When is the Right Time to Winterize a Pool?

Unfortunately for pool lovers, the seasons change, the temperatures drop, and the time to bid farewell to summer arrives. Eventually, you’ll need to close and winterize your pool so it doesn’t turn into an ice block during the off-season.

So, the real question is, when is the right time to close your pool for the winter? Having serviced thousands of luxury swimming pools throughout Connecticut and New York, Shoreline Pools has expert insights into the ideal time to winterize a pool.

Watch the Temperature Outside

Believe it or not, closing your pool too early while the weather is still warm is a bad thing because the winter chemicals will not last until the spring. When you open your pool in the spring, we guarantee you’ll encounter an unpleasant surprise. You’ll probably find algae growth, which leaves you with two expensive options: drain and refill your pool or increase the chemicals used to reopen your pool.

Meanwhile, closing your pool too late can also harm your pool! The colder temperatures lead to lingering chlorine and excess water because evaporation drastically slows down. Waiting too long will also put your pool liners at risk because they can freeze and explode. As such, you’ll need to keep your pool pump constantly running, which can break the bank.

Hayward Pool recommends closing your pool when the water temperature is consistently below 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Following this expert advice will also prevent microorganisms and algae from growing because the environment becomes too cold to survive and thrive.

Do You Need A Professional to Winterize Your Pool?

While hiring a professional pool servicing company to winterize your pool isn’t essential, you should get your water tested by a professional. It may seem like a hefty investment at first, but a certified specialist can administer the appropriate amount of chemicals to your pool. The team at Shoreline Pools, for instance, sits ready 24/7 and can help determine the best approach to winterizing your pool.

Choosing the Ideal Time for Pool Winterization

If you decide to close your pool without any help from a professional, follow these nine easy steps to ensure a smooth winterization.

1) Begin Winterizing One Week Before Closing Your Pool

• Add a phosphate remover to help keep algae out and prevent potential algae blooms
• Wait to close your pool until the water temperature is consistently below 65 degrees

2) Brush & Vacuum to Remove Debris

• Thoroughly brush the sides and floor, skim the surface and clean out the skimmer and baskets after vacuuming

3) Manage Your Water Level

• If you live in a freezing area, water should be four to six inches below the skimmer or tile line
• If you live in a non-freezing area, remember to fill the water to the top almost to the point of overflowing

4) Balance the Pool Chemicals

• Check your water balance by using a test kit
• The total alkalinity should range between 80-120 ppm, while the pH should land between 7.4-7.6

5) Shock & Chlorinate

• Shocking will kill any bacteria that might linger in your pool during the winter
• Do this a few days before you close the pool if possible. Otherwise, shock the pool the night before you close it

6) Backwash Your Pool Filter

• Allow the pump to run before backwashing and chemically cleaning your pool filter
• Backwashing involves reversing the flow of water through your filter to dislodge dirt or debris that has become trapped

7) Drain Pool Liners & Add Pool Antifreeze

• Make sure to drain the pool pump, pool filter, pool heater, and any other equipment
• Remove DE grids and filter cartridges from the pool filter
• A small shop vac or linear vac can remove any remaining air out of the pump and filter
• Store drain plugs in the pump basket over winter
• They recommend adding pool anti-freeze to protect your system during the winter

8) Safety Covers, Winter Covers & Leaf Nets

• Keep your cover tightly sealed across your pool to keep out animals and debris
• Safety covers provide the highest protection against animal and winter debris because they are anchored into the surrounding deck
• Winter covers are less protective because they are not secured around the pool

9) Monitor Chemical Balance Monthly

• Use a test kit to confirm the Alkalinity is between 50-80 ppm and the pH is in the 7.4-7.6 range

Keep Your Luxury Pool Safe This Winter

No matter how you decide to close your pool, just make sure to do it on time. No one wants to deal with an algae-filled pool and then have to jump through hoops to fix it in the spring. The Shoreline Pools servicing team is more than qualified to help you winterize your pool. Connect with us today by dialing (203) 357-1544 to schedule a service appointment with our award-winning team.