Step 1: Deep Clean the Pool
Before lowering water levels or applying winter covers, clear out all physical debris. This keeps organic matter from decomposing under the cover all winter long.
Start by skimming all the floating leaves, bugs, and surface debris with a heavy-duty skimmer net.
Next, brush the pool walls, steps, and floor, paying extra attention to corners and tight spots. Brushing lifts settled sediment and breaks up early algae spores, making them vulnerable to treatment. Heavy-duty brushes are available in our store.
Algae Warning: If you spot green or clingy algae patches, use a heavy-duty algae brush to scrape away the protective outer membrane.
Vacuum the floors and walls of your pool manually to pull out all the loosened debris you just brushed up. Avoid using automatic cleaners for this final pass, as manual vacuuming ensures every nook is cleared. Heavy-duty adjustable vacuum heads are the perfect tool for the job.
Step 2: Test and Balance Water Chemistry
Balancing your water parameters now shields your pool surfaces and equipment from corrosion, staining, and mineral scale buildup during the long off-season. Using a balancing kit, start by testing and adjusting Total Alkalinity, pH, and Calcium Hardness to their recommended winter ranges.
Next is to manage your free chlorine levels. Keep your free chlorine within normal operating levels (1.0 - 3.0 ppm) during this step. Do not over-chlorinate yet, as excessively high chlorine will break down and neutralize the winterizing chemicals and algaecides added in later steps.
Step 3: Shock the Pool for Winter
Giving your pool a heavy shock dose eliminates hidden bacteria and remaining organic contaminants, ensuring clean water when you uncover it next spring. Apply pool shock 24 to 48 hours before putting on your winter cover (or the evening prior).
If your water shows any green tinge or active algae, apply a double or triple dose of shock based on severity. Then, run your circulation system continuously overnight to fully distribute the shock through the plumbing lines and pool volume.
Step 4: Add Winterizing Chemicals & Antifreeze
Once water parameters are balanced and chlorine returns to normal, add your long-term winterizing treatments to keep the pool clear until spring opening. One full dose of algaecide to prevent dormant spore growth over the off-season.
Winter pills or floating balls are slow-release capsules placed directly under your pool cover. They slowly disperse sanitizers, clarifiers, and scale inhibitors to break down organic contaminants and relieve pressure on your algaecide.
Note: Many winter pills already contain stain and scale inhibitors, so check your product label before adding extra formulas.
A Note on Antifreeze: While properly blown-out pipes shouldn't freeze, non-toxic pool antifreeze offers crucial backup protection against freeze expansion. Never use automotive antifreeze. Only use non-toxic, propylene-glycol pool antifreeze. Select a formula rated down to at least -12 degrees Celsius, or lower if you live in extremely cold winter climates. The standard rule of thumb is 1 gallon per 10 feet of pipe. If lines have been thoroughly blown out, adjust dosing according to the manufacturer's specific closing guidelines.