Winterize The Right Way! Six Steps To Protect Your Pool.

Thankfully we don't usually have much in the way of snow in Southern Utah!
With that being said, pools still need proper winterizing.

Winter can be tough on pools. Algae and other problems can start even in cold weather, making spring opening messy and expensive. Prevent these problems now by winterizing your pool properly and using Winter Closing Products. Winterizing is designed to keep your pool water clean and clear all winter long.

Most experts believe that pools should be closed for the season when nighttime temperatures are consistently in the 40's, and daytime highs are in the mid 60's. The best time for Southern Utah is mid November. 

If you close too soon, you risk the possibility of algae overgrowth.

Proper winterization also protects pool surfaces and equipment, and makes spring start-up quick and easy. Keep in mind proper winterization involves more than adding products. Follow the steps below to make sure your pool is well protected through the cold weather months.

STEP 1: Balance the Pool Water

Prior to closing your pool, make sure water is chemically balanced. Take a sample of your pool water to Tropical Fiberglass Pools for expert advice on water balance. This step is very important because it protects the pool from corrosion or scale build up that can occur during the period when the pool is shut down. pH and Alkalinity are critical to proper water balance. It is a good idea to periodically check through the winter months and balance if necessary. Uncovered pools are especially prone to pH changes.

STEP 2: Winter Cleaning

Brush down the floor and sides or your pool and then vacuum. If you leave dirt and debris in your pool, it can cause staining. Clean along the waterline and around pool surfaces. Clean the filter, skimmer, and pump basket. Remove all unused chlorine products from Chlorinator. Cartridge filters should be chemically cleaned. Sand filters should be backwashed.

STEP 3: Add Winterizing Products

Add:

MINERAL MAGNET at a rate of 1 quart per 10,000 gallons. Wait for 24 hours before adding Shimmer N' Shock.

SHIMMER N' SHOCK to your pool at a rate of 1 lb. per 10,000 gallons. You want to be at 3-4 ppm. Scatter the product evenly over the pool surface. Shock should dissolve completely when added but use your pool brush to mix up any product that settles to the bottom. If water is below 60 degrees or if using in a colored surfaced pool, the shock should be pre-dissolved before adding to the water. Pre-dissolve shock by adding 1 lb. of shock to 2-3 gallons of water. Mix thoroughly and then add evenly across pool surface.

POLY POWER 60 ALGAECIDE to the pool at a rate of 6 - 10 ounces per 10,000 gallons. Apply product around the edges of the pool. Use the pool pump to distribute these products evenly throughout the water.

WINTER CHLORINE FLOAT Adding a winterizing float will help to maintain your chlorine level throughout the winter months.

Step 4: Prepare Your Equipment

Consult with your pool builder about proper winterization for your pool equipment. You can choose to either drain your pool equipment or run it through the winter months. If you chose to drain, consult your equipment manuals as equipment differs on plugs and drainage. If you run your pool equipment it should cycle from approximately 2 am through 8 am. This keeps the water circulating to prevent freeze up. If choosing this method the pool owner needs to watch the ambient air temperature and adjust the filtration times accordingly to prevent freezing of pool equipment. The equipment needs to be running during the coldest time.

Step 5: Cover the Pool

A well designed cover will keep your pool protected and free from leaves, dirt and other debris during the winter months. Solid covers should be free of holes and held in place securely by water tubes. Add about 2 inches of water to the top of the cover to help hold it in place. This does not apply to safety covers already installed.

Step 6: Keep your pool at peak performance by checking it on these dates:

Thanksgiving Day; New Year's Day; Valentine's Day.