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.)
Once you know where your pool chemistry stands, balance the water, adjusting the pH to 7.2 - 7.6, alkalinity between 80 and 120 ppm, and calcium hardness between 200 and 350 ppm. Shock your pool with Pool Breeze Granular Shock or 12.5% Liquid Shock two days prior to closing.
Regular chlorine pool shock or non-chlorine pool shock is usually the best choice as a winterizing pool shock. Follow the label instructions to add the proper dosage. If you have visible algae, double the dose, and then brush the pool.
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.
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.)
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.
In-Ground Pools
Drain the water down to no more than 6 inches from the bottom of the skimmer if you plan to use a standard floating winter cover. Use your pool filter, switched to the "Drain" setting, to empty the pool water.
If you store your filter in a shed or a detached Garage make sure you cover your filter and keep it away from chlorine or any corrosive chemicals that off gas. Sand filters should be left outside.
Lower the water level.
Lower the water level in your pool according to the guidelines below. If you have an inground pool with a pool safety cover, lower the water level between 6-12″ below the bottom of the tile. If it's a solid cover, you can just have the water be a few inches below the skimmer.
Winterize position: Used in winter to relieve pressure off seals so they don't flatten and leak over time. Also lets air into the filter to help with draining the water out of your filter during winterizing. Whirlpool position: Used when you want the water to bypass you filter.
If you have an above ground pool with the pool filter system and plumbing above ground (like nearly all above ground pools), pipes and pumps can freeze up in less than an hour of minus 32 degrees. The same is true for inground pool equipment that is not running when temperatures are below freezing.
Pump motors can develop rust deep inside the motor which can keep the motor for working come springtime. Keeping pumps away from accumulating moisture (assuming you live in a place that gets considerable rain/snowfall) during the winter is a good way to protect the equipment.
Yes, they can freeze solid. If temperatures reach below zero, swimming pools that are not circulating can freeze solid within a few days. If those low temperatures continue for several days, the ice sheet can increase in thickness by up to ¼” per day.
Yes, saltwater pools will still freeze if you leave them full during the winter. They don't have the salt levels of ocean water. The freezing point is slightly lower than a traditional pool, but you will still need to close or winterize your pool. Also, salt cells will not operate at temperatures below 50 degrees.
The general recommendation is to use 1 pound of cal hypo shock for every 10,000 gallons of pool water, and 10 ounces of sodium hypo with around 12.5% chlorine to sanitize your pool. Make sure the pool water is at its normal level. Make sure your pool's pH is between 7.2–7.6 and its alkalinity is between 80–120 ppm.
You may want to shock the pool during winter if: 1. The water temperature is above 60 degrees. 2.
Ideally, your pool's chemistry should remain as balanced as possible throughout the winter. Keeping everything balanced is easily accomplished by testing the water at least once per week. There's a low chance that you'll need to add chlorine as long as the pool isn't being used and there is no water circulation.
Shocking kills any bacteria that might linger in your pool during the winter. We recommend shocking a few days before you close the pool. If that is not possible, make sure to shock the pool the night before you close it for winter.
Non Chlorine Shock is a powerful, odourless oxidising agent, which essentially means it works to eliminate contaminents in hot tub water. Oxidation is different to sanitisation. Oxidation is the breaking down of the oils and organics in your water whereas sanitisation is the killing of bacteria.
Keeping Your Pool Heated
However, since weather can be unpredictable, if you plan to keep your pool open during the colder months, you must keep your water heated well above freezing temperatures. Don't run the risk of ruptured pipes or allowing the cold to cause more expensive damage.
Insulate plumbing lines with blankets or towels to prevent freezing. Even pool noodles can serve as good insulation around pipes. Open all lines to ensure proper water flow. If a valve is shut off, no water will flow through that pipe, and there is the danger of freezing damage.