You want to try to keep your pool water as clean as possible during the winter to make it easier for you to turn the pool back on when the warm weather returns. You also want to protect your pool equipment from possible damage as your pool water freezes in cold weather. When the water in your pool freezes, it expands, and this can cause cracks in filters and pumps. When the warm weather returns and your pool is open again, you may have to spend a lot of money to repair all the damage that has occurred.
If you are closing your pool for the winter, the first thing to do is make sure you have balanced total alkalinity, calcium hardness, and pH levels. Ensuring the water is chemically balanced will protect the top of the pool from staining and digging. Using a winter pool chemical kit from stagshead will help the pool water appear blue and clear, ready for summer.
If you are preparing to close your pool for the winter, these tips may help.
It is good to lower the water level so that all of the plumbing inlets to the pump and filter are below the inlet. Doing so will prevent additional water from entering the pool heating and cleaning system when not in use. This helps prevent water from entering the pipes, as it can freeze, expand, and crack plastic pipes and cause leaks. It also helps protect the water filter and pump from damage, leading to you having to buy new parts.
Make sure all water is removed from the pump, heater, lines, and filter. You can usually drain the filter by pulling the plug at the bottom. It is important to remember to open the air valve to allow all the water to flow. Please do the same to drain the pump and when it drains, let it run for a second to get the last drops of water out. It also makes sense to check the feeder and make sure it’s chemical-free, as they can damage all of your appliances.
Remove the cover from the summer pool, clean it, store it, or leave it in the drum and cover it. Now you need to put a winter cover on the water to prevent debris from falling into the pool. If you have children or pets, you may want a safety blanket for winter. These safety covers will ensure that any animal, child, or adult is safe if they fall into them by mistake. These types of covers can save lives, as children or pets can become entangled in a normal winter blanket and suffocate.