Tips for Winterizing the Pool

After you’ve enjoyed the pool for the last time this year, prepare to winterize it for the harsh months ahead. Get all your supplies together to stay on track once you get started. Supplies should include the cover, the water tubes, plugs for the skimmers and return jets, winterizing chemicals, and a powerful vacuum like this Dustless Technologies wet/dry vac. Then proceed with the following:

•  Clean out the pool by removing leaves, dirt, insects, and debris. Clean the tile line with tile cleaner so you don’t have to deal with all the scum that builds up next spring.
• Balance the water chemistry to protect the pool from corrosion. Use a water test kit to adjust the water to the recommended levels. Now is also the time to add high levels of chlorine and algaecide in the water to prepare it for the winter months.
• Protect pipes from freezing by draining the water down below the skimmer mouth, but don’t empty the pool completely.
• Disconnect the pump and filter, making sure all water is drained from the pump. Remove the drain plugs from it and turn it on for a few seconds to expel any remaining water from the impeller.
• If you have a heater, go through the process of draining it as well. Remove any remaining water with your vacuum.
• Unscrew and loosen any quick-disconnect fittings in your pump and filter system, then blow out the pipes. Your wet/dry vac is ideal for this task.
• Remove the filter hoses to clean the filter.
• Before you put the cover on for good, install a flotation device in the center of the pool to balance rainwater and ice that will likely form on the pool’s cover during winter. It also helps to ease the pressure on the pool walls by allowing the ice to push on the flotation device.
• Use a strong winter cover that can withstand the weight of snow and ice.