You must get your pool ready for winter as soon as the summer months end. Not only does a good winterization job keep your pool safe from the elements, but it also makes sure it’s in top shape for when you want to open it again in the spring. If you want to know how to winterize inground pools Northern Virginia properly, this is the advice for you.
Give the Pool a Good Scrub
Clear the pool of debris before winterizing. Use a pool skimmer and vacuum to remove leaves and dirt. Brush and scrub the walls and floor to maintain the pool algae-free all winter.
Maintain a Steady Water Chemistry
Pool water chemistry should be balanced before storing it for the season. Bring calcium hardness, total alkalinity, and pH to the specified values. A balanced water chemistry system helps prevent corrosion and scaling in winter.
Startle the Waters
Shock treatments are necessary to close your pool for the season with clean, disinfected water. Shock therapy products should be used as directed. First, restore the chlorine level, then add the shock treatment to the pool water and circulate it for a few hours.
Include Chemicals for Winterization
After shocking the pool, add winterizing chemicals. These additives prevent algae, stains, and scales in pool water all winter. Common winterizing chemicals include algaecide, stain and scale inhibitors, and packages with chlorine or non-chlorine shock, a winter float, and a chemical.
Decrease the Level of Water
To prevent ice from solidifying and expanding, lower the pool’s water level. It’s best to lower the water level 12 to 18 inches below the skimmer entry, although this depends on your pool and location. Submersible pumps can fill it to your taste.
Take Accessories Off and Put Them Away
Ladders, diving boards, and toys should be put away. Clean and preserve these items properly in winter to prolong their life and improve their condition for the next swimming season.
Pipe Winterization
The plumbing system must be prepared to endure freezing temperatures as the first and foremost stage in winterizing a pool. Allow me to show you:
Empty the Pool Equipment:
Take out the pump, filter, heater, and chlorinator, and empty the pool. To keep the parts from freezing and breaking, drain them of any water.
Remove All Standing Water from Pool Pipes:
Remove all standing water from the pool pipes by using a powerful air compressor. The main drain line should be the last to be connected, after the skimmer lines and the return lines. In order to avoid freezing and breaking, make sure that all water is removed from the lines.
To prevent further water and ice build-up in the plumbing lines, pour pool-safe antifreeze into them. Both the pool and the plumbing system can safely use antifreeze, as it is made particularly for this purpose.
Conclusion
Last but not least, getting your pool ready for winter is an important part of keeping it in top shape for the following swimming season and safeguarding your investment. In the spring, when it’s time to open your pool again, you’ll save time, money, and possible hassles if you follow these instructions and prepare your pool properly. Your pool will be ready to enjoy when the warm weather returns if you winterize it properly.
