Winterizing your pool is a very important aspect of pool care. Even in the winter your pool and equipment need to have specific treatment to protect them from stains, scale and corrosion. A properly winterized pool will also save time and money in the spring by being easier to reopen.

TO CLOSE YOUR POOL FOLLOW THESE STEPS!

1. Items Needed: Winter cover, air pillow, winter plate for skimmer box, gizzmo for skimmer hole, return plug, cover pump, filter cleaner, and a winter chemical closing kit.

2. Clean your pool completely by brushing the walls and vacuuming the bottom. Pool water MUST be clear before closing your pool.

3. Balance your water by adjusting total alkalinity first, then pH, followed by calcium hardness. Make sure your chlorine level is between 3 -5 ppm. 

4. Now add the Winter Shock – dissolve the shock in water before adding to pool water.

5. Next add the Winter Algaecide ( Winterizer) to prevent algae growth over the winter.

6. Lastly, add the Stain & Scale Control to prevent staining of the liner over the winter.

7. After all the chemicals have been added, operate pool filter for 8 to 12 hours.

8. Now backwash the filter and thoroughly clean the filter using Filter Cleaner before disconnecting the equipment from the pool and /or before storing the equipment indoors for the winter. Never let a filter remain dirty over the winter because deposits and scale can harden, leading to major cleanup and potential repair costs in the spring. Note: Do not use Muratic acid to clean filter grids-the acid damages the DE grids while sitting over the winter.

9. Drain the pool water 2” below the lowest eyeball jet. Attach the skimmer closure plate, gizzmo, and return plug(s). Be sure to also drain water from the filter, pump, heater, chemical feeder, and hose to prevent freeze damage. (Store all equipment indoors over the winter.)

10. Clean and store skimmer basket, pump strainer basket, ladder, hoses, and other pool maintenance equipment indoors. It is best to store all items together in a box so you can easily locate everything you need in the spring. Also store your test kit and liquid chemicals indoors and out of the reach of children.

11. Place an air pillow under the cover to help prevent expansion of water which could cause wall damage. (Note: Do not fully inflate air pillow.) Use one 4 X 8 air pillow for pools 12’ to 21’ round. Use two 4 X 5 air pillows for 24’ round and above and for all oval pools. Note: Using pool cover clips will help hold your winter cover on more securely during windy winter storms.

12. Cover your pool with a solid winter cover to keep dirt and leaves out of your pool for an easy spring clean-up.

13. Important: If a large amount of water should collect on your cover over the winter, remove by using a siphon or cover pump. If you fail to do this, your cover could become too heavy and tear from the excess weight.

14. Following these simple tasks NOW, will allow you to have a NICE and EASY SPRING START-UP.

15. REMEMBER: Closing your pool later in fall and opening early in April will help to prevent water problems from developing.

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