Step by Step on Winterizing your in Ground Pool Provided to you by Am Landscaping
Closing your inground pool .. Winter is right around the corner and that means if you havent already its time to close your pool for the winter. Taking the right precautions and the necessary steps to make sure your pool stays in good shape over the winter prevent the possibility of damages caused by the freezing of water. Improper closing or winterizing can cause serious damage to your in-ground swimming pool and the repair expenses can be very high. A advantage of winterizing is that your swimming pool will be ready for use very quickly when you want to reuse it with the arrival of spring and it will save a lot of work at that time. Below are the step by step procedures for winterizing in-ground pools.
Adjust the Chemical Levels: It’s important that your pool’s pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness are all at appropriate levels before you shut your pool down for the winter. Usually you want your pH to be between 7.2 and 7.6, your alkalinity between 80 and 120 parts per million (ppm), and your calcium hardness between 180 and 220 ppm.
Shock the Water With Chlorine: You need to kill all existing bacteria prior to closure. Using a shocking product on the water while the filtration system is still running is the best way.
Add Winterizing Agent: You don’t want algae growing in your pool over the winter! Using a algaecide is typically the best way to take care of this issue.
Clean the Pool: You’re going to want to do this the same day you shut your pool down—you don’t want to mop yourself into a corner! Skim the pool to remove any debris and then thoroughly clean the sides and bottom of the pool. You really want to be as meticulous as possible; it’s the last time you’ll be cleaning your pool for several months, so make it count!
Lower the Water: Using a pump, lower the water level below the skimmer—this depends on what type of pool cover you’re using, but typically, you want it to be lowered a few feet. If you’re using a mesh cover or tarp, you’re going to want to lower the water a little further than if you were using a hard cover. The best practice is to lower the water around 6 inches below the skimmer if you’re planning on using a hard cover, and about a foot below if you plan on using a soft cover.
Drain all the Equipment: Your pumps, drains, and filters need to be completely dry before you shut down for the winter! Leaving moisture inside these pieces of equipment can lead to freezing, which could ruin these expensive items. Be sure to clean them and store them in a shed or dry place for the winter.
Winterize the Pipes: This is possibly the most important part. Use a shop vacuum to blow air through the skimmer and back in to the pool. If you don’t get rid of this moisture, your plumbing could freeze and then crack during the winter months, causing catastrophic damage to your pool.
Cover the Pool: Make sure your pool cover appropriately fits the pool and there are no gaps. After that, you’re done! You’ve successfully winterized your pool.
Learn More About Landscaping and Other services . Winter Is the pefect time to let us at AM Landscaping know if you need any work around the pool area done, Brick Paver Pool Deck , Patios , sidewalks etc. If you resided in Michigan near Macomb , OakLand county contact Am Landscaping For all your Landscaping needs ..
