,
winterizing kits that contain the chemicals mentioned
above. Each manufacturer has different directions so
make sure you follow the exact directions on your winterizing
kit. Essentially, these chemicals will put extremely
high levels of chlorine, alkaline, and algaecide in
the water to prepare for the winter months ahead. Some
of these chemicals mandate that the pool filter be
turned on while the chemicals are added. Make certain
you follow this direction. The failure to do so may
result in stains to your liner.
Once
the chemicals have been added, the pool water is ready
for a slight draining to appropriate levels, if required
by your pool manufacturer. Once the water is several
inches below the level of the skimmer and output holes,
you can cease draining and remove the filter hoses
attached to the skimmer and output hole. If draining
is not required, then cover the filter skimmer and
output hole with the appropriate covers. This cover
will prevent water from leaking and ice from forcing
its way out. With the covers in place, remove the filter
hoses. Open the drain at the bottom of the filter to
let any water in the filter outlet. Store the filter
and hoses in a garage or basement for the duration
of the winter. Leaving a filter outside over the winter
will lead to serious damage, especially if you fail
to drain the filter.
The
last item needed for a proper winterizing is a pool
cover. However, before stretching the cover across
the pool, you should install a floatation device in
the center of the pool. This device can be a car or
truck inner-tube or a large inflatable winter pillow
sold by pool suppliers for this very purpose. The float
serves two functions. First, it balances the rainwater
and ice sure to form on your pool's cover over the
winter. Secondly, The area around the float will not
freeze over the winter and will allow the ice to push
inward toward the float, rather than outward towards
the pool wall. This will ease the tension on the pool
walls, a condition that can lead to support problems
later.
Finally,
stretch the cover across the pool and over the float
using two or three others for help. Once the cover
is in place, you should run a sturdy wire through the
holes that run along the outer seam of the cover. Pull
the wire tight using a hand wench or similar tool so
that the cover fits snugly around the pool. Failure
to properly secure the cover will result in the pool
cover coming off during high winds or heavy rains.
Your pool is now ready to battle the winter elements,
and will be ready for a sparkling clean opening come
spring.