The swimming season is over, and it’s time to get your above-ground pool ready for the colder months. It’s always hard to say goodbye, but provided you properly close and winterize your pool, it should be just about ready to go from the moment you reopen it next spring.
But what exactly do you need to do to properly close and winterize your above-ground pool? Take a look at this easy guide for all you need to know, and make sure to reach out to All Seasons Pools and Spas if you could use some expert help.
Balance the Water
Your first step is to ensure that your pool water is balanced. Use a test strip to check the chemistry, then add the necessary chemicals to get the water where it needs to be. This will help to prevent algae growth and staining over the winter months, and it should make your opening a quicker and easier process.
Put All Accessories Away
Once you no longer need your skimmer, ladders, floats, and other equipment, make sure to safely stow them away for the winter. Having these items out of your way while you close up for the season can make the job a lot easier for you.
Vacuum the Pool
It may feel like a job you can leave for the next swimming season, but you’re going to want to give your pool one last vacuuming and brushing before closing up. This will not only help to prevent any algae growth, but it will leave you with a sparkling clean pool upon next year’s opening.
Add Winterizing Chemicals
Once the pool is cleaned and the water is balanced, you can begin adding your winterizing chemicals. There are several different chemicals you can potentially add to your pool’s water for the winter season, including winter algaecide, stain and scale prevention, and chlorine-free shock.
Winterizing the water is important for protecting your pool throughout the cold months. If you’d prefer not to sort through all of the various options at your disposal, you can always opt for a winter closing kit, which will give you everything you need in one easy package.
Lower the Water Level
You don’t want to leave your pool totally full of water over the winter, or you may run into issues with freezing in the pump system. We often drain the water down in the pool and drain all the equipment so there is no risk of the plumbing freezing.
Disconnect Pump, Motor, and Filters
With the water level lowered, it is now time to disconnect your pool pump and motor from the filter and drain all the water from it. Then, you’ll want to drain all of the filter hoses of water, remove the filters, and clean them thoroughly.
You want to clear all of the lines in your pool’s pump system of water and store them away safely, as freezing temperatures can do serious damage to them if you’re not careful. This is because water expands when it freezes, which can result in cracked pipes and costly repairs.
Protect the Skimmer
Your next step is to remove your skimmer baskets and store them somewhere safe. Then, decide what you’d like to do with the skimmers themselves. You can leave them open if you plan on keeping an eye on them to make sure any rainwater drains from them, or you can plug them up for the winter.
Cover the Pool
Your final step is to cover your pool up for the winter. As the season progresses, you’ll want to monitor the cover and try to remove any debris or water that collects on it. This will make your opening a much easier process next year.
Need Help Winterizing Your Pool?
There’s a lot that goes into prepping your pool for winter, but the good news is that you don’t have to handle it all yourself. If you need help getting your pool properly closed for the winter or need water care, contact All Seasons Pools and Spas today, and we’ll help you get started.
