How to Prepare Your Pool for Fall and Winter

How to Prepare Your Pool for Fall and Winter

Closing your pool for the colder months may not be as exciting as opening it in the summer, but it’s an essential part of pool maintenance. By taking the time to winterize your pool properly, you’ll protect it from damage, save on repairs, and make next spring’s reopening a breeze. Here’s how to prepare your pool for fall.

1. Skim and Vacuum the Pool

Before you begin the process of winterizing, start by giving your pool a thorough cleaning.

• Remove debris: Skim leaves, twigs, and dirt from the surface of the pool. It’s important to get everything out so it doesn’t settle and stain your pool’s surface over winter.
• Vacuum the pool floor: Use your pool vacuum to clean up any debris at the bottom. The cleaner your pool is before closing, the less work you’ll have to do when it’s time to reopen.

2. Balance the Water Chemistry

Maintaining proper water chemistry is crucial to prevent corrosion, scaling, or algae growth while your pool is closed.

• Test and adjust: Check the pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness levels. Make sure they’re balanced before adding winterizing chemicals.
• Add winter chemicals: Use a winterizing kit that includes shock, algaecide, and a chlorine floater. These will keep the water clean and algae-free through the cold months.

3. Lower the Water Level

To avoid freezing damage, the water level needs to be lowered before you cover the pool.

• Drain to just below the skimmer: Lower the water level so that it’s below the skimmer and jets. This prevents water from entering your pool’s plumbing and freezing.
• Drain equipment: Empty your pool’s pump, heater, and filter to prevent them from freezing and cracking.

4. Clean and Store Pool Equipment

Pool toys, ladders, and other equipment should be cleaned and stored away.

• Remove ladders and toys: Take out any removable equipment like ladders, diving boards, and pool floats. Give them a good scrub and store them indoors.
• Clean the filter: Don’t forget to clean your pool’s filter thoroughly to keep it in good condition for next season.

5. Install the Pool Cover

A high-quality pool cover will keep debris out and protect your pool during the fall and winter.

• Use a solid cover: Install a pool cover that fits securely and is free of rips or tears. A solid cover will block out sunlight, preventing algae growth.
• Check for debris: Regularly clear off leaves and snow that accumulate on top of the cover. This prevents excess weight from damaging it.

By following these steps, you’ll protect your pool through the fall and winter months, saving yourself time and money when it’s time to reopen. Proper pool maintenance now means you can dive right into clear, clean water when summer rolls around again.