Closing a Pool
So the swimming season has drawn to an end. It is now time to find a new type of fun. It is that season when we have to close our pools for fall and winter. This can seem like a daunting task, that would be so time consuming. Following is a list of things to do to make it easier and not quite so scary.
Balance the Chemistry of Your Pool
About one week before you decide to close your pool you need to balance the chemistry of your pool. First be sure that your pH is between 7.2 and7.6 to avoid acidic or base water. You want your Alkalinity to be between 80and 220 parts per million. You also want your calcium hardness to be between 180 and 220 parts per million. After you have made any necessary adjustments, following the product instructions exactly, you need to shock your pool. This would not include a battery or light socket.
For a shock, you use a chlorine shock or non chlorine shock system. After following the product instructions carefully, you need to allow the chlorine level to return to between one and three parts per million. After the chlorine has returned to a normal level you can then mix in your winter algaecides and any floating pool covers you may have. Before you apply the algaecide, be sure to read the instructions completely. It is important to follow them very closely. Read all caution labels before using any pool chemicals.
Remove any Accessories
Make sure that you remove the diving board and ladders. Clear out and remove all skimmer baskets. Make sure that all accessories are clean and dry before their winter storage.
Lower Your Pool’s Water Level
Now, using either your filter pump or a submersible pump you are going to want to lower the water level in your pool. If you have a mesh cover you will want to lower the water level by twelve to eighteen inches below the skimmer level. For a solid, floating cover you will want to lower the water level to a level three to six inches below the tile. For an above ground pool you will want to likely drain the pool all together. For an in ground vinyl lined pool the water level will not need to be lowered.
Drain All Pool Equipment
To prevent your lines and equipment from winter damage you will need to drain them. Your pump, heater, filter, and chlorinator all have drain plugs to remove the water. You are going to want to drain all of the water from these systems. It is best to blow them out to be sure that they are clear of water. Before draining you will want to make sure that you close the valves system wide. This will prevent backflow into the system while you drain it. You can even use a shop vac to remove the water if a compressor is unavailable. You should also remove all grids and cartridge filters and clean them. Make sure they are dry before putting them away for storage.
System Lubrication
You will want to go through the system and lubricate all of the o-rings. It is definitely important to lubricate the threads on any cast iron plugs and replace them to their places to prevent rusting. You are going to want to be sure to lubricate the o-ring on the pump lid as well. If you have a slide valve on your filter you will want to lubricate its o-rings as well.
Clean Your Pool
Start by skimming the pool. Make sure to remove any debris that is on the surface of the water. Next brush the pool to remove any built up dirt or algae. Then you will want to vacuum the pool. If there are large amounts of debris or leaves on the pool floor, you can remove them with a leaf net. If there is a lot of silt or algae built up, when vacuuming, be sure to use the pool to waste option to vacuum with to prevent clogging of filters later on. This simply involves bypassing the filter, and vacuuming via the backwash line. You want to make sure that the water in your pool is clean and clear before you cover it.
Winterize Your Pool’s Plumbing
When you have a below ground, or in ground pool, you will want to blow out the system’s lines using a large shop vac. You will need to do this from the skimmer. You will blow the air through your equipment and back into your pool. You will then want to use expansion plugs to plug the lines at the pool. If you are not going to blow the lines, then you will need to use pool antifreeze. If you do, be sure to follow the product instructions very carefully. For those of you that have an above ground pool, you will typically only need to disconnect the hoses, and then plug the wall’s receptacles.
Winterizing With Floaters and Algaecides
Now would be the time to add your winter algaecide. You do not want to do this while shocking the pool. This will result in a breakdown of the algaecide. It is important not to put a floating cover on a pool while it is in shock treatment. You should go to your local pool supply store and pick up a winter chemical kit. Be sure to follow the kit’s instruction carefully.
It is Time to Cover Your Pool
The most important thing to remember when covering your pool is that you ensure a tight fit. You want to make sure that the cover has no gaps or holes where leaves and debris can enter the water. The best cover for a pool would be a mesh safety cover. These are the most protective and safe covers available for your pool. Solid covers tend to be unsafe and require a pump to remove water from them when it is time to open your pool in the spring. Water bags are usually used to secure a solid cover. If you have an above ground pool, the cover is usually secured with a wench system. To absorb the expansion of ice in an above ground pool, you will want to use air pillows.
Your pool should now be ready for winter, and will be a breeze to open in the spring.
Tags: Acidic, Algaecide, Algaecides, Alkalinity, Calcium Hardness, Caution Labels, Chlorine, Closing A Pool, Daunting Task, Diving Board, Eighteen Inches, Fall And Winter, Ground Pool, Light Socket, Necessary Adjustments, pool chemicals, Six Inches, Submersible Pump, Water Level, Winter Storage
