Having an in-ground swimming pool doesn’t just make your home an ideal destination for friends and family during the summer; it can also increase your property value. However, without doing the proper maintenance, pools can become financially draining. That’s why swimming pool contractors recommend winterizing yours before freezing temperatures hit.

Why Winterize In-Ground Swimming Pools?

During the warmer summer months, you likely perform regular swimming pool maintenance to clear it of debris and ensure all the parts remain functioning. However, when cold weather hits, that maintenance may become less frequent. If you don’t take the necessary precautions, the lack of maintenance can cause a variety of problems and lead to expensive repairs.

Any organic debris, such as dead leaves or bugs, will decay over the winter and throw off the chemical balance in the pool. This rotting matter can also settle on the bottom, requiring more extensive pool cleaning services, and may clog up the skimmer. Plus, for anyone living in areas that experience below-freezing temperatures, the pipes, heaters, filters, and pumps can become damaged due to expanding ice.

How Can You Prepare Your Pool for Winter?

To ensure your pool is protected and ready when the warm weather returns, start by balancing the pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness levels about a week before closing it down. Then perform a thorough cleaning to remove any debris or algae that has accumulated.

You’ll then need to lower the water level to 18 inches below the deck level to make room for the cover. Once that’s done, add winter pool chemicals, clean the filters, and remove the drain plugs. These should be stored in the pump basket for safekeeping until they’re needed again.

Finally, you need to blow the pump out with air to remove any water left inside and prevent moisture from getting inside and expanding during a freeze. Once all this has been done, put on the cover to keep any debris from falling in.

 

Make sure your home’s in-ground swimming pool is ready for winter by contacting the experts at Distinctive Swimming Pools in Washington, CT. For more than 75 years, this locally owned and operated swimming pool company has helped local homeowners keep their pools in perfect condition. They have all the supplies you need, and their certified team performs professional maintenance and repairs all year long. Schedule a consultation by calling (860) 868-3622 or learn more about their services online.