Protect your backyard investment by winterizing the pool before freezing temps
By annually closing the pool before freezing temps, you will prevent costly issues that could arise through the winter and/or upon spring.
As we always recommend throughout the pool season, keep the pool clean, maintained, and water balanced until pool closing time. Common sense will save you time and money in the long run.
If an in-ground swimming pool is not properly closed and/or winterized by the time freezing temps arrived, you will be in for some unwanted surprises come the following spring.
Why put a risk to your pool?
Most homeowners use a professional pool service company, and schedule their winter pool closing service during the summer months.
However, if you believe you have the knowledge and confidence, by all means, winterize your pool:
Pool Closing Service Checklist:
Water Level:
The pool water gets lowered to the proper level (based on type of pool cover) for winter time.
During the winter, it’s important for the homeowner to monitor the water level, and lower the water level, as needed.
Here’s a glance as to water level recommendations:
- Vinyl Liner Pool with Mesh Pool Cover. The water gets lowered 4″to 5″ below the bottom of the skimmer mouth opening.
- Concrete Pool with Solid Pool Cover. The water gets lowered 3″ to 5″ below the tile line so that the pool tile is protected from ice damage.
- Vinyl Liner Pool with Solid Pool Cover. The water gets lowered 2″ to 3″ below the bottom of the skimmer mouth opening.
- Concrete Pool with Mesh Pool Cover. The water gets lowered 12″ to 15″ below the tile line so that the pool tile is protected from ice damage. It also allows for the rain water that goes through the cover.
Blowing The Lines:
All underground lines running from the filter system to the swimming pool are blown and plugged. This includes suction lines, return lines, and pool cleaner lines. This is done by using a compressor.
Each line is individually blown with compressed air until as much water as possible is removed from the line. That line is then plugged off with a special winterizing plug.
If water is not blown out of the lines, lines may freeze, and break under the ground, or the deck.
Winterizing The Filter System:
For pools with a diatomaceous earth filter, it’s important that the filter elements inside the tank are cleaned. The elements should never be allowed to dry dirty. And, the filter tank must be opened, and the elements washed down with hose water. The same goes with cartridge filters.
We highly recommended that at least every two to three seasons that the elements are professionally soaked and cleaned in the proper cleaning solutions. At that time, the elements would be inspected for any needed rips or repairs.
Winterizing the Poolside Equipment:
Ladders and railing must be removed. Diving boards are best left on their stand. And, the automatic pool cleaner must be removed, drained, and stored away.
Winter Chemicals:
Usually in the month of February or March, weather permitting, we recommend lowering the water level, and add a gallon of winter fluid.
The addition of winter fluid specifically formulated for winter time will greatly help in the spring time opening. Winter Chemicals usually include a stain prevention, a winter algaecide, and some type of shock. You can purchase a winter chemical kit by visiting or calling us.
Covering the Pool:
Custom solid or mesh pool covers are held down with straps which springs are attached to the pool cover. The springs are connected to special anchors that are in the pool deck. Refer to our custom pool cover page for more information.
Prior to installing a custom solid pool cover or mesh pool cover, these anchors must thread up to receive the springs. A special installation tool is required to install these covers.
Solid Pool Cover or Mesh Pool Cover:
Solid “Tarp” type Pool Covers are held down with water tubes which are laid out around the perimeter of the pool. These water tubes are usually 8′ to 10′ long.
- It’s important to only fill the water tubes 1/2 full. This will allow for ice expansion, preventing them from ripping.
- All solid covers should have a cover pump to keep any water from accumulating on top.
- Never let more then 1 inch of water on top of a solid cover. This could be a safety issue.
Winterizing Your Pool Should Also Include
✓ Keeping the pool clean, and water balanced until pool closing time
✓ Ensuring that all drain plugs on the filter and pumps be removed
✓ Gas lines for the pool heater turned off
✓ Trippers on the time clocks removed
✓ Gauges, air reliefs, and sight glass be removed
For Peace of Mind
The simplest and best way to protect your pool in our four-season climate is to have a professional pool company properly winterize your pool no later than October 31 and on an annual basis.
Properly closing your pool for the winter saves a lot of time, money, and frustration when you reopen it in the spring.
So, are you ready to protect your pool from the winter elements knowing that your backyard pool will be safe for years to come?