Swimming Pool Winterization

A swimming pool “winterization” refers to the process of closing (or making unavailable for use) a swimming pool for the cold weather season. 

To protect a pool from plumbing and filter freezing an air compressor or shop vacuum will be needed to blow out all the water from these areas. Swimming pool owners shouldalways take precautions, taking care to close their swimming pool properly to protect it from freezing and also from becoming filled with debris and bacteria – making it more difficult to open it during the following season. Taking the following steps will save you time and a lot of work opening your swimming pool the following season.

-Clean your pool to remove debris, dirt, and algae.   Brush the walls and floor, vacuum the pool and skim your swimming pool.
-Check your PH, Alkalinity, and Calcium Hardness levels, add the chemicals needed, or use a winterizing kit meant for this step, and follow all manufactures instructions carefully. Balancing your water chemistry protects the surfaces of your pool.  Your water will be blue and clear when it's time for your pool opening. 
-Return lines should be winterized by blowing air through the lines and all the plugs are sealed tight.
-Lower the water level to below the skimmer(s).
-Blow out the water from your plumbing lines to the main drain, after draining make sure you have sealed all the plugs tight.
-Drain all the water from your filter, pump and heater. Clean D.E. or cartridge filter elements
-Winterizing the skimmer lines; blow air through the skimmers and close the valves.  Pour one gallon of antifreeze into the skimmer, use a freeze plug to close.
-Remove hand rails, ladders, slides, your diving board and other accessories for winter storage.
-Cover your swimming pool.  A safety cover of good quality is worth the investment to protect your family and yourself from an accident.