What Does it Mean to Winterize a Pool… and do Phoenicians Need to do it?
Now that it’s really starting to feel like winter (in Phoenician terms, anyway!), pool owners may be hearing the term “winterizing” when it comes to their off season pool care. But what does it actually mean, and is winterizing a pool something valley pool owners should be doing? Aquaman Pools breaks it down…
To winterize something (a pool, a boat, etc.) simply means to prepare it for winter. However, this can mean different things for different equipment. When it comes to a swimming pool, winterizing it basically means to prepare it for the winter season (typically in climates where freezing temps are the norm during the winter season). There are few simple steps to take to winterize a pool before covering it for the season. Taking proper care to ensure these steps are done will ensure the pool stays healthy throughout the winter.
Check the Chemistry — The balance of the pool water is one of the most important parts of pool maintenance all year round. Prior to closing the pool for the season, pool owners should make sure the water is balanced including pH, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness (which can protect the pool sides/tiles don’t get stained and etched). There are even winterizing chemical kits that pool owners can purchase, and the professionals at Aquaman Pools are happy to help their customers achieve this balance.
Lower the Levels — The level of the pool water is another important element of winterizing a pool, mostly in the case of areas where the water could freeze. This is because the mouth of the skimmer, pool plumbing and the filter systems can become damaged if water freezes (and thus expands). Lowering the pool water can help pool owners in very cold climates avoid this issue.
Drain the Filters — Finally, before covering a pool to winterize it for the season, pool owners should drain the filter and other equipment. This will ensure water doesn’t get into it and allow proper drainage during the winterization. When these steps are complete, the pool is ready to be covered. There are many types of pool covers as well as some pros and cons of each; check out Aquaman’s pool cover suggestions here.
Valley pool owners don’t necessarily have to be overly concerned with “closing” (aka covering) their pools for the winter for fear that frozen water will damage their pool equipment as the weather typically doesn’t get cold enough for that to happen. However, those that don’t want to bother with the pool maintenance in the winter or who travel during the season may consider winterizing it and covering it for convenience. Whether closing the pool or keeping it regularly maintained throughout the cooler weather seasons, ensuring the pool water is chemically balanced is one of the best ways to have clean and healthy water come next swimming season! For any questions about fall and winter pool care, call Aquaman Pools today!
