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.
Winterizing chemical kit or pH increaser, Alkalinity increaser, Calcium hardness increaser, Pool shock, and Algaecide. Clarifying enzyme supplement (optional, but recommended) Above ground pool skimmer cover. Expansion plugs.
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.)
Add 1 gallon of shock per 10,000 gallons of pool water and 1 gallon of Winterizing Pool Chemical Agent per 15,000 gallons of pool water. Spread swimming pool covers for above ground pools over pool and secure cable around the perimeter.
Pool antifreeze is not for the pool, but for the pipes. For aboveground pools, you should use an air pillow to break up the ice sheet that forms in the pool, or you can use half a dozen milk jugs, filled partially with pebbles and pool antifreeze, to absorb the ice expansion.
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.
Chlorine-Free Pool Shock: Add 2 days before closing the pool. Stain & Scale Treatment: Add 1 day before closing the pool. Winter Algaecide: Pour into the pool just before covering. Winter Floater: Place into the pool just before covering.
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.
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.
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.
Do not use antifreeze in your pool equipment as the salts and glycol can react harshly with both the metal and rubber components causing damage to them. Antifreeze also reacts dangerously with chlorine so refrain from adding it to a chlorinator. Don't add antifreeze to any of your pool equipment.
Clear pipes and equipment of water using a blower or compressor and plug the pipes at the pool. Add swimming pool antifreeze to the lines to prevent freezing. Place a Gizzmo* (or similar device) in the skimmer to seal it and absorb pressure from ice.
Without winterizing your pool, the water could turn green with algae. If the chlorine system stops functioning, you'll say adieu to the beautiful blue pool you know and love. Come spring, your pool will be a homely sight and cause a real dent in your wallet. Bacteria that feed on algae could even cause health risks.
Use the biguanide algaecide for your pool, measuring 16 ounces for every 10,000 gallons of water.
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.
While shocking and adding algaecide is effective in getting rid of algae, it should not be done together. This is because when you mix chlorine and algaecide together, it renders both of them useless. Hence, you should first shock the pool and wait for the chlorine levels to fall below 5 PPM.
Registered algaecides include copper sulfate, copper chelates (ethanolamines, ethylene diamines, triethanolamines, triethanolamine + ethylene diamine, and copper citrate/gluconate), endothall (as the mono (N,N-dimethylalkylamine) salt), and formulations containing the active ingredient sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate.
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.