Winterizing, or closing your pool for the winter requires specialized knowledge to ensure against freeze damage, unnecessary wear and tear and water contamination. Always consult a professional before attempting any work yourself.
- Make sure your pool water is crystal clear and free of debris (this will ensure an easier opening in the Spring).
- Vacuum and leaf rake any debris from your pool.
- Balance the pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness levels in the pool water.
- Lower the pool water to a proper level for your pool type, typically 3-6" below the skimmer or tile line for solid covers and 12-18" down for mesh covers.
- Remove ladders or handrails that may interfere with your pool cover placement.
- Clean your filter thoroughly. DE filter elements are removed, spray cleaned and stored in the filter tank; Cartridge filter elements should be replaced every 2-3 years; Replace sand every 7-10 years.
- Remove baskets from skimmers and pumps, all fittings, plugs, automatic pool cleaners, gauges, hoses, filters, filter motors, etc. for storage. Diving boards are not typically removed but you can purchase a cover for the diving board to keep it clean and safe. (Heater covers are also available.)
- Blow influent and effluent below ground plumbing completely free of water, antifreeze should be added to all lines that are underground and plug lines with rubber expansion plugs. Replace your plugs every 2-3 years or at the earliest signs of wear.
- Winterize above ground equipment, including, but not limited to: heater, filter, pumps, blowers, chlorinators, by blowing out all water. Consult owner's manuals for all equipment you have.
- Add winterizing chemicals to keep the pool water fresh and clear and to prevent staining or algae growth during winter. Follow label instructions, and add another dose of algaecide every month or as needed to keep water algae free.
Properly install your pool cover and secure tightly to keep leaves/animals out. Make sure your water bags/AquaBlocks are properly spaced (inground pools) and it can't hurt to have a few extras handy in case you get a puncture. - Placing a cover pump in the middle of solid covered pools will help removing water from the top of the cover in the colder months easier.
- You may need to lower the water level under mesh covers during the winter. A cover pump placed under the cover before the pool cover is secured allows you to lower the water easier. For safety and pool cover durability, keep all water pumped off and leaves removed from solid covers during the winter. Always make sure your gates are locked for safety.
Pool Cover & Water Bags for Inground Pools
Use the table below to determine what size cover and how many water bags will be needed to close your pool properly:
|
|
|
|
| 16' X 32' |
21' x 37' |
12 |
10 |
| 16' X 36' |
21' x 41' |
14 |
12 |
| 18' X 36' |
23' x 41' |
16 |
12 |
| 18' X 40' |
23' x 45' |
16 |
12 |
| 20' X 40' |
25' x 45' |
16 |
12 |
| 20' X 44' |
25' x 49' |
18 |
14 |
| 24' X 40' |
29' x 45' |
18 |
14 |
| 25' X 50' |
30' x 55' |
20 |
16 |
Winterization Equipment Checklist
The following items are what you will need to close your pool. Please note that some items are specific to inground pools or above ground pools, and some items are optional depending on your equipment.
- Winter cover (mesh or solid)
- Air pillow (for solid covers)
- Water bags or AquaBlocks (for solid covers - # depends on pool cover size)
- Cover pump
- Winter chemical kit
- Antifreeze (for inground pools)
- Skimmer cover (for above ground pools)
- Rubber plugs for return lines and pool cleaner line
- Gizzmos for skimmers
- Heater cover (if applicable)
- Diving board cover (if applicable)
