Pool Closing Chemicals for Winterizing a Pool

As the summer sun fades and the leaves begin to turn, pool owners across the country start thinking about winterizing their pools. Proper pool closing is crucial to protect your investment and ensure a smooth reopening come spring. This “Pool Winterizing and Closing Chemicals for Winter” guide will walk you through the essential chemicals and steps needed for effective pool winterizing, focusing on the products that will keep your pool in top condition throughout the cold months.

Understanding the Importance of Pool Winterizing

Winterizing your pool is not just about preventing freeze damage; it’s about preserving water quality, protecting pool surfaces, and saving time and money when you reopen. Without proper winterization, you risk algae growth, staining, scaling, and structural damage to your pool and equipment.

Essential Pool Closing Chemicals

Pool Shock

Before closing your pool, it’s crucial to shock it with a high dose of chlorine or a chlorine-free oxidizer. This eliminates any remaining bacteria, algae, and organic contaminants.

pH Adjusters

Balancing your pool’s pH before closing is critical. Aim for a pH between 7.2 and 7.6 to prevent scaling and etching. Depending on your pool water needs, choose pH Up or pH Down.

Algaecide

A winter algaecide helps prevent algae growth during the months your pool is closed. Ensure the one you choose is long-lasting.

Metal Sequestrant

This chemical prevents metal staining on pool surfaces by suspending dissolved metals. Choose metal-free or stain and scale preventer.

Enzyme Treatment

Enzymes break down non-living organic contaminants, reducing the formation of scum lines and helping to keep the Water clear. Choose pool enzyme or natural pool clarifier.

Pool Antifreeze

In areas with harsh winters, pool antifreeze is essential to prevent damage to plumbing lines. (Note: This is different from automotive antifreeze)

The Winterizing Process: Step-by-Step

1. Clean the Pool: Thoroughly clean your pool. Brush the walls and floor, vacuum, and skim the surface. Remove all debris to prevent staining and provide a clean start for the winterizing chemicals.
2. Test and Balance Water: Use a reliable test kit to check your pool’s chemical levels. Adjust pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness to the appropriate levels. Proper balance prevents scaling and etching of pool surfaces during the off-season.
3. Shock the Pool: Add pool shock according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This super-chlorination eliminates contaminants and provides a clean slate for winter.
4. Add Algaecide. Add a winter algaecide once the shock has dissipated (typically 24 hours later). This long-lasting formula will help prevent algae growth throughout the winter months.
5. Apply Metal Sequestrant: If your water source contains high metal levels, add a metal sequestrant to prevent staining on pool surfaces.
6. Add Enzyme Treatment: An enzyme treatment will continue to work throughout the winter, breaking down organic contaminants and helping to prevent a scum line at the Water’s edge.
7. Lower Water Level: Reduce the water level in your pool to below the skimmer opening. This prevents freeze damage to the skimmer.
8. Drain and Blow-Out Lines: Remove all Water from plumbing lines, pump, filter, and heater. In severe winter areas, add pool antifreeze to prevent any remaining water from freezing and causing damage.
9. Install Winter Cover: Finally, secure a winter cover over your pool to keep out debris and sunlight, which can promote algae growth.

Choosing the Right Winterizing Kit

Many manufacturers offer complete pool closing kits with all the necessary chemicals in pre-measured amounts. These kits can be a convenient option, especially for new pool owners. Look for kits that include:

• Pool shock
• Winter algaecide
• Metal sequestrant
• Enzyme treatment
• pH balancers

When selecting a kit, ensure it’s appropriate for your pool size and type (chlorine, salt water, etc.).

Tips for Successful Pool Winterizing

1. Don’t Skip Steps: Each chemical and process plays a crucial role in protecting your pool.
2. Timing Matters: To discourage algae growth, close your pool when the temperature consistently falls below 65°F (18°C).
3. Follow Instructions: Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for each product.
4. Safety First: Wear appropriate safety gear when handling pool chemicals.
5. Properly Store Chemicals: Keep the remaining chemicals in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and out of the reach of children and pets.
6. Monitor Throughout Winter: Periodically check your pool cover and water level during the off-season.

Reopening Your Pool

When spring arrives, you’ll appreciate the effort you put into proper winterization. A well-winterized pool is much easier to reopen, often requiring less cleaning and fewer chemicals to get back to swim-ready condition.

Professional Pool Closing Services

While many pool owners choose to winterize their pools themselves, professional closing services can ensure the job is done correctly and comprehensively. Professionals have the expertise to address specific issues with your pool and can often spot potential problems before they become significant.

Those in Pennsylvania needing expert pool winterizing and closing assistance can contact Skovish Pools & Spas. With store locations in Luzerne and Shickshinny, we offer professional pool closing services across several PA counties:

• Luzerne County
• Monroe County
• Carbon County
• Lackawanna County
• Sullivan County
• Montour County
• Columbia County
• Wyoming County

Trust the PA pool closing experts at Skovish Pools & Spas to protect your pool investment throughout the winter and ensure a trouble-free opening when warm weather returns. Visit one of our pool stores for supplies, or contact us for expert pool closing services in PA.