We've all been there: one moment, you're frolicking in your above ground pool, savoring the endless summer vibes. Then, out of the blue, your inbox is flooded with back-to-school emails, the temperatures take a nosedive, and there's Steven, your eccentric neighbor, sporting his "good" sweatpants during his morning run.
Undoubtedly, summer is bidding us farewell. For those of us residing in chilly winter climes (or anyone looking to close their pool for the season), thoughts inevitably turn to winterizing that above ground pool.
Certainly, it's a bit of a downer when summer concludes, and the prospect of extra chores doesn't elicit much enthusiasm. However, by mastering the art of correctly closing your above ground pool, you can transform this task into a brief, few-hour endeavor, offering you peace of mind as you patiently await the return of swimming season when the thaw arrives.
What Is Winterizing an Above-Ground Pool?
Winterizing an above-ground swimming pool refers to the essential preparations made to safeguard your pool during the upcoming season of inclement weather when it won't be in use. This process serves to prevent any potential damage to the pool and ensures that it can be swiftly and easily prepared for swimming when spring arrives.
The steps involved in winterizing a pool can encompass routine end-of-season maintenance, like skimming the water. Additionally, specific winter-oriented measures come into play, such as the application of specialized chemicals to the water. These combined efforts help preserve the pool's integrity, ensuring a smoother and better-conditioned reopening when the warmer months return.
Why Winterizing Your Above-Ground Pool Is a Must
Shields Against Freezing Temperatures
When the mercury dips below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, whether it's frost or a full-blown freeze, your pool becomes vulnerable to damage, affecting the frame, liner, pipes, and lines.
Thwarts Algae Growth
While your pool may be more prone to algae during warm, sunny months, neglecting it during the winter can also result in algae blooms. Prevention is key.
Safeguards Equipment
Harsh weather conditions put substantial stress on all the delicate components of your pool, from the housing and motor to the electrical wiring and hoses, making proper winterization crucial.
Preserves Pool Cleanliness
Winter storms, relentless winds, and months of inactivity create ideal conditions for the accumulation of dirt and larger debris in your above-ground pool. Preemptive cleaning is far more manageable than tackling a dirty pool come spring.
Keeps Pests at Bay
Covering your pool acts as a barrier, deterring animals, birds, and pesky critters from taking an unscheduled dip in your pool.
Timing Of Your Above-Ground Pool Winterization
In general, the optimal time to winterize your above-ground pool falls around mid-October or when the pool water consistently hovers below 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
It's crucial not to rush into winterization too early, as the winterizing chemicals may lose their effectiveness long before winter concludes. On the flip side, waiting until temperatures drop a bit further has its advantages, notably in terms of staving off unwelcome algae growth in cooler water.
Step By Step Guide To Prepare Your Pool For Winter
Below are the step for to prepare your above ground pool for winter
Equipment Preparation
As winter approaches, it's essential to get your pool ready for the colder months. To start, remove all floating toys and above ground pool accessories such as ladders from in or around the pool. These items should be stored indoors in your garage or a shed to shield them from the harsh winter elements.
However, it's crucial to leave the necessary cleaning equipment in place for now, including the filter, skimmer net, hoses, and any other gear relevant to pool maintenance. This way, when it's time to open your pool for the next season, you'll have everything at your disposal, ready to go.
Pool Cleaning
Before you can properly winterize your above-ground pool, a thorough cleaning is in order. Begin by skimming the pool's surface using above ground pool supplies such as a hand-held skimmer net or leaf rake to remove any debris, like leaves, that might be floating on the water.
For larger items that have sunk to the bottom of the pool and are easily reachable, make use of the skimmer net or leaf rake to retrieve them. Next, it's time to give your pool a good scrub. Utilize a pool brush attached to an extension pole to brush all surfaces, with particular attention to the inner walls.
Finally, employ a pool vacuum to thoroughly remove any remaining leaves and debris that might have settled at the bottom of the pool. A clean pool is a crucial first step in the winterization process.
Water Testing Before Winterizing
Properly balancing your pool's water chemistry is essential to prevent issues during the winter months. It's time to test and balance the pool's alkalinity, pH, and calcium hardness levels. The ideal range for alkalinity is between 80 and 120 ppm, and if it's below 80 ppm, you'll need to increase it. The pH levels should be maintained between 7.4 and 7.6.
Finally, ensure that the calcium hardness falls within the range of 200 to 400 ppm. Balancing these levels will help protect your pool and its components during the winter.
Adding Algae Preventative
Algae can be a persistent problem even in the colder months, so it's essential to add an algae preventative.
For every 4,000 to 5,000 gallons of pool water, introduce 4 ounces of liquid algae control or as directed by the product instructions. Mix the algae control with cool water in a clean bucket.
Turn on the pool filter and slowly add the algae preventative around the perimeter of the pool, being cautious not to concentrate it in any one area. Allow the filter pump to run for an hour or two to ensure proper distribution.
This step helps to prevent algae growth during the winter, keeping your pool water clear and clean.
Shock Treatment and Chlorine
As you continue the winterization process, it's time to address the pool's water chemistry more comprehensively. Begin with a shock treatment. With the pump running from the algae preventative step, apply the shock treatment to the pool water, making sure to spread it evenly.
Typically, you should use 1 pound of shock treatment per 5,000 gallons of pool water or follow the specific instructions provided by the product. Shock treatment is essential for killing off any remaining organic matter and sanitizing the water.
Next, focus on maintaining the chlorine levels in your pool. With the filter still running, elevate the chlorine level to around 3 ppm, aiming to keep it within the range of 2 to 4 ppm.
You'll need about 1 1/2 ounces of the product for every 5,000 gallons, or follow the product's specific instructions. Allow the filter to run for four to six hours, giving the chemicals time to circulate and effectively treat the water.
Removing the Filter
Before proceeding with the final steps of winterizing your small above-ground pool, you'll need to attend to the pool's filtration system. Turn off the pump and unplug it to ensure safety during the next steps.
Then, carefully remove the filter from its housing. This step is crucial for ensuring the filter's continued functionality and cleanliness, which will be beneficial when it's time to reopen your pool in the spring.
Adding a Winterizing Pill
To complete the winterization process, add a floating winterizing pill to your pool. Ensure that the pill contains a clarifier, scale inhibitor, stain inhibitor, and enzyme enhancement. These components work together to keep your pool water clear and prevent any scale or stains from developing during the winter.
By following these steps meticulously, you'll be well on your way to protecting your above-ground pool during the colder months and ensuring that it's ready for a smooth and clean reopening when spring arrives.
Learn easy and necessary maintenance for your pool here.
Get Your Above Ground Pool Winterized
The meticulous process of winterizing your above-ground pool is essential for safeguarding its condition during the colder months. By following these systematic steps, you not only protect your pool's integrity but also simplify the reopening process in the spring.
Proper equipment storage, thorough cleaning, water chemistry balancing, and the addition of preventive treatments all contribute to a successful winterization. Taking care of the filtration system and using a winterizing pill ensures your pool remains in top shape throughout the winter.
This diligent approach guarantees your above-ground pool is ready for another season of enjoyment when warmer days return.