Winterizing your above ground or in-ground pool is an extremely important aspect of pool maintenance. The problem most new owners face is they lack the information regarding swimming pool winterizing kits and pool closing chemicals that they need to ensure that their pool will be clean and kept safe from freezing during the cold winter months. The following are some guidelines that should help pool owners successfully close their pools with the most effective pool closing kits.
Winterizing Your Pool
As you are probably aware, the main reasons for winterizing your pool are to protect it from damage due to freezing water as well as to keep pool water clean. Closing your above ground pool using the correct pool winterizing kits will make the job of re-opening that much easier.
Water Chemistry
The water chemistry of your pool needs to be balanced and this should be the first stage of winterizing your above-ground pool. Alkalinity, calcium, and pH need to be tested and balanced in order to protect your pool from staining and etching. Swimming pool winterizing kits are usually designed to include all the chemicals and products you will need to close your pool for the season. Be aware however, that not all pool winterizing kits are created equally. Usually, they will include a variety of products but the best winterizing kits for your pool will include similar products.
Your pool closing kit should include:
- A Chlorine-free Shock: When winterizing your pool, you want to use a shock in order to kill any impurities of your pool. However, chlorine-based shocks tend to inhibit the effectiveness of other pool chemicals (such as algaecides) and can bleach your pool or damage liners.
- A Floater: A time-release floater is a necessity and will usually be included in top of the line pool winterizing kits. Time-release floaters gradually release an oxidizing agent into your pool in order to prevent algae growth.
- Stain Prevention Chemical: Your pool winterizing kit should include some kind of chemical designed to prevent metal and mineral build up that can stain your pool walls and liner.
- Water Sorb™: The Water Sorb™ is a fantastic product that can be found in your better swimming pool winterizing kits. It is designed to absorb body oils, suntan lotions, sunscreen and other insoluble compounds and prevent scum at the waterline.
Some Points to Remember
One important note to remember when you’re shopping for winterizing kits is to choose a kit with non-chlorine and non-bromine based products. Chlorine and bromine oxidizers are very harsh and can damage your pool. Most pool maintenance experts would advise pool owners to avoid using chlorine or bromine tablets, oxidizers, and shocks as they can damage the bottom surface of your pool. In addition, chlorine-based floaters can often stick to the side of your pool and bleach your liner or pool walls. Moreover, you need to consider the size of your pool before you purchase a pool winterizing kit. For example, for pools of 7,500 gallons or less you’ll need about 1lb of chlorine-free shock while a pool of 35,000 gallons will require at least 3lbs of shock. Similarly, a smaller pool (7,500 gallons or less) will usually need less than 1.5lbs of oxidizer while a large pool (35,000 gallons) will need at least 4lbs of oxidizer.
While winterizing is a necessary step in maintaining your pool, it does not need to be a difficult process. Remember to look for winterizing kits that include the above suggested products and look for kits designed for your pool size. When it comes time to open your pool in the spring, you’ll find the job is easy and straightforward.