Pool Preparation: Getting Your Pool Ready for Winter

All too soon, Kansas and Missouri will experience winter conditions. In addition to bitterly cold days, both states receive quite a bit of snow. If you have a swimming pool, you need to develop a plan before things change. With pool preparation, you do not have to worry about damage to the pool itself or any of the mechanical components.

While you can handle some of the pool preparation items, you want to hire a professional to take care of the rest. Some examples include:

• Water Quality Test – It is essential to have a water quality test performed. That way, the expert can add the proper winter products. If you plan to keep your pool filled, you want the water clear and balanced. Next summer, this will make opening the pool easier. As part of this, the professional would run the filtration system and then shock the water a few days before closing the pool. That individual will also add sanitizers and an algaecide that prevents the growth of algae.
• Filtration System – Another step consists of turning the filter off and setting the valve to backwash. After connecting the proper hose to the port, the system would run for about 5 minutes. Again, the expert turns the filter off, turns the valve to rinse, and runs the system for roughly 30 seconds. If you have a DE or cartridge filter, the professional can disassemble it for winter storage.
• Water Level – Even if you do not plan to drain the pool, the pool preparation plan would include lowering the water level approximately 6 inches.
• Clearing the Lines – For winter pool preparation, it is also essential to have the lines cleared. Any water left inside would freeze. After expanding, the frozen water would cause the pipes to crack, leaving you with an expensive mess.
• Compressor – By turning the multi-port valve to closed, air cannot enter the filter. With this complete, the expert will add winter plugs.