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Having a swimming pool in Canada is best enjoyed during the summer season. But when autumn arrives, pool owners have to gear up to prepare their pool for closure before the winter arrives. Solda Pools maintenance department in Toronto can assist in off-season pool closure, but if you want to try to do it by yourself, follow these seven helpful tips to prepare your swimming pool for winter.
When is the best time to close the pool?
The correct time to prepare your swimming pool for winter depends on your geographical location in Canada and when the first signs of snow start to arrive. For instance, when the temperature reaches 18 degrees celsius and below, that is the benchmark temperature when you should begin closing your pool. Usually, late September and October hit 18 degrees celsius, so start preparing swimming pool closures during these months.
1. Clean the pool
It’s time to roll up your sleeves, grab the pool brush, and clean your pool. Use a telescopic pole and wall brush and scrub walls thoroughly. Scoop any debris, leaves, or algae out of the pool and scrub the walls and floor. Don’t forget to wash those hard-to-reach areas such as corners and nooks and crannies. Once you are finished cleaning the pool, clean around the waterline by brushing and vacuuming any excess debris to prevent the formation of algae.
2. Check the water chemistry levels
Bring your water sample to a pool professional prior to closing your pool to ensure all levels are in balance for winter’s slumber.
3. Add a mid-winter algaecide
To prevent algae from growing in your pool, add a mid-winter algaecide that will last during the winter season. On the day before you plan to close your pool, operate the pump and add the algaecide and shock in the water for the next 24 hours to get it to circulate fully. After 24 hours, turn off the circulation system. This should prevent algae from growing throughout the winter, and when springtime arrives, starting up your pool should be straightforward.
4. Clean the filters and blow out the lines
During the summer, filters get filled up with debris, and before closing your pool for the winter, it’s important to clean your filters. Follow manufacturers specifications to clean the filter, so when springtime arrives, your filter will be able to have a clean start. If you have blown out the lines of your pool before, then do it after you have cleaned the filters. But if you haven’t done it before, we recommend you contact a professional swimming pool service provider to do it, as it could get challenging.
5. Clean the pumps
It’s best to have the manufacturer’s instruction manual before you start cleaning your swimming pool pumps. If you don’t have it, try searching for the manual online under your manufacturer’s website. Following the steps from the instruction manual will guide you on how to clean the pumps properly. Be sure to remove the plugs from your filter, heater, chlorinator, and pump and place them in your pump basket and store them in your garage until springtime.
6. Cover your pool
Once everything has been cleaned, it’s time to cover your pool and pool pump. Have another person help place the cover over the pool. Be sure to walk around it and secure the cover to ensure there are no open spaces or gaps.
Preparing Your Pool for Winter
Closing down your pool for the winter takes a little preparation. By following these six tips, it will be ready for swimming fun come springtime:
- Clean the pool. All you need is a wall pool brush and telescopic pole to scrub it thoroughly. Be sure to remove any debris or algae and scrub the walls and floor.
- Check the water chemistry. Have the pool water professionally tested prior to closing the pool.
- Use mid-winter algaecide. The day before you close down the pool, add an algaecide and shock into the pool and let the pump operate for twenty-four hours. After it fully circulates, shut off the circulation system for the winter season.
- Clean the filter. Clean out any debris and dirt and follow manufacturers instructions. When it comes to blowing out the lines, if you have never done it, it’s best to call in the pool professionals to do it, as it could get tricky.
- Clean the pumps. Follow the steps from your pool’s manufacturer’s instruction manual on how to clean your pumps properly. After cleaning the pump, remove the plugs from your filter, heater, chlorinator, and pump and store them in your pump basket.
- Cover your pool. Have another person help you place your cover on your pool. Be sure to secure any gaps or spaces to prevent any snow from entering the pool.
At Solda Pools, we provide pool maintenance in Toronto for swimming pools and spas. We only install in-ground pools and spas. For more information on our swimming pool services, call us at Solda Pools at 905-796-6500 or contact us here.
