Step 1 – Test the pool water for pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, and chlorine content. It is important to get the pool water balanced before you close down the pool to protect the structure from corrosion, rust, or scale build up. To do this, use a pool water testing kit. The desired pool water levels are:
- pH of 7.2-7.6
- Alkalinity of 80-120 ppm
- Calcium Hardness of 175-250 ppm
- Chlorine of 1-3 ppm
Step 2 – Clean the pool before winterizing
- Brush and vacuum the sides and bottom of the swimming pool
- Use a clarifier to make the pool water crystal clear
- While vacuuming, lower the water level and clean the tile with a vinyl liner cleaner
Step 3 – Winterize
- Protect your pool water throughout the winter with a winterization chemical kit. Follow the instructions for pool chemical dosage when adding algaecide and shock.
- Clean the filter, skimmer, and pump basket. Make sure that all pool water and pool chemicals are removed. Water expands when it freezes, which can damage pool pumps and hoses. Pool chemical residue can erode pool equipment, so it is important to remove all unused chlorine from the chlorinator.
- Cartridge and DE pool filters should be sprayed with filter cleaner and power-sprayed with a hose. You want the pool filters to look like new when you open the swimming pool up in the spring.
- Lower the water level below the returns and skimmers, but never completely drain the pool.
- Add anti-freeze only after covering all return and skimmer lines. Anti-freeze should not go near the pool plumbing because those areas should already be fully cleared out. Be sure to install drain plugs where needed.
- Place winter pool cover over the pool after anti-freeze is added.