Winterizing a swimming pool
Winterizing a swimming pool Balance your pool water – Adjust the pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness levels to the recommended ranges and shock the pool with a winterizing chemical to kill any remaining bacteria and algae.
Keep your pool clean – Remove leaves, debris, and other contaminants from the pool water using a skimmer or a pool net and vacuum the pool to remove any remaining debris on the pool floor.
Backwash and clean your pool filter – Backwash the sand or DE filter, or clean the cartridge filter to remove any built-up debris and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific type of filter.
Lower water level – Lower the water level in the pool to prevent freezing damage. The exact level may vary, but it’s typically below the skimmer and return jets.
Disconnect and store equipment – Disconnect and remove any pool accessories, such as ladders, diving boards, or skimmer baskets and store pool accessories in a dry and protected area.
Winterize plumbing – Blow out the pool plumbing lines using a pool air blower or a shop vacuum. This helps prevent damage from freezing water and use winterizing plugs to seal the skimmer and return lines. Add a winterizing chemical to the pool to help protect the water and pool surfaces during the winter months.