Winter is coming and, unfortunately, it’s about that time to close the pool for the off-season. We have put together some easy-to-follow steps that show you how to winterize an in-ground pool. Proper winter closing will keep your pool safe and clean; and will save you time and money when opening your pool next season.
Eliminate Phosphates & Organic Contaminants
One week prior to closing your pool apply 14 oz. of poolmagic+PHOSfree for every 10,00 gallons of water directly into your skimmer.
One week prior to closing your pool apply 14 oz. of poolmagic+PHOSfree for every 10,00 gallons of water directly into your skimmer.
Prevent Stain and Scale
To prevent staining an scaling add Stain and Rust Remover. Pour 15oz. of Stain and Rust Remover per 15,000 gallons around the perimeter of your pool.
To prevent staining an scaling add Stain and Rust Remover. Pour 15oz. of Stain and Rust Remover per 15,000 gallons around the perimeter of your pool.
Balance Alkalinty Levels
Obtain a good test kit ( we recommend the TF 100) and test your Alkalnity levels, adjusting them as necessary. The total Alkalinity for vinyl pools should be in the 120-140 ppm range or 80-120 ppm for plaster. In the case of low Alkalinity levels, add Alkalinity Increaser at the rate of 1-1/2 lbs. per 10,000 gallons.
Obtain a good test kit ( we recommend the TF 100) and test your Alkalnity levels, adjusting them as necessary. The total Alkalinity for vinyl pools should be in the 120-140 ppm range or 80-120 ppm for plaster. In the case of low Alkalinity levels, add Alkalinity Increaser at the rate of 1-1/2 lbs. per 10,000 gallons.
Balance pH Levels
Test and balance your pH levels. Proper pH levels should be 7.4 and 7.6 ppm. To adjust your pH, use pH Increaser to increase your pH or pH Reducer to lower pH levels.
Test and balance your pH levels. Proper pH levels should be 7.4 and 7.6 ppm. To adjust your pH, use pH Increaser to increase your pH or pH Reducer to lower pH levels.
Balance CH Levels
Test and adjust your Calcium Hardness levels to 200-350 ppm. In the case of low Water Hardness levels, add Water Hardness Increaser. If your Water Hardness levels are too high you will have to replace your water to lower Calcium Hardness levels.
Test and adjust your Calcium Hardness levels to 200-350 ppm. In the case of low Water Hardness levels, add Water Hardness Increaser. If your Water Hardness levels are too high you will have to replace your water to lower Calcium Hardness levels.
Prevent Algae
Add an algaecide to protect your pool during the winter months and prevent the potential for algae blooms. Mix Algaecide with water in a large bucket and pour around the perimeter in your pool. Wait at least one hour before applying any pool shock.
Add an algaecide to protect your pool during the winter months and prevent the potential for algae blooms. Mix Algaecide with water in a large bucket and pour around the perimeter in your pool. Wait at least one hour before applying any pool shock.
Shock your Pool
Shock your pool to free up chlorine and increase the effectiveness during the off-season. The type of shock you use will effect the dosage required, but you will want to bring chlorine levels to 4.0-5.0 ppm. To find out more information on different types of shock and their effects, check out our article here. After distributing chemicals, complete at least one pump cycle to circulate.
Shock your pool to free up chlorine and increase the effectiveness during the off-season. The type of shock you use will effect the dosage required, but you will want to bring chlorine levels to 4.0-5.0 ppm. To find out more information on different types of shock and their effects, check out our article here. After distributing chemicals, complete at least one pump cycle to circulate.
Prevent Freeze Expansion
Lower waterline below all skimmers and return lines and blow out return lines and skimmer using a shop vac or air compressor. After, remove all drain plugs on pump, filter, and heater. Drain any booster pumps or automatic chlorinators if you have them. Turn off the main power supply and apply winterizing plugs into the return and skimmer lines. After plugs are secure, apply Swimming Pool Antifreeze to all lines ( 1 gallon per 10ft. of plumbing) to prevent freeze expansion in plumbing.
Lower waterline below all skimmers and return lines and blow out return lines and skimmer using a shop vac or air compressor. After, remove all drain plugs on pump, filter, and heater. Drain any booster pumps or automatic chlorinators if you have them. Turn off the main power supply and apply winterizing plugs into the return and skimmer lines. After plugs are secure, apply Swimming Pool Antifreeze to all lines ( 1 gallon per 10ft. of plumbing) to prevent freeze expansion in plumbing.
Protect your Pool’s Plumbing
Place a Skim Insure into the skimmer to seal the skimmer and protect your lines against any ice-pressure that may accumulate in the winter.
Place a Skim Insure into the skimmer to seal the skimmer and protect your lines against any ice-pressure that may accumulate in the winter.
Cover your Pool
Protect the quality of your water with a safety or winter cover. This will protect your pool against harmful contaminants and sunlight which cause a breading ground for algae. For added security with small children, pets and loved ones, use a safety cover (instead) to prevent accidental intrusion.
Protect the quality of your water with a safety or winter cover. This will protect your pool against harmful contaminants and sunlight which cause a breading ground for algae. For added security with small children, pets and loved ones, use a safety cover (instead) to prevent accidental intrusion.
