Don't Let Winter Blues Get Your Pool Down!
- Prime Pool Co
- Apr 12
- 3 min read
Your Northern Rivers Winter Pool Prep Guide from Prime Pool Co.
The days are getting shorter, the air is cooler, and that familiar nip of winter is settling into the Northern Rivers. While you might be swapping your swimmers for sweaters, don't forget about your beloved swimming pool! Properly preparing your pool for the cooler months is crucial for its longevity, making spring opening a breeze, and saving you time and money in the long run.
At Prime Pool Co., your local Northern Rivers pool building and renovation experts, we know how important your pool is to your lifestyle. That's why we've put together this guide, drawing on best practices to help you tuck your pool in for its winter rest.
Why Bother Winterizing?
You might be tempted to simply ignore your pool until the warmer weather returns, but neglecting winter preparation can lead to several issues:
Algae Growth: Even in cooler temperatures, algae can still bloom, leaving you with a green mess to tackle in spring.
Equipment Damage: Freezing temperatures can crack pipes, filters, and pumps, leading to costly repairs.
Staining: Unbalanced water chemistry can cause unsightly stains on your pool surface.
Debris Buildup: Leaves and other debris left in the pool can decompose and create a breeding ground for bacteria.
Your Northern Rivers Winter Pool Prep Checklist:
Based on expert advice, here's a comprehensive guide to preparing your inground pool for winter in the Northern Rivers:
1. Clean Thoroughly:
Skim, Brush, and Vacuum: Give your pool a thorough clean to remove all leaves, debris, and dirt from the surface, walls, and floor. This prevents organic matter from decaying over winter.
Clean the Filter: Backwash your filter thoroughly (sand or DE filters) or clean the cartridges (cartridge filters). A clean filter ensures no lingering contaminants remain.
2. Balance Your Water Chemistry:
Test Your Water: Use a reliable test kit to check your pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness levels.
Adjust Accordingly: Aim for the following ranges:
pH: 7.2 - 7.6
Total Alkalinity: 80 - 120 ppm
Calcium Hardness: 200 - 400 ppm
Winterizing Chemicals (Optional but Recommended): Consider adding a quality winterizing algaecide and a non-chlorine shock treatment to further protect your pool water during the off-season. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
3. Lower the Water Level (Partially):
For Mesh Covers: Lower the water level approximately 12-18 inches below the skimmer opening. This prevents water from accumulating on the cover and potentially damaging it.
For Solid Covers: You may not need to lower the water level as much, but ensure it's below the skimmer and return lines to protect them from freezing (although this is less of a concern in our Northern Rivers climate, it's still good practice). Consult your cover manufacturer's recommendations.
4. Protect Your Plumbing and Equipment:
Drain Equipment: Drain all water from your pump, filter, heater, and any other pool equipment. Remove drain plugs and store them in a safe place. This is crucial to prevent freezing damage in colder climates, and while less likely here, it prevents stagnant water buildup.
Blow Out Plumbing Lines (Highly Recommended): For optimal protection, especially if you experience any frost, consider blowing out your plumbing lines with an air compressor. This removes all water and prevents potential cracking. Plug the lines securely after blowing them out.
Remove and Store Accessories: Remove ladders, pool cleaners, wall fittings, and any other removable accessories. Clean them and store them in a dry place.
5. Cover Your Pool:
Invest in a Quality Cover: A good winter cover is essential for keeping debris out, preventing evaporation, and providing an added layer of safety. Choose a cover that fits your pool securely.
Secure the Cover Properly: Ensure your cover is tightly secured according to the manufacturer's instructions. This will prevent wind from lifting it and debris from entering.
