Having a pool in your backyard is a lot of fun in the summer, but you need to get it ready for winter. If you don’t take care of your pool, it might get unclean, damaged, or hazardous, which makes it harder and more expensive to fix for summer use. Getting your pool ready for the winter will make it last longer, protect your investment, and save you time and money in the long run.
Why winter preparation matters
A lot of people who own pools assume they can just stop using them when the weather gets colder. But if you don’t take care of your winter needs, you could run into big problems:
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Freezing damage—In some places, water that freezes and expands might hurt the pool’s plumbing and structure.
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Algae and bacteria growth—Bacteria and algae develop in stagnant water, which is a beneficial place for them to grow.
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Chemical imbalance—Water that isn’t treated gets worse with time, leaving stains on pool walls and equipment.
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Costly repairs—Repairs can cost a lot of money; if you don’t take care of things, they can crack, break pipes, or ruin filters.
Closing your pool the right way takes time, but it helps keep it clean, stable, and easy to reopen as the weather gets warmer.
Clean the pool thoroughly.
Clean your pool well before winterizing it. This stops dirt, leaves, and other organic debris from breaking down in the water during the colder months.
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To get rid of leaves, bugs, and trash, skim the surface.
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To get rid of debris and algae, vacuum the pool floor and brush the walls.
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Make sure the filters are clean or new, and empty the skimmer basket.
A clean pool at the start of winter lowers the chance of stains and makes it easier to open again.
Balance the water chemistry.
One of the most important things to do before closing your pool for the winter is to balance the water. Maintaining the right quantities of chemicals helps keep the water clean and protects the equipment.
You should examine these key levels:
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pH: 7.2 to 7.6
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Alkalinity: 80 to 120 ppm of alkalinity
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Chlorine: 1 to 3 parts per million
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Calcium hardness: 200 to 400 parts per million
Use a trusted testing kit to double-check the readings and make any changes that are needed. Once everything is balanced, think about adding a winterizing chemical kit to keep the water steady for a few months.
Drain water to safe levels.
Another key step in getting ready for winter is to drain some of the pool water. This lowers the chance of rainwater overflowing and keeps skimmers and tiles from getting damaged by freezing. But you have to be careful when you empty a pool. Taking out too much water can ruin the pool’s structure or possibly make it move in the ground.
For safe instruction on this operation, it is useful to learn how to drain a swimming pool correctly. Following the advice of experts can help you keep the correct balance between safety and upkeep.
Protect the plumbing system.
Water that stays in pipes can freeze and expand, which can make them fracture or break. To stop this:
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Use a pool blower or shop vacuum to blow all the water out of the plumbing pipes.
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Use winter plugs to seal off pipes.
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If you reside in a place where it gets very cold, add pool antifreeze (never auto antifreeze).
It’s very vital to protect the plumbing system for in-ground pools because fixing broken pipes underneath can be very expensive.
Cover the pool securely.
One of the greatest ways to protect your pool in the winter is with a good cover. It keeps trash out, stops algae from growing, and keeps people from getting hurt.
There are different kinds of pool coverings, such as:
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Solid covers—totally shield sunlight and debris.
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Mesh covers—let water through but keep dirt and leaves out.
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Safety covers—Safety coverings are robust enough to keep people from falling by mistake.
Make sure the cover is tightly fastened so that the wind can’t release it. Check for sagging often and get rid of any water or trash that is sitting on top.
Winterize pool equipment.
Don’t forget about the ladders, heaters, filters, and pumps. After being cleaned and drained:
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Keep ladders and skimmer baskets in a dry place while you’re not using them.
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Stop using and drain all of your tools.
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Check parts for wear and think about replacing any that are worn out before spring.
Keeping equipment in the right place minimizes rust, cracks, and mechanical failures.
Keep an eye out during winter.
You should still check your pool from time to time, even if it’s closed. Check the cover for damage, make sure the water level is stable, and get rid of heavy things like snow or branches. A few short checkups during the season will keep bigger problems from happening later.
Final thoughts
It may seem like a lot of work to get your pool ready for winter, but it will keep it in great shape year after year. Cleaning and balancing the water, covering the pipes, and using a good cover are all steps that can help you avoid expensive repairs. You may also look at expert resources on how to properly drain a swimming pool for more help. This will make sure you use safe and effective ways.
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You can enjoy your pool as soon as the Australian summer comes back if you do the necessary things now.
