These instructions are for the basic steps to winterize your
chlorine based swimming pool and the temperatures remain moderate
throughout the winter. Extended freezing periods can crack your
equipment if not properly winterized. Some equipment in this
situation will require an anti-freeze and you should consult with the
manufacturer for proper winter setup. The old saying 'An ounce of
prevention is worth a pound of cure.' couldn't be more true when
talking about winterizing your swimming pool. Proper care and
chemical treatments in the fall will make startup in the spring a
breeze. Fail to do your work in the fall and the spring will be a
nightmare, we promise.
- Make sure the pool is free of any debris by brushing the floor and walls. Be sure to use a floccing agent such as Floc & Clear
to help settle any debris or small particles to the pool floor.
Be sure to vacuum to waste during this process to ensure the debris is
not simply being passed through the system and back into the
pool. Set water levels accordingly after dumping through the
waste facility.
- Inspect for visible signs of algae especially
around steps, ladders, lights and in areas of poor circulation.
If algae is visible in your pool, treat with a strong Pool Algae Remover and allow water to circulate for 48 hours and repeat step 1.
- Balance water to proper pH, Alkalinity and Hardness levels using a reliable Pool Water Teststrip.
These levels are imperative to keep under control as they are the
silent killers. Over time, pH and alkalinity imbalances can cause
corrosion, scale or rust inside your pipes and/or pump. This severely
shortens the life of your equipment. Keeping pH on the higher
side (7.6-7.8) will help with algae prevention over the winter.
- For each 20,000 gallons of pool water, add 1 bottle of Pool Stain Treat
per directions to prevent staining. NOTE: This is noted as
optional but should be based on the metal content in your pool
water. If you use well water, then this step is a must.
- Add a strong Pool Algaecide
per bottle instructions. Be sure to inspect for dead algae
particles. You may to need to vacuum up a bit before covering for
the winter.
- For each 10,000 gallons of pool water, add 1 1/2 pounds of your preferred shock (oxidizer). GLB's Super Charge or BioLab's SUN BURN EXTRA are excellent oxidizers and will provide crystal clear water.
- Allow water to circulate with pump running for at least 24 hours
without rain until the chlorine levels have dropped back into an
acceptable range.
- Vacuum any debris that may be left over, clean skimmer baskets and all equipment thoroughly including your filter system.
- Remove all filters and DE grids. Where possible drain water from lines to prevent from freezing in the pipes.
Always read instructions completely. As
every situation is different, you should understand your particular
components and make your adjustments accordingly. Always wear
protective gear when working with chemicals and store chemicals in a
cool, dry location.
Click Here To Buy the Pool Winterizing Kit from GLB:
Visit our online store at www.focuspools.com
