With the approaching winter, you are most likely not going to use your pool for the next few months. Closing down your pool and keeping it well protected is a must for the upkeep of your precious investment. The frigid temperatures in and around Texas can cause immense damage to yourpool if not maintained and closed down carefully. Therefore, here is a list of do’s for the safe and effective storage of your pool during the ensuing winter months.

In-Ground Pools

Maintaining the correct water chemistry is of the utmost importance when closing your property for the winter. No scales should be formed on the sides of the pool. This also helps to preserve the pool water till summertime again the next year. Monitoring the water throughout the winter months is also essential.

• Start a week in advance
• Clean debris, if any
• Check the ph levels (7.2-7.6), alkalinity (199-150) and calcium hardness (180-220ppm) of the water. Pools, which use gunite, require a lower alkalinity as opposed to the ones, which use fiberglass or concrete.
• Shock the water to control algae growth
• Have a higher amount of chlorine in the water (over 3.0)
• Cycle the water through the pump anf filter for a few days till the chlorine level normalizes.
• Add winter algaecide

Clean the pool thoroughly one last time on closing day. Brush the walls and bottom of the pool to clear any remaining debris. Pull out the ladder, chemical feeders, solar blankets and the skimmer basket. Also, remember to drain water from the pump, filtering and the heating systems.

You can use a gizmo in the skimmer after draining the water to keep it out of the filter and the pumping system. This may become a problem if water freezes below the tile level.

Above-Ground Pools

Above ground pools need a different kind of maintenance.

• Remove and store pumps and filters
• Insert plugs into the pool filter water intake and outflow openings
• Disconnect all hoses from the pool and let it drain completely
• Store them carefully. You can use PVC pipe caps to prevent mice making it their winter retreat as well!
• Disconnect any other appendages to your pool like water heaters, filters, skimmers, and automatic chlorinators, salt chlorinators and store them carefully in a cool and dry place.
• Finally, use the pool pillows to cover the pool properly. The cover should remain secure so that it doesn’t blow away during a strong wind and leave your pool exposed to the cold winds. There should be enough support from the pillow underneath so that the ice meltwater can be easily drained from the cover without spoiling your well-preserved pool water.

Although it sounds a handful, if started well in advance- with a week in hand the work does not seem overwhelming. Also, the energy expended is a small price to pay to enjoy your pool to the hilt during the hot Texan summers.