How To Close and Winterize Your Above Ground Pool
backyard swimming pool (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
When a homeowner has an above ground pool, during the fall when the summer swim season is over – something needs to be done to protect that pool for the winter. So the owner doesn’t have problems with burst pipes over the winter, or cloudy, dirty water when they go back out to the pool, a few steps need to be taken. Is the process the same for an above ground pool as for an inground pool? What needs to be done?
According to Ehow.com, winterizing an above ground pool will be similar to that for an inground pool, consisting of cleaning and treating the water, removing accessories, and then putting a cover on the pool.
Clean the pool. First use a leaf net to clear all leaves and debris from the pool. Brush down the walls of the pool, then use a vacuum to clean out the excess debris. This is a good time not to rush through the process, but take the time to make sure the pool is as clean as possible. This will minimize the possibility of dirt and debris developing into an algae problem over the winter, and give the pool the best environment to be clean when it’s opened up in the spring.
Remove the accessories. There’s no reason to leave accessories like ladders and movable steps at the pool. They can be removed and stored for the winter. If there is an external skimmer, that may be removed as well. Insert the plugs recommended to winterize the pool into the inlet and outlet holes – if unsure what is needed, or if you can’t remember where those plugs are, replace them at the local swimming pool store. The pool experts can also make sure the proper plugs are chosen and remind the owner how to properly install those plugs. Remove the filter lid and cartridge, as well as hoses or smaller fittings. Store the pump and accessories in a dry location for protection.
Time for the chemical treatment. The purpose for using chemicals at this point is to leave the pool water in as pristine a condition as possible over the winter. If in doubt about what is needed, a stop at the swimming pool supply store can furnish the proper pool winterizing chemicals. First up will be a shock treatment – check with the experts to determine the proper proportions, or they can also suggest a kit with the chemicals in the proper amounts for the size of above ground pool. The recommendation is 1 pound of granule shock for every 10,000 gallons of pool water. Follow that with 2 to 3 ounces of algaecide for the same size pool.
Cover the pool. Now is the time to put on the pool cover. Make sure it fits properly and is tight, so no leaves or debris slip into the pool over the winter. Read the instructions to make sure this part is done correctly. No one wants to go out in a winter storm with the wind howling and try to refasten a pool cover that has worked loose and is flapping in the breeze, allowing rainwater and debris to build up in the pool.
Now go inside and relax, knowing the pool is properly prepared to face the winter.
Carolyn Ellis, a freelance writer for www.poolproducts.com, is a small town girl at heart, and has never desired to live in the big city. She enjoys being able to walk down a country lane and admire the quiet afforded by a lack of traffic, and the simple pleasure of seeing trees and cows.
Category: Real Estate
