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Winterizing your pool is essential for protecting it from damage and ensuring a smooth reopening in the spring. However, many pool owners unknowingly make common mistakes that can lead to costly repairs, water quality issues, and extended spring cleaning. Here’s a look at the top mistakes to avoid when winterizing your pool and how to get it done right.
1. Not Balancing the Water Chemistry
One of the most important steps in winterizing your pool is balancing the water chemistry before closing it. Incorrect chemical levels can lead to scaling, staining, corrosion, and algae growth over the winter.
- pH: Aim to keep pH between 7.2 and 7.6 to prevent scale and corrosion.
- Alkalinity: Maintain levels between 80 and 120 ppm to stabilize pH.
- Calcium Hardness: Ensure calcium hardness is between 200 and 400 ppm to prevent scaling on pool surfaces.
- Chlorine: Shock the pool with chlorine or a non-chlorine alternative to kill bacteria and algae spores before closing.
Failing to balance the water properly can lead to green water, surface damage, and a longer cleaning process come spring.
2. Forgetting to Clean the Pool Thoroughly
A common mistake is skipping the final cleaning before winterization. Leaving debris, dirt, or algae in the pool before covering it can lead to stains, algae growth, and clogged filters.
- Skim and Vacuum: Remove all leaves, dirt, and floating debris from the surface and pool floor.
- Brush the Walls and Floor: Algae and dirt can cling to pool walls, so be sure to brush all surfaces to remove them.
- Empty the Skimmer and Pump Baskets: Clean out these baskets to prevent debris from sitting and causing potential blockages.
By thoroughly cleaning your pool before closing it, you’ll prevent buildup, making spring maintenance much easier.
3. Not Lowering the Water Level Properly
Leaving the water level too high is a frequent winterizing mistake, especially in regions where freezing occurs. Water expansion from freezing can damage the skimmer, return lines, and pool walls.
- Lower Water Below the Skimmer and Returns: Drain water to a level just below the skimmer and returns, or according to your pool’s specifications.
- Don’t Over-Drain: Avoid draining the pool too much, as leaving some water protects the liner or plaster from cracking or drying out.
Improper water level management can lead to expensive repairs, so be sure to follow your pool’s specific recommendations.
4. Neglecting to Add Winterizing Chemicals
Simply balancing the water before closing isn’t enough. Using winter-specific chemicals, like algaecides, metal sequestrants, and enzyme treatments, is essential for long-term water quality.
- Algaecide: Winter algaecide helps prevent algae from forming in the stagnant water.
- Metal Sequestrants: If your water has high metal content, use a sequestrant to prevent staining.
- Enzymes: Pool enzymes help break down oils and organic debris that can create scum lines over the winter.
Skipping winterizing chemicals can result in cloudy water, staining, and unwanted growth when you reopen the pool.
5. Ignoring Pool Equipment and Plumbing
Neglecting to winterize pool equipment and plumbing is one of the costliest mistakes. If water remains in the pump, filter, heater, or plumbing lines, it can freeze, expand, and cause cracks.
- Drain the Pump, Filter, and Heater: Use drainage plugs to release all water from these components.
- Blow Out Plumbing Lines: Use an air compressor or blower to remove water from all plumbing lines. Once empty, seal the lines with winter plugs.
- Add Pool-Safe Antifreeze: For extra protection, especially in areas prone to freezing, add pool-safe antifreeze to the plumbing lines.
Properly winterizing equipment and plumbing can prevent thousands of dollars in repair costs due to freeze damage.
6. Not Securing the Pool Cover Properly
A loosely fitted or damaged pool cover can let debris, dirt, and sunlight into the pool, leading to algae growth and contamination. It’s important to select the right cover and ensure it’s securely in place.
- Choose the Right Cover: A solid cover blocks out sunlight and debris, while a mesh cover lets rainwater pass through but may require more cleaning.
- Secure All Edges: Make sure the cover is tightly secured around the pool to prevent wind or animals from getting underneath.
- Regularly Check the Cover: Periodically inspect the cover throughout winter to clear off leaves, debris, or snow, which can add weight and stretch or tear the cover.
An improperly secured cover can result in an increase in maintenance needs and can compromise water quality.
7. Failing to Monitor the Pool During Winter
Even though your pool is closed, it’s essential to check on it periodically. Leaving it unattended can lead to unnoticed cover damage, water level changes, or even algae growth if the chemicals are off-balance.
- Inspect the Cover: Check for any tears, sagging, or heavy debris buildup. Clear off any accumulated leaves, dirt, or water.
- Monitor Water Levels: Make sure the water level isn’t rising or falling dramatically due to rain, snow, or evaporation.
- Test Water Chemistry: Perform occasional water testing to ensure the balance remains stable, adjusting as needed.
Regular checks help catch small issues before they escalate, making spring reopening much easier.
8. Not Having a Freeze Protection Plan
For pools in regions with occasional freezing temperatures, it’s essential to be prepared for sudden cold snaps. Not having a freeze protection plan in place can result in damaged pipes and equipment.
- Use Freeze Guards or Timers: These devices automatically activate the pump when temperatures drop near freezing, keeping water moving and preventing freeze damage.
- Run the Pump in Freezing Conditions: If a freeze is expected, run the pump continuously to circulate water and prevent freezing.
- Check Plumbing for Leaks: Make sure there are no leaks, as even small amounts of water in the plumbing lines can freeze and cause cracking.
Being proactive about freeze protection can prevent costly repairs and extend the life of your equipment.
9. Overlooking Safety Precautions
Winterized pools can still pose safety risks, especially if you have pets, children, or wildlife nearby. Overlooking safety precautions can lead to accidents or damage to your cover.
- Use a Safety Cover: If you have small children or pets, a safety cover that supports weight is essential to prevent accidental falls.
- Clear the Area Around the Pool: Remove any nearby objects that could blow onto the cover or make it easier for animals to access the pool.
- Secure the Pool Fence: Ensure the fence around your pool is secure and in good condition to prevent unauthorized access.
Safety should always be a priority, especially during winter when the pool is unattended.
10. Attempting to DIY Without Experience
While some aspects of winterizing can be done on your own, attempting a full DIY winterization without experience can lead to mistakes that compromise your pool’s integrity. From proper chemical balancing to ensuring all equipment is safely drained, there are many details to consider.
- Consult with Professionals: Hiring a professional can save you time and ensure the job is done correctly.
- Follow a Winterization Checklist: If you do decide to handle it yourself, follow a comprehensive checklist to avoid missing crucial steps.
- Consider Gresswim’s Winterization Services: Gresswim offers expert winterization services to ensure every aspect of your pool is protected.
Working with an experienced pool service company can provide peace of mind and prevent common mistakes that lead to costly repairs.
How Gresswim Can Help
At Gresswim, we provide professional winterization services to ensure your pool is fully protected through the colder months. As a trusted, locally owned company in Orangeburg, we know the specific needs of pools in our climate. Here’s what we offer:
- Thorough Water Balancing: We ensure your pool’s water chemistry is perfectly balanced to prevent scale, corrosion, and algae growth.
- Complete Equipment Winterization: Our team drains, blows out, and protects plumbing lines and equipment to prevent freeze damage.
- High-Quality Pool Covers: We help you choose and securely install the right cover, keeping your pool debris-free and safe.
Avoiding these common winterization mistakes and partnering with Gresswim will keep your pool in excellent condition, making for an easy, hassle-free reopening when spring arrives. Contact us today to schedule your winterization and protect your pool investment.
Important Note
Always follow label instructions when working with pool chemicals. If you have questions about maintaining your pool water chemistry, consult with a professional like Gresswim for expert guidance.
