Winterizing a Swimming Pool

To help your pool to give you enjoyment during the summer, you need to winterize it for the cold winter months.  Remember, pools differ from one another.  Therefore, it's best to consult your pool manufacturer about properly winterizing your particular pool. However, there are some general guidelines in winterizing a swimming pool.   

• Remove any deck equipment. This includes diving boards, ladders, rails and slides. Store them in a place where they will be secure and away from the winter weather.  
• Check the water’s chemical balance. The pH level should be anywhere between 7.2 to 7.6; alkalinity, 80 to 120 ppm; and calcium hardness, 180 to 220 ppm. If the water chemistry is unbalanced, you run the risk of damaging the pool surface.  Chemical winterizing kits, which contain the necessary chemical treatments, are available from pool supply stores. Use them as instructed on the product label. 
• Blow out the water from pumping, heating, and filtering systems. You can use a shop vac or air compressor to do this job.  Make sure all water comes out. By draining these systems, you avoid the possibility of freezing water and cracking the lines.  
• Lower the water level. This is necessary if your pool has tile liner, because when the water expands, it can push outward and may crack the tile. Keep the water 4 to 6 inches below the skimmer. However, if you have drained your underground pipes and plugging the skimmer, there is no need to lower the water lever. Remember, the higher the water, the better for the pool to hold the cover.  
• Clean the pool. Remove leaves and other debris using a filter or net. Some owners prefer not to clean the pool, especially if there’s only a few floating debris, and clean it only upon opening the pool in the spring. That would be a logical choice since there is always the possibility of debris getting their way into the pool. However, it is still advisable to clean the pool before closing it for winter to ensure you of clean water come spring.  
• Cover the pool. This will keep debris out of the pool and prevent algae build-up. Pool covers come in different varieties and likewise offer various advantages and disadvantages. Regardless, choose the cover that provides the most protection and fits your pool the best. Some recommend the use of a floatation device in the middle of the pool before covering it. This allows the ice to push towards the middle of the pool, relieving the pools walls from pressure which can cause support problems later on. When covering your pool, make sure that it is covered tightly. You do not want the pool cover to fly away along with a strong wind or rain.    

Be extra careful when winterizing your pool. If you have any questions, contact your pool manufacturer or any pool expert. Don’t take chances, as repairs are painfully costly. 

If you have an above-ground pool, check if it has any leaks and cover it immediately.  There are many pools that are damaged because of a simple leak. Since the water would turn into ice and would expand, the walls of the above-ground pool will experience pressure.  This pressure could be dangerous especially if there is a crack or a leak already existing.

Synonyms: winerizing, winerize, winterise, winerise, witerize and witerizing are typos for "winterizing" and "winterize."