Preparing a pool for winter weather will protect it from damage during the coldest season of the year. There are important things any pool owner must do.
Preparing a swimming pool for winter is the easiest way to ensure that the pool will be in good condition the following spring and summer when it is reopened. There are a number of things that any pool owner needs to do to when getting a pool ready for the cold and disuse. From draining and treating the pool to covering it with a winter cover, prepping a pool for winter is a major project.
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Preparing a Swimming Pool for Winter
Once fall hits and it becomes too cold to swim, a pool needs to be readied for several months of disuse. Whether the pool is an aboveground swimming pool or an in-ground pool, there are a number of things to do that will keep the structure in good condition throughout the winter. Proper preparation of the pool helps owners avoid damage from freezing temperatures, the build-up of algae and leaves in the pool, and makes it easier to maintain the pool.
A great deal of winter preparation takes the form of regular maintenance, including checking the balance of chemicals and treating the water if necessary. Water that has been treated will have fewer growths of algae and bacteria when the water begins to warm up again.
Swimming Pool Maintenance – Winterizing Pool Water
Run the filter for an hour. Add winter shock or swimming pool anti-freeze to the water to help keep the interior of the pool clean and protected. Clean the pool with a skimmer to remove any debris and algae that can cause damage to the pool when it is not in use. Add algaecide to the water if necessary.
Drain the pool water so that it is below the filter level. This will help keep freezing water from damaging pipes when it expands and prevents the pool water from cracking or otherwise damaging the structure. Check the pool water for the proper balance of chemicals and add chlorine or bromine to the pool to keep the water treated and clean.
Remove the filter and pipes from the pool and drain them of water. Store them in a cool, dry place for winter, such as a shed or garage. This will prevent damage to the water filtering system and swimming pool supplies during the winter. Clean the interior portions of the pipes with a pressure washer to remove any build-up of debris, algae or pool chemicals that can damage or corrode the pipes when they are not in use.
Winter Pool Cover – Protecting a Swimming Pool from Winter Weather
Choose a winter cover designed to keep a swimming pool free of snow, ice, leaves and other debris from autumn and winter weather. Many winter swimming pool covers come with an inflatable raft to help keep the tarp off of the water, which will keep it from being damaged or cracked by freezing water. Inflate the raft and attach it to the pool with rope to keep it in place.
Cover the swimming pool with the winter cover and use clamps or ties to hold it firmly to the sides of the pool. This will keep the swimming pool covered during the autumn and winter seasons and protect it from the elements.
Preparing a swimming pool for winter is a big project, but it is one that is important for keeping the pool in good working condition. Protecting a pool from damage will help ensure that the pool can be used for many memorable summers to come.
