Winterizing & Closing Procedures
Q. What steps do I take to winterize my pool?
A. Winterizing Procedures: Step By Step - In-Ground Pools
Winterizing Procedures: Step By Step - Above Ground Pools
Q. Do I have to close my pool or can I leave it open?
A. It’s your choice. If your pool is not in a setting that will receive heavy leaf fall AND you are willing to devote time throughout the winter for regular maintenance, you may consider keeping the pool open through the winter. Otherwise, you will need to cover the pool and winterize the system.
Q. Do I need to lower my water level and/or blow out return lines to close and winterize?
A. No, in most cases, not in the Memphis region. The ground freeze line is not deep enough to require draining underground pipe lines. Leave the water level at its normal level and install freeze guards(s) into the skimmer(s). Damage can occur to the pool due to ground water pressure on a pool that is not at its proper level during the winter months.
Q. Why do I need a freeze guard for my skimmer?
A. A freeze guard, also called a Gizzmo, collapses to absorb the expansion caused by freezing water in the skimmer. This protects the skimmer from structural cracks due to freezing.
Q. Do I need to use an anti-freeze in my pool?
A. If correct winterizing procedures are followed, you will not need anti-freeze.
Q. What chemicals do I need to add before I close?
A. MEMPHIS POOL’s Winterizing Closing Kits offer the perfect mix of 4-6 pounds of fast-dissolving
Turbo Shock chlorine, 2-4 pounds of the non-chlorine oxidizer White Lightnin’, and a quart of concentrated Rescue algaecide. These are the key chemcials to use prior to installing the cover.
Q. Should I be concerned about my chemical balance before closing?
A. Yes. If possible, get your water professionally analyzed. If not, be sure your pH is between 7.3-7.7 before the cover is installed. Improper pH range can cause staining and/or scaling to be present when the pool is reopened in the spring.
Q. I’ve had a problem with metals and stains in the past. Is there anything else I should put in my pool to prevent this from occuring again?
A. Add a quart of Pool Baron's Metal-X to help prevent those stains from reappearing over the winter. Be sure yor pH is between 7.3-7.7 before covering.
Q. What equipment do I drain to winterize?
A. Everything above the ground must be drained, including the pump, cleaner booster pump, filter, heater, and all piping. Most systems have plugs that help with this process. If in doubt, contact the MEMPHIS POOL Service Team to be sure it’s done correctly. One little missed plug can cost a lot of money in replacement costs due to freeze damage.
Q. What do I do about my chlorinator?
A. If your chlorinator is installed “in line” with your return line piping, it should have a drain plug that can be removed. If the chlorinator is connected by small black tubing, it should be disconnected, cleaned, drained, and stored. Ifyou are leaving your pool open and the chlorinator attaches with black tubing (is not installed in line), then the chlorinator should be disconnected and winterinzing caps installed.
Q. How do I winterize my pool if my pump and filter system is set below the normal level of the water in the pool (i.e. flooded suction)?
A. This requires a rather complex method to winterize. The MEMPHIS POOL Service Team should be contacted in this case.
Q. How do I handle water accumulation on top of my cover?
A. A cover pump is needed to remove the water accumulation from the top of the cover. Do not allow more than an inch or so to acumulate. Also if you notice the water level in the pool (beneath the cover) dropping, you should inspect the cover for small holes. If holes are present, water may be seeping up on to the cover, thus being pumped away, resulting in the pools’ level lowering below the proper range.
Q. What do I do if the water under my cover freezes?
A. Nothing, leave it alone. There is little likelihood that damage will occur to the pool structure.