Why do we winterize swimming pools?
Winter conditions are harsh on pool equipment, and pool surfaces. Balancing and adding the necessary winter products also protect the water from getting algae, metal staining, and scaling. Winterizing drastically reduces the overall cost of winter water chemistry, and makes spring opening a breeze. Follow the steps below to learn how to winterize your pool.
Bring a sample of your pool water to Blackthorne Spas for end of the season testing. You’ll get the prescription you need to prevent stains, scaling, and damage to equipment. You’ll avoid expensive clean ups and repairs. Come spring, you’ll start with a beautiful pool.
How to Winterize Your Pool
1) Get Your Water Balanced
Bring your pool water to Blackthorne Pools & Spas for testing. Follow the instructions on the print out to perfectly balance your pool water.
2) Adjust Total Alkalinity, Then pH
If necessary, adjust the total alkalinity to 150 PPM. Once your total alkalinity is balanced, adjust your pH to 7.4 to 7.6.
3) Do All the Housekeeping Chores
Brush the pool walls, vacuum, clean the waterline, and clean out the skimmer baskets and pump baskets. Make sure the heater and solar are turned off and panels are drained.
4) Remove Pool Sweep
Take the cleaner out of your pool, rinse with fresh water, and store in a protected area. Make sure your hoses are stored as straight as possible. Cold winter water can cause plastics to become brittle and break.
5) Clean the Filter Thoroughly
If your filter hasn’t been cleaned lately, use Strip Kwik or Kleen It and follow the label directions.
6) Super Chlorinate Your Pool
For best results, treat with quick dissolving Smart Shock. Run pump and filter two hours to distribute thoroughly.
7) Protect Pool from Algae
When the pump and filter are not operating the full summer hours, algae spores can grow. Prevent this by adding POOLTEC directly to the water around the pool edge (24 oz per 10K gallons).
8) Maintain Proper Water Balance
Maintain proper water balance by testing and adjusting your pH and Total Alkalinity regularly.
9) Pool Closing Complete
Specially formulated to condition pool water for cold temperatures. Run the pump and filter for 2 hours before going to the next step. (1 bottle per 25K gallons)
10) Optional: Cover the Pool
A well-designed mesh or solid cover keeps your pool relatively free of leaves, debris, and dirt. If uncovered or using mesh, brush and skim regularly. Debris left over winter may cause surface staining.
11) When to Run Equipment
Run the pool pump 4 hours per day. If freezing temperatures are expected, run equipment at night to prevent freezing.
RE: Equipment Run Times — You may turn equipment completely off or run 2 hours per day. Blackthorne recommends running 2 hours to keep winter products mixed.
12) Additional Applications of POOLTEC
Reapply POOLTEC every 60 days while winterized. Additional shocking is only required if water temperature reaches 70°F.
RE: Additional shocking is only required if chlorine drops below 5ppm or water temperature reaches 70°F.
13) Maintain Proper Water Balance
Continue testing and adjusting your pH and Total Alkalinity regularly throughout the winter.
