In The Swim Knowledge Pool: Pool Closing
What Do I Need to Close My Pool?
The way you close a pool for the winter will have a big impact on how much effort goes into opening your pool next year. Plan your pool winterization with the right pool Closing Chemicals and pool Closing Supplies and improve your chances for an easy spring pool opening.
PROTECT THE WATER: The first step to winterize a pool is buying your pool closing kit or winter chemicals. In The Swim winter chemical kits are right-sized for any pool, and include non-chlorine Shock, Winter Algaecide, Stain Away, Winter Sorb and a time-release Winter Floater. Everything you need to close your pool in one convenient box, at low bundle pricing.
PROTECT THE PIPES: To winterize above ground pools, just plug the wall and skimmer, and roll-up the hoses. In-ground pools can use a Cyclone blower to blow out pool pipes, including the main drain. Before capping the pipes with pool Freeze Plugs, add some non-toxic Pool Antifreeze to prevent cracking your pool plumbing from any water remaining in the pipes.
PROTECT THE EQUIPMENT: To winterize your pump, filter and heater - remove all of the drain plugs and allow them to drain fully. Cartridges and DE grids should be removed for a deep cleaning with our Filter Cleaners, and replaced in the tank for safe winter storage. Lube pump and filter o-rings with a Teflon based Pool Lubricant. Small above ground filter systems should be stored indoors during winter.
PROTECT THE POOL: Tightly covering the pool is important to prevent staining and chemical depletion from leaves, debris, animals and the sun's UV rays. Safety Covers for in-ground pools are anchored into the deck for the most protection for your pool and your family. Winter Pool Covers are the more affordable alternative, a solid tarp to keep dirty water and leaves out of the pool, while blocking the sun to prevent algae blooms in spring.
In-ground pool covers use Aqua-Blocks or Water Tubes to ensure that your winter pool cover stays in place. Above ground pool covers include a cable/winch system, and there are other products to help secure the cover, and keep wind from getting underneath. These include Wall Bags, Cover Clips and Cover Seal to protect your pool and your pool cover. In cold winter areas, above-ground pools should always use Air Pillows to prevent a solid ice sheet from forming.
MAINTAIN THE COVER: After winterizing a pool, use a reliable Pool Cover Pump to remove stagnant rain water and melted snow from your cover. Over 1/2" of water across your cover will stress and strain a pool cover, increasing the chance of damage and leakage into the pool. For removing leaves from the cover the easy way, see our Leaf Net Covers and remove leaves all at once, or use a Leak Rake Net to remove them one scoop at a time.
In The Swim is the one place that offers great deals on pool covers, and also on all of the pool closing supplies you need for your pool. If you have any questions on any of our pool winterizing supplies or chemicals, please call our pool professionals for prompt answers! Call us at 1-800-288-7946.
