Your First Winter with an inground Pool: How to Prepare
Posted on: 18 August 2015
When you decided to take the plunge and get yourself an inground swimming pool for your home, you likely spent most of your time thinking of all the summer fun you and your family would have in the pool. However, now that fall has descended upon you and your children are back in school, you may wonder what you should do to get ready for your first winter as the owner of an inground pool. Before you worry that your pool will be ruined in the cold winter weather, get to know some of the ways that you can begin to prepare your swimming pool for winter.
Start by Inspection Your Pool for Damage
The first, and one of the most important steps for getting your pool ready for winter is to carefully inspect your pool and your pool equipment. Look for any visible damage, particularly cracks in the side or bottom of your pool.
If you find cracks, you may be tempted to leave them until after winter. However, failing to repair minor cracks before you winterize your swimming pool could make the problem much worse when winter is over.
Freezing temperatures can make the pool structure more susceptible to damage and the shrinking and expanding that can come from temperature changes will likely make cracks expand. It is best to get all swimming pool repair tasks completed before winter arrives.
Check to Ensure Your Pool's pH Level Is Correct
Before you drain your pool, you want to make sure that the pH level and the chemical balance is right in the water. While this is something you check when the pool is being used, you cannot neglect it now that the pool is not in use.
So, check your pH and add chlorine and other sanitizing chemicals as needed. Be sure to add an algaecide to prevent your pool from developing an algae problem. Once the chemical levels are correct, you can drain the water from your pool.
Finishing Touches
Once the water level is below the skimmer, you just need to put on the finishing winterizing touches. You will install freeze plugs in the openings of the plumbing into your pool. Additionally, all associated equipment will need to be drained.
If you live in an area of the country that experiences extremely cold winters, you may want to also add in a special form of antifreeze designed specifically for swimming pools. This will prevent damage to your pool and equipment from the expansion of water as it freezes. Finally, place your winter pool cover over the pool and secure the area around your swimming pool.
Once you have completed these steps, your pool will be ready to make it through the upcoming winter. Do not hesitate, if you struggle with any of the steps for winterizing your pool, to contact a swimming pool repair contractor to help you finish the process.
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