Tips on How to Prepare Your Pool for Winterization

LOOP-LOC, inground pool covercompany that services New Jersey, talks tips on how to prepare your pool for winterization.

Clean it up. Cleaning the pool prior to winterizing it is a multi-step endeavor. Remove any dirt and debris that have collected in the water, skimmer, filter, and basket to avoid anything from sinking to the bottom to stain the liner. Then brush the sides and bottom. Shock the pool four to seven day before you close it. Choose a different day to add algaecide so the chlorine doesn't destroy it.

Find some balance. Make sure the pool water is balanced so it won't corrode the sides of the pool or form scales. Balancing the water will also keep the water clean during the off-season. Regularly monitor the levels until you put on your inground pool cover.

Backwash the filter. Backwashing the filter will remove all contaminants. To do this, turn off the pump and set the valve to backwash. Turn the pump back on and check that the water is flowing out of the backwash hose/pipe. This needs to be done until the water runs clear. Then, shut the pump off, turn the valve back to filter, and turn the filter back on.

Treat the water. Before the pool is closed, the water needs to be winterized. Contact a local dealer for professional assistance, or purchase a pool winterizing kit. Right before closing, drain the water four to six inches below the skimmer.

Remove the equipment. All ladders, skimmer, baskets, and fittings need to be removed and stored in a safe location. Place the plugs in the baskets so they don't get lost. Be sure to completely drain the pool cleaner and hose before placing in storage. Do not coil the pool cleaner hoses too tightly.

Cover the pool. This is the final step. An inground pool cover will not only protect the pool water from the elements, it will prevent it from evaporating over the winter. It will also preserve the pool liner, and eliminate the need to skim and vacuum during the cooler months.