When the clocks fall back it’s time to consider winterizing your above ground or in-ground swimming pool. All the fun of summer now packed away on digital boards of memories made and barbecues celebrated. As you begin to set away your planters and prepare for the winter months it is also time to prioritize your pool maintenance. The professionals at Flower Mound Pool Care and maintenance are a call away 214-995-3556 to help you with all your pool needs.
It’s also important to make sure you are preparing your pool for the off-season in a way that offers the best function and preservation based on the area you live in and type of pool you have on your property. Just remember when it comes to pool maintenance you will want to make time for the upkeep or else the pool will make the time on its terms.
Winterizing your above ground pool vs. in-ground pool
If it’s getting to cold to swim it’s a good sign that that it’s time for some important pool maintenance. Proper winterization now is crucial for an easy pool opening in the spring. Whatever routine you choose to complete it is important to know the differences based on the type of pool you are preparing for the colder months.
Above Ground Pool tips from the pros:
Testing your water: PH, Total Alkalinity, calcium harness and chlorine. Adjust the chemicals to keep the pool water balanced to reduce corrosion or bacteria buildup and add winterizing chemicals, often offered as a kit. Clearing debris thoroughly from the pool is also an important first step. Remember anything you leave in the pool during these winter months will still be there come spring. Debris left in the pool may also contribute to staining of the pool liner. Lowering the water level beneath the top return and the skimmer will become an important step; keep in mind with an above ground pool you never want to completely drain the water as this could damage the liner. Some people choose to cover the skimmer as a protective step.
If your above ground pool has external, flexible hoses, you will want to remove them and all drain plugs. While going through the process of hooking and unhooking hoses for this process keep an organized practice so that you will remember to correctly reconnect all hoses to the correct places when re-attaching. Covering your pool is commonly close to the final step in the winterization process. If you are unsure what pool cover will best suite your needs give us a call for a knowledgeable recommendation. Wench it down for a nice seal over your pool. Do not use bricks, or concrete, or other weighted items as method to hold your pool cover in place as this can damage your pool.
As a DIY It is always recommended to follow the manufacturer’s instructions that came with your equipment; If you decide to take a stress free approach just call the professionals at Flower Mound Pool and Care to come complete the winterizing for you.
In-Ground Pool tips from the Pros:
Check for algae on the walls and floors, brush the surfaces and walls with dedication to cleaning debris, skim the water, and clean out the skimmer basket. With regard to your filter it’s a good idea to run it for a couple days before closing and possibly complete a shock treatment as well. It’s also recommended to backwash your filer. Make sure your PH, Chlorine levels are where they are supposed to be. Also add an algaecide to prevent algae growth after closing your pool. You will want to lower the water level below the skimmer level or tile by a couple of inches; don’t forget to turn off the filter while draining water out of the waste valve. Turn off your heater if you have kept it on during this time. Drain your filters and dissemble cartridges so they are ready for storage.
Clearing the lines is a very important step for winterizing your in-ground pool. If you are unfamiliar with this process or have an older pool we recommend you call in the professionals from Flower Mound Pool and Care to assist with process. Close Skimmers with a freeze plug and clear access water. Once the return jets are cleared add the freeze plugs and reopen only the skimmer valves for winter. It is a good idea to add pool antifreeze to the skimmers and an ice guard in the skimmer. Remove all remaining plugs and filers and set them in a well-organized place for spring pool reopening. The last thing to do is cover the pool. Try not to let the cover fall into the pool and tether it down to the screws on the exterior decking of the pool.
Avoid damage to the Equipment and Pool
Closing a pool the correct way will greatly improve the chances that you can avoid damages to the pool and equipment. Watching your above ground pool cover for weight and extreme tension on the cord that is holding the cover is one way to avoid damage. You can let the cord in, or consider using water bags to replace the cord which when it gets to heavy the bags will fall right in. Do not ignore the dangers of snow, ice, or large piles of yard debris that could be building up on your pool cover.
Do not drain your pool entirely during the winter months; this applies to both types of swimming pools. If you keep your above ground pool mostly full with water it will protect it from wind and liner shrinkage as well as other damage. In-ground pools are safe from wind but when the ground around them freezes the water inside of the pool helps to counteract that expansion in a way that protects your pool from the inside out.
Take the time and care to close your pool properly and it will make for a much easier pool opening when the sun sneaks back out in the spring. If you need help winterizing your pool then give Flower Mound Pool Care & Maintenance a call.