Pool Closing Kits | Winter Pool Covers | Fall Pool Covers | Swimming Pool Closing Kits

Aug. 24, 2011 - PRLog -- Cold Winter Climates

Water chemistry:

   About 2 - 7 days prior to closing the pool, adjust your water balance within the ranges below:

       pH: 7.2 - 7.6

       Alkalinity: 80 - 120 ppm

       Calcium Hardness: 180 - 220 ppm

   

   Then, shock the pool with a chlorine shock (calcium hypochlorite) or a non-chlorine  shock (potassium minosulfate), at least 1lb per 10,000 gallons (always follow package directions). Allow the chlorine level to return to 1.0 - 3.0 ppm before adding any winter algaecide and your pool cover. Chlorine tends to attack both algaecides and pool covers.

   
 Skim pool, vacuum pool, brush pool. Leaf rake types of skim nets are best. Also useful for scooping large amounts of leaves/debris from pool floor. If pool is especially silty or has lots of algae, vacuum the pool to waste(multi-port valves only). This means to bypass the filter, vacuum dirt from floors, and walls out the backwash line. This prevents constant clogging or cleaning of filter. Place the multi-port filter valve on the waste position (usually 2pm, if viewed as a clock face). If you have a push-pull filter valve, or a cartridge type filter there is no easy way to vacuum to waste. Except for cutting the pipe coming out of the pump and then reconnecting afterwards. Brush the pool thoroughly. The pool should be as clean and clear as possible before installing the pool cover.

   Remove skimmer baskets, wall fittings, cleaners, solar blankets, ladders from the pool and put these in safe place that you will remember in the Spring.

   Using the filter pump, or a submersible pump lower the water level 12" - 18" below the skimmer for mesh covers, and 3" - 6" below the tile for solid, floating covers. If you are using an Aquador skimmer cover on above ground or some in ground vinyl lined pools, the water level will not need to be lowered.

   Every pump, filter, heater and chlorinator has winterizing drain plugs to allow water to drain out. All water must be drained or blown out or it will freeze and crack. After draining D.E. or Cartridge filter's internals should be removed and cleaned thoroughly. If the filter and pump is small enough to remove it and store it indoors, it would be advantageous to do so. If not, using a small amount of air from a shop vacuum, compressor, or Mighty Vac is good to blow out any water that may still be in the equipment.

   Fall closing of the pool is a good time to lubricate the pump lid o-ring with Magic Lube or non petroleum based lubricant. If you have a push-pull valve (also known as a slide valve) on the filter, lubricate it's o-rings as well. If you have a gas heater with cast iron headers, lubricate these threads or leave the plugs in after draining to prevent rusting.

   If you have an in ground pool, you should blow out the lines using a Mighty Vac to blow air from the skimmer, through the equipment, and back to the pool. Then plug the lines at the pool using expansion plugs. If you don't blow the lines, add Swimming Pool Antifreeze into the line (follow package directions). Above ground pools usually just need to disconnect the hoses to and from the pump and filter, and plug the wall outlets.

   
   Remember not to add algaecide and shock at the same time. This tends to result in the chlorine breaking down the algaecide. High chlorine levels can also be harsh to floating pool covers.

   A tight fit of your pool cover is essential. Your cover should not have holes or gaps where leaves and debris may enter the pool. A mesh safety cover provides the highest protection and safety. Solid pool covers are not safe and will require a cover pump or siphon to remove rain water and melted snow. Water Bags are used to secure an in ground solid pool cover. Above ground pool covers use a cable to secure the cover around the pool. Air Pillows are used in above ground pools to absorb the expansion of ice inside the pool. In areas of high wind, an above ground pool owner will find wall bags or cover seal useful products. A leaf net is very useful if you have a lot of trees surrounding your pool.


In Southern States with Mild Climates


In areas where it rarely gets below freezing temperatures, many people simply reduce the amount of filtration time per day to about 4-6 hours a day, and also will find that the pool needs fewer chemicals. Covering the pool, even if not winterizing, will reduce cleaning and chemical and filtering demand even further. Plus eliminate the need to clean out all the fall leaves.

To buy quality winter pool covers or pool closing kits and supplies go to:

http://shop.allclearpools.com/Winter-Pool-Supplies_c89.htm

1-888-959-7972