6 Easy Steps to Winterize Your Pool

With fall just days away, it’s a good time to start thinking about winterizing your pool. Properly preparing your pool for the colder months ensures its longevity and makes the process of reopening in spring much smoother. Bremner Pools guides you through winterizing your pool, safeguarding your investment, and easing your mind.

Step 1: Clean the Pool:

Before you begin the winterization process, ensuring your pool is as clean as possible is crucial. Skim the surface, vacuum the bottom, and brush the walls to eliminate debris.

Step 2: Lower the Water Level

Lower the water level to protect your pool from freezing and potential damage. Drain the pool water to 18” from the top or just below the returns on an average pool.  For fiberglass pools, lower water to just under skimmer.   Also, backwash the filter while you drain the pool to have a clean filter for the spring. 

Step 3: Winterize the Plumbing and the Equipment

Properly winterizing the plumbing is crucial to avoiding freeze damage. Blow out the plumbing lines using a heavy-duty blower. Plug the return and skimmer lines with winterizing plugs and gizmos to keep water out.  Let the blower run for at least 10 minutes to ensure all water is blown out of the system. Be sure to remove all of the necessary plugs from the pump, filter, heater, and chlorinator, as well as the pressure gauge on the filter.  Remove any chemicals from inside the chlorinator or brominator.  Any wet chemicals should be thrown out.  Off-line chlorinators should be disconnected fully or turned upside down.  All valves should be left in an open position.  Leave the salt system turned off and unplugged.  Any timers for the pump should be disabled.  The breakers to the pump should be off so that the pump does not turn on over the winter. 

Step 4: Add Winterization Chemicals

Add winterization chemicals to the pool water to keep it clean and balanced during the winter months. A winterization kit typically includes chemicals like algaecide and a stain and scale inhibitor. Follow the kit instructions to add the correct amounts.  Be sure not to add too much chlorine to the pool over the winter.  Balance the water chemistry by checking the Chlorine, pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness levels. Properly balanced water prevents equipment damage during the winter months. 

Step 5: Cover Your Pool

Invest in a high-quality pool cover to protect your pool from debris, harsh weather, and UV rays.  Consider a safety cover which will significantly enhance the appearance of your backyard!

Step 6: Maintain Throughout Winter

Though your pool might be closed for the season, it still requires some maintenance during the winter.  Regularly remove debris that accumulates on the cover, check the water level to ensure it’s not too high or low, and inspect the cover for any signs of damage.  Additionally, if you live in an area with heavy snowfall, consider using a cover pump to prevent excessive weight from accumulating on the cover.

Conclusion

Winterizing your pool is a vital process that ensures your pool’s longevity and minimizes potential damage caused by freezing temperatures. By following these comprehensive steps provided by Bremner Pool & Spa, you’ll be well-prepared to face the winter months, knowing that your pool is protected and ready for a smooth reopening come spring. Remember, a little effort now goes a long way in preserving the beauty and functionality of your pool for years to come.

Don’t Want to Go Through the Hassle? We Can Help!

We understand that winterizing your pool can be time-consuming and sometimes complex. If you’d rather leave it in the hands of professionals and avoid the hassle altogether, Bremner Pool & Spa is here for you. Our experienced team specializes in pool maintenance, and we’ll ensure that your pool is winterized with the utmost care and expertise. Contact us today to schedule your winterization service and enjoy peace of mind throughout the colder months. Your pool deserves the best, and Bremner Pool & Spa is here to deliver exactly that.