With winter on its way again you’re no doubt taking certain steps to prepare like having your furnace inspected, installing the storm windows, and making sure you have the right antifreeze in the car. Inground pools also need some TLC before the snow starts to fall if they’re to make it through the season unscathed. Thankfully the good folks at APSP (the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals) have published a bulletin that details the steps you’ll need to take in order to assure your beautiful inground pool will be ready to go when the leaves return next year.
In many areas of the United States (and Canada), the advent of fall brings an end to the swimming season as temperatures drop. The swimming pool industry for years has faced the challenge of dealing with freezing temperatures that can damage equipment, interior finishes, plumbing, tile, and structures. The focus of this bulletin is to look at the key elements that go into closing down an in-ground pool such that you minimize and prevent both physical and chemical damage to components of the pool.
The APSP bulletin then outlines the steps to take to winterize inground pools beginning with:
- Balance the water – When you balance the pH level of your pool’s water you help to prevent staining of the interior during the long winter months.
- Clean the pool – This means all the surfaces as well as the skimmer basket and lint trap. When you’re done with that, vacuum the pool thoroughly.
- Purge any and all water – From the pump, heater, chemical feeder, and all other equipment. Then purge all the water from the plumbing system as well.
- Make sure everything is shut off – You might be surprised how many people forget to hit the off switch on various pool mechanisms. Circuit breakers should also be set to off.
- Lower the water level – There are a variety of opinions regarding how low your water level should be. APSP recommends dropping the level by about 6 inches.
- Remove attachments – Attachments are all diving boards, handrails, ladders, and anything else that’s not part of the pool itself. Clean them and store them away.
- Install cover – Set an inflatable air cushion in the center of the pool then cover the pool with a winter cover. The type of winter cover you get will depend in large part on your location.
Some people also suggest introducing an algaecide. However, as most algae will not grow during frigid winter months you can be excused for skipping this step.
Winterizing Inground Pools Is Not a Luxury, It’s a Necessity
Pool companies don’t try to sell folks on winterizing their inground pools just to make a few bucks. Frankly, they’ll make more of fixing your pool in the springtime if you don’t winterize it and the pool gets damaged. Winterizing your pool is just a case of an ounce of prevention equals a pound of cure. You might be tempted to let your pool face the winter the way it is, or just throw in some antifreeze and let it go, but don’t. Even if you decide to introduce pool anti-freeze you’ll still need to take other winterizing steps.
Need Some Help? Call the Pros at Seabreeze Pools
Anything worth the initial investment is also worth the maintenance costs and when it comes to winterizing inground pools the best thing to do is leave the entire process to the professionals. At Seabreeze Pools we take the worry out of winter for pool owners right across the Greater Toronto Area. Our team of pool maintenance pros handle every aspect of the winterizing process for you so you know it will get done right and your pool will be ready for all those happy faces when things warm up again.
If you don’t have the experience, time or inclination to winterize your inground pool yourself, call Seabreeze. We’ll get your pool secured for the winter in a timely fashion that won’t cost an arm and a leg. Don’t leave the long-term viability of your pool to chance. Call Seabreeze today at 416-238-9703 and leave it to the pros instead.