Understanding how to winterize your inground pool is essential to maintenance. Taking the time to make these preparations will prevent your pool equipment from getting damaged due to freezing weather. Surface freezes on the water can also tear vinyl liners due to ice expansion. Staying proactive by winterizing your inground pool will save you a lot of money by helping you avoid expensive repairs.
Here are a few tips on how to winterize your inground swimming pool:
Remove Your Pool Accessories
The first stage in preparing your pool for the winter is to remove all of the accessories. These accessories can include cleaners, ladders, skimmer baskets, solar blankets, and steps. It’s important to wash these accessories with a water hose and let them dry before storing them during the winter.
Deep Clean Your Pool
Deep cleaning your pool involves removing all of the silt, leaves, and any other types of debris. Using a vacuum to remove debris while using a skim net for the surface is essential to cleaning your pool. Brushing the side and floor of the pool is also necessary. Deep cleaning will make it much easier to balance your pool’s water chemistry while also helping to prevent any algae or mold growth.
Modify the Water Chemistry
Testing the chemistry of the water is vital to prepare it for the winter months. The alkalinity will need to be anywhere between 80-150 ppm, while the calcium hardness levels need to range from 175-225 ppm. The chlorine level needs to be between 1-3 ppm, while the pH level is between 7.2-7.6. You may need to make a few adjustments to reach these levels.
Lower Water Level
Lowering the water level is crucial before you cover your pool for the winter season. The water level needs to be a foot beneath the skimmer for a mesh cover, and it needs to be half a foot beneath the skimmer if you have a solid cover. The method for lowering the water is dependent on the style of your pool.
Drain Pool Equipment
Draining all of the pool equipment is essential to avoid damages once the temperature falls below freezing. You can use a blower to clear the pool lines while using expansion plugs after you are finished. Draining all of the filters, pumps, and heater is important in preparing your pool for winter. It’s also critical to remove and clean your filters.
Add Shock and Algaecide
Adding shock to your swimming pool will eliminate any bacteria while using algaecide will kill algae. Typically, it’s a good idea to do this a few days before closing your swimming pool for the winter. Following the directions on the package while distributing everything evenly is the most effective option in preparing your pool for winter.
Cover Your Pool
The last step in winterization is to cover your swimming pool. Safety covers anchored to the ground offer the best protection against debris while preventing people or animals from accidentally falling in your pool. A winter cover is another option, but it offers less protection because it’s not anchored to the ground.
Contact Brighton Pools® to Learn More Tips
Brighton Pools® offers pool maintenance and repairs for chlorine and saltwater pools. Our experienced team can also customize your pool in countless ways, and customer satisfaction is guaranteed. We have been in business since 1954, as we are proud to be the leader of pool renovation and maintenance for customers in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and the surrounding area.
Call Brighton Pools® today at (410) 668-1300 to learn more about our services!
