How to Prepare Your Pool for the Fall and Winter!

As the temperature drops, so does the desire to be in a pool. Now that the days are getting colder and the nights even more so, it’s time to close down and prepare your pool for the coming seasons.

Before starting the incoming list of steps, be sure to advise the label on your pool and ensure the correct water chemical levels, and you have the necessary tools at the ready!

Closing the pool for the seasons-

• Check and adjust accordingly, the pH levels of the pool. Generally the pH level should be between 7.2 and 7.6. If your pool is outside of this scale, adjust as necessary, either by adding a pH increaser or decreaser.

• Once the correct pH levels have been attained, be sure to wait an hour before continuing with the process.

• Check and correct the water hardness. Generally the calcium levels should be between 175 and 225 ppm (parts-per-million).

• If you need to increase the hardness, add calcium hardness increaser. If you need to decrease the harness, drain some of the water and refill with source water that has a lower calcium level.

• Ensure the alkalinity is in the range of 80-125 ppm for plaster/gunite pools, while other pools should be 125-150 ppm.

•  If the levels are too low add alkalinity increaser, while if its too high add pH decreaser.

• Once done adjusting the alkalinity, wait for 2 hours before continuing.

• Finally, check and adjust the chlorine levels, this is what kills bacteria, viruses and germs in the water. UV rays can diminish the effects of chlorine, so a stabilizer is needed.

• Check the stabilizer and adjust to 30 ppm, while ensuring the chlorine level is between 1-4 ppm.

Almost done! Now the Cleaning can begin!

• Remove the pool ladders, diving boards, and other accessories, making sure to clean them before storage.

• Use a pool brush to clean the pool walls and floor. Using a skimmer remove any debris from the pool, and check the skimmer baskets.

• If needed, add scale, stain and metal control chemicals. Refer to your instructions if this is necessary.

• Add chlorine and let it circulate for six hours.

• Add algaecide as recommended to prevent algae growth while the pool is not in use.

• Clean out the pool filtration system.

• Remove the directional fittings and install the freeze plugs.

• Shut off the filter pump, drain all the equipment and store in the proper manner, described by the manufacturer.

• Drain the pool water to the appropriate levels below the skimmer opening. Address your manual for the specific water levels.

• Finally, just throw that pool cover over and call it good!

Closing up the pool can take a bit of time, but its well worth the effort, especially when summer hits and you want to be able to take that cover off and jump in as soon as possible!

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