4 Key Steps in Preparing Your Pool to Close for the Winter

As winter approaches, you’ll want to be sure that you prepare your swimming pool the right way so that it can withstand the season and be ready to use again when the warm weather returns. Not preparing your pool correctly could lead to problems that will require more money from you to fix. Here are some key steps in preparing your pool to close for the winter.

Clean the Pool

It’s important to clean the pool so that any dirt can be removed and to reduce the bacteria and other germs that are inside the pool. All hoses, pumps, décor items, and other components should be removed so that only water is left inside the pool. Skimming the water to remove bugs and debris can also make your pool cleaner. Brushing and vacuuming the sides and bottom surface of the pool will be important as well. Putting some winterizing algaecide into the water will also help keep the water clean by reducing algae amounts and inhibiting further growth.

Ensure Proper Water pH Level

Your water’s pH level should be between 7.2 and 7.6. If the pH level falls outside of this range after testing the water, you can add chemicals that will allow you to achieve the proper balance. Sodium bisulfate, which is also known as dry acid, often comes in a dry and granulated form that can be dissolved in a bucket of water and then added to the deepest part of the pool while the pump is on a filter setting. Sodium carbonate (soda ash) is another chemical that often works well in achieving an ideal pH level. All chemicals that you add should be handled with care using the proper safety gear to avoid potentially serious health problems.

Perform Any Needed Repairs

Putting off repair work that needs to be done until swimming season returns could make existing problems with your pool worse. Performing a pool motor repair winter weather won’t affect or hiring a professional to do the work for you will be to your advantage. Any damaged pumps or lights should also be repaired before closing your pool. Other components that might need repairing include the heater, filters, and automation system.

Add a Cover

Covering your pool will help keep bugs and debris out of the water. The cover that you use should be able to fit over your pool properly and be free of any cracks or gaps. Waterproof covers with safety mesh often work the best. Anything that falls on the cover while it sits over your pool should be removed with a roof rake to keep the extra weight off the cover so that it doesn’t shift out of place.

Following all the right steps to getting your pool ready for the winter will make the entire process much easier. By doing everything that’s necessary to winterize your pool, you’ll be able to open it again for swimming with less hassle.

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