Tips to Get Your Pool Ready for Winter

With cooler weather upon us, it’s time to start thinking about how to get your pool ready for winter. Whether you’re planning to close your pool for the season, or you’re keeping it open during the chilly months, there are certain measures you need to take to ensure that your pool is ready for use once spring rolls around.

If you’re closing your pool

1. Remove all debris, toys, ladders, etc. from the water. Anything you don’t want to freeze should be removed from the pool for the season.
2. Drain the water from your pool to about four inches below the skimmer. Detach the filter and pump from the skimmer and ensure that there is no water in the equipment.
3. Make sure your chemicals are balanced. Adding a shock treatment to the water can help prevent it from turning green in the spring.
4. Use a winter pool cover that is larger than the pool itself. If you happen to get a lot of rain, remember to drain the top of the cover so it doesn’t tear during winter.

If you’re keeping your pool open

1. Keep testing your water, using our Drop and Go program. Regular testing of your water can help prevent algae and bacteria growth.
2. Remove debris as needed, particularly fallen leaves. Keeping debris out of the pool when it is not in use will make the process of preparing your pool for swimming in the spring much easier.
3. Continue running your pump throughout the winter to prevent water from freezing. Remember, moving water is much less likely to freeze.
4. Consider adding a freeze protection monitor that will automatically turn on your pump when it detects that the temperature is getting too cold. These systems also allow you to input set times that you want your pump to run so that you don’t have to turn it on manually.

Rising Sun Pools is here to help you whether you decide to keep your pool open or close it for the season. Contact us for help on getting your pool ready for winter!