Is It Time to Winterize My Pool Yet?

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Is it time to winterize my pool?

Autumn is here, which means falling leaves, warm cider, and cozy days. Winter is just around the corner, however. With that in mind, you might be wondering: “Is it time to winterize my pool yet?” Having been in the pool and spa business for over fifty years, Orange County Pools & Spas is here to answer that question. Here’s how to tell if it’s time to winterize your pool and how to do so.

Time to Winterize?

“Winterizing” refers to the process of closing your pool for the colder months. So how do you know when it’s time to start winterizing your pool? The basic answer is that when the temperature in your area consistently drops to sixty-five degrees Fahrenheit or lower, you should prepare to winterize your pool to prevent it from freezing. You’ll want to familiarize yourself with the steps before you begin the process. In addition, be sure not to start the process too early, as you can run into problems with algae, which subsists in warmer temperatures.

Obviously, you don’t need to wait for the snowflakes to start falling before you winterize your pool. Just keep an eye on the temperature so that you know the right time to begin. If you have a pool heater, you can extend your timeline for winterizing your pool.

Winterizing: First Steps

Winterizing can seem like a complicated process, but it’s relatively straightforward. While there are varying steps involved, begin with the basic step of removing all pool accessories from your pool. These include toys, skimmers, and solar blankets. Next, you’ll want to clean your pool as much as you can, starting on the surface and continuing with a deep clean from your pool vacuum.

The third step is to test and then adjust the chemistry of the water in your pool. Approximately a week before you plan to close your pool for winter, you’ll want to begin this process. The necessary chemical levels may vary for you, but in general, alkalinity should be between 80 and 150 parts per million (ppm). Meanwhile, the pH level will hover between 7.2 and 7.6, the calcium hardness level between 175 and 225 ppm, and the chlorine level will be between 1 ppm and 3 ppm. If you need help, you can always bring a water sample to us for professional water analysis and expert balancing advice.

Winterizing: Next Steps

Next, you will want to lower the water level to below the skimmer. With this step, be sure to drain all your equipment, including filters, lines, pump, and the heater. This will prevent the equipment from freezing. If you’re concerned about pipes bursting in the cold, you can add pool antifreeze to them.

Winterizing: Help When You Need It

Winter will be here before you know it, so be sure that your pool is winterized properly. Orange County Pools & Spas is dedicated to ensuring that you have the best pool experience all year round. To get expert pool advice or if you’re ready to get started planning your own pool, call us at our New Windsor location at 845.565.5777. Or at our Mohegan Lake location at 914.528.9000.

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