How to Prepare Your Backyard Pool for Winter
Warm swimming pool with blue water and wooden Russian bath in sunny winter weather, outdoor.
When the long summer days come to an end, it’s important to ensure your backyard pool is prepared for the winter. Whether you plan to keep your pool open or close it for the season, there are some steps that must be taken in order to protect the surface and infrastructure of your pool.
Clean & Remove Debris
Start by cleaning up any debris that may have accumulated at the bottom of your pool throughout the summer. Use a net to remove leaves, sticks, and other debris clinging onto the walls of its sides. If you don’t have a net handy, use the vacuum hose connected to a filter system instead.
Shock Treatment
It’s important to shock treat your pool when closing it for winter as this is effective in killing off bacteria and algae growth. This will help prevent waterline stains from forming on the walls during storage. Be sure to always follow the directions on the shock treatment bottle for best results.
Check pH Levels
Make sure to check and adjust your pH levels if necessary. The ideal range for a backyard pool is between 7.2 and 7.8, so make sure these levels are within that range before covering it up for winter storage.
Cover Pool
Once all of the above steps have been completed and the pool has been drained, you can cover it with a tarp or other protective material designed specifically for pools. This will help protect against dirt or debris entering while in storage, as well as animals getting into the pool area which could cause damage.
Winterize System
To prepare the pool system for winter, it is important to winterize the pump, filter and any other components included in your setup. This should include draining all lines, disconnecting hoses and removing any plugs or caps from connections.
Store Chemicals Properly
All chemicals used throughout the season need to be properly stored away and out of reach of children or pets. Make sure these are kept in a cool dry area and not exposed to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures that could compromise their performance when you need them again next year.
Monitor Water Level
It’s important to monitor the water level regularly during winter storage as evaporation can occur if left unattended for too long. If the water level drops below the skimmer, be sure to refill it as this can cause damage to your pool’s filter system.
Check for Leaks
Keep an eye out for any leaks that may develop during winter storage. If you notice any, be sure to contact a pool professional as soon as possible in order to repair the damage before it becomes more serious.
Following these simple steps can ensure that your backyard pool is prepared for winter storage and ready to be used again when spring arrives. Doing so will also ensure that it remains in optimal condition throughout the year, while avoiding costly repairs down the line. Taking a little time now to properly prepare your pool for winter can save you from headaches later on!
