Danny Rhodehamel of Inyo Pool Products found that many of his customers have problems with their pool equipment not starting properly during spring startup. Rhodehamel stated that “many people do not close their pool properly in the spring and this can lead to unnecessary expenses during start-up.” Here is a checklist of things to do before closing your pool for the winter.
By properly winterizing your pool, you spend less time and money. Opening your pool in the spring will eliminate additional costs for electricity, chemicals, and cleaning. Prevents possible freeze damage to equipment and plumbing.
Step 1
Several days before closing the pool, test the water for pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, and chlorine. Adjust the levels if necessary. It is important to balance the water to protect the pool from corrosion or scale build-up that can occur during the period the pool is closed. Use a water test kit to test:
pH 7.2 – 7.6
Alkalinity 80 – 120ppm
Calcium hardness 175 – 250 ppm
Chlorine 1 – 3ppm
Step 2
Your pool must be cleaned before it is winterized. Brush and vacuum the sides and bottom. Use Super Shimmer or a clarifier to make the water crystal clear. Lower water level while vacuuming (adjust filter so debris does not go through sand). Clean tile line with Tile & Vinyl Cleaner to remove oil and slag. This will be easier to remove now before it lights up during the winter months.
Step 3
To help protect water quality during the winter months, use a winterization kit. Follow directions on product labels. Additional algaecides and buffers can be purchased separately for larger pools.
Step 4
Clean filter, skimmer and pump basket. Remove all unused chlorine product from the chlorinator. Cartridge filter elements and DE screens should be sprayed with Filter Cleaner and rinsed with a garden hose. Sand filters must be backwashed.
step 5
Lower the pool water below the returns and the skimmer. Never completely drain a pool – hydrostatic pressure can cause damage. Using an air compressor or shop vac (attached to the blower side of the vac), blow the water out of the system by forcing air down the skimmer and through the lines. Add antifreeze to pipes and install winter caps on return fittings to keep water out of lines. Anti-Freeze is a non-toxic formula. DO NOT USE AUTOMOBILE ANTIFREEZE.
Step 6
Remove all drain plugs from the pump, filter tank, and any other pool equipment. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific equipment. Place all drain plugs in the pump basket for storage.
Step 7
Air pillows should be inflated with a leaf blower or shop vacuum. Tie down the air pillow in the center of the pool, larger pools will require 2 or more air pillows. The air cushions will throw water towards the edge of the pool for easy removal. They also allow ice to form so it cracks inward preventing damage to the pool shell or structure.
step 8
Lay the winter cover on the pool surface, black side down. There are different covers for in-ground and above-ground pools.
Above ground pools:
A cable and winch is included to hold the cover under the top edge of the pool.
Inground Pools and Pools With Deck:
Lay the water tubes end to end around the edge of the pool. Fill the water tubes halfway with water (do not overfill or expanding water will damage the water tube). Water tubes are sold separately. Never use concrete blocks, bricks, etc. to secure the cover because they may damage the pool cover or swimming pool.
If you follow these simple steps in the winter. Spring Startup will be very easy.