Super chlorinate with liquid chlorine or other chlorine source and add winterizing chemical kit to pool; allow filter to circulate to evenly distribute chemicals. (Use chemicals as labels indicate.) Use 1 gallon of liquid chlorine per 10,000 gallons of pool water.
During the winter months, the amount of chlorine needed from your salt cell to keep the pool clean is reduced. This is due to the fact that it is difficult for bacteria to grow in cold temperatures.
Chlorine prevents algae, breaks down bacteria, and keeps your pool clean and fresh. Before you shut things down for the season, it's a good idea to hit your pool with an extra-powerful punch of chlorine in the form of a shock treatment. Shocking your pool is easy: Use a shock treatment to bring your 10 to 12 PPM.
The Proper Chemicals: -Add 1 lb Granular Shock OR 1 gal. Liquid Shock per 5,000 gallons of pool water. -Add an appropriate sized "Winter Chemical Kit" or the proper amount of Algaecide/Winterizer. (If adding our famous "Winter Pill," add this pill right before you put on your cover--read directions on the Winter Pill.)
You really only need one chemical (algaecide) to properly winterize a swimming pool. You need some other stuff to protect your pool from harsh winter conditions, but only one chemical to add when closing.
If you use chlorine shock to close the pool, it's best to do so about a week before closing. A very high chlorine level can harm your cover and destroy your algaecide.
Green discoloration in a swimming pool is caused by the growth of algae, a type of green aquatic plant that floats on the surface of water. Algae usually flourishes in warm water but can still take over your pool in winter if given half a chance.
By simply adding algaecide to your water prior to closing, you can prevent algae growth from occurring during the cold, winter months which makes for an easier opening in the spring. You can apply algaecide directly to the pool water and allow the pump to continue to circulate for approximately two to four hours.
#6: Backwash Your Filter
You want to let your run for a full cycle before backwashing and chemically cleaning your filter before closing your pool.
Add one tablet for every 5,000 gallons of water and always round up. For example, if your pool has 21,000 gallons of water, add five tablets per week. If it has 8,000 gallons, use two tablets.
Shocking the pool during the winter months can certainly help to avoid a green swamp-like pool in the spring. It's often recommended. However, poor water balance or improper application can lead to unintended consequences, such as discoloration and damage to pool surfaces.
Chlorine is much stronger than bleach. To get your pools chlorine level to the point it needs to be to keep the pool looking clean and bright; you will need to use more bleach than you will chlorine. Bleach is also going to come in a liquid form only, and chlorine is most commonly sold in tablets.
Short answer: yes. Longer answer: it depends on the formulation. The label on every bleach bottle should tell you the ratio of sodium hypochlorite (and available chlorine) in the bottle to everything else. A higher percentage is generally better, as you'll need to use less bleach to treat your pool.
A late September or October closing is a great way to set up for success in the spring. If you are already suffering from an algae bloom; take care of that before you close. Opening your pool early in the spring is a good idea if you want clear water.
First, your chlorine level should be between 1-3 ppm. Add chlorine if needed, or let the level fall on its own before closing if it is too high. The PH level should be between 7.2 and 7.6. If the PH is too low, the acidic water can be corrosive.
First, don't add everything at once, or add everything except the shock – which should be added separately, either before or after, by at least 8 hours. Second, add phosphate removers, enzymes or stain & scale chemicals before you lower the water level, so you can circulate the chemicals for at least 8 hours.
Algaecide is the best way to prevent algae from growing in your unused pool. Generally, the colder the winter, the longer-lasting algaecide you'll want. Some winter algaecides last up to three months. You should pour in the algaecide on the last day you use the pool for the season and let the pump run for 24 hours.
Algae growth is stopped at temperatures below 40° F, but some algae can continue to survive, and like weeds in a lawn, can go dormant over the winter, coming back to life in early spring, weeks before you open the pool.
Use salt test strips for an accurate reading and when the season starts cooling down, do not add anymore salt to the pool. It is better not to have a lot of salt in your pool toward the end of the season. Balancing your water's chemistry is important for all pools during closing time.
Chlorine is used to kill germs and bacteria in pool water, so it plays an important role in keeping the water clear. The pool's pH level, which measures how acidic or alkaline the water is, influences how effective the chlorine is in keeping the water clean.