Preparing Your Outdoor Pool for the Winter

Having a pool installed outside of your home is a great way to improve the enjoyment of your home. It\’s also an excellent way to improve the curb appeal as well as the value of your home. However, odds are pretty good that you won\’t be using your pool during the winter months. If you live in a climate where going for a quick dip outside during the winter season is out of the question, then you\’ll want to prepare your pool so that it remains in good shape for the duration of winter and is ready for use by the time spring rolls around. The following are 6 steps you should take to prepare your pool for the winter:

Clean out the pool

Make sure that there is nothing left in the pool.  Take out any accessories that are in your pool, from the pool ladder to the solar blanket if you use one. Use a skimming pole or a vacuum in order to get rid of any bugs, leaves or any other debris you might find from the water.

Check the chemistry of the water

You\’ll want to make sure that the chemistry of the pool\’s water is balanced. You will need to do this by testing the pH levels, the calcium hardness and the total alkalinity. The following are the proper levels for each:

• The water\’s pH level should measure between 7.2 and 7.6.
• The water\’s calcium hardness should measure between 180ppm and 220ppm.
• The water\’s total alkalinity should measure between 80ppm and 120ppm.

You can test the chemistry of your pool\’s water by picking up a pool winterization chemical kit. These can be found at local pool supply stores and will be needed to achieve the proper water levels.

Lower your pool\’s water level

If the weather gets so cold that the water ends up freezing, it could cause damage to the throat of the skimmer, which in turn can end up damaging both the plumbing and the filter system. To avoid this, lower the pool\’s water level to right below the mouth of the skimmer.

Drain remaining water

Next, you\’ll need to drain the remaining water from all of your filter equipment and hoses. This will help to prevent any damage if the weather reaches freezing temperatures. Remove the drain plugs from your pump in order to drain it as well.

Drain your pool\’s chemical feeder

If your pool has a chemical feeder, then you\’ll want to drain the remaining chemicals until it is empty. Leaving them in your chemical feeder can lead to damage during the winter.

Cover your pool

Once you have completed the previous steps, you\’ll want to cover your pool up in order to keep debris out of the water.

In order to keep your pool in the best shape possible during the harsher winter months, you\’ll want to make sure that you follow these 6 steps.

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