Winterizing the Pool

Proper closing of the pool at the conclusion of the swimming season will help assure an easy opening for the next season. If the pool is not properly treated now the water and pool surfaces will all be heavily fouled when the pool is reopened and plumbing and equipment could be damaged, thus requiring significant time and expense to get the pool back into operation.

  1. Brush the walls and floor and vacuum up all loose debris from the pool bottom.
  2. Clean the filter or cartridges using a good quality pool filter cleaner. It will be far easier to clean the filter now than in the spring and will assure good filtration on start up.
  3. If the water level is to be lowered for the winter, do so now and then proceed to step 4.
  4. Completely drain all water from pipes, pumps, heaters, filters and other pool equipment to prevent damage due to water freezing. Use antifreeze especially made for pool use, if necessary.
  5. Shock oxidize with a non-chlorine shock oxidizer. This will eliminate organic contaminants that would otherwise help support algae growth.
  6. Add an algaecide to eliminate algae growth throughout the winter.
  7. Add a sequestering agent to prevent any calcium precipitation or stains due to metals. The sequestering agent will also help protect any metal components and equipment.

Note: In mild climates where the pool is left full and uncovered for the winter, it is suggested that the filtration system continue to operate and the sanitizer, algaecide and sequestering agent be added regularly in addition to following steps 1 and 2 above.