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.
After draining the water to winter levels, put antifreeze in the skimmer opening to prevent water from freezing in the pool's plumbing lines. Most pools require approximately 1 gallon of antifreeze to ensure the plumbing is protected.
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.
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 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.
(Use chemicals as labels indicate.) Use 1 gallon of liquid chlorine per 10,000 gallons of pool water. Clean liner above the water line with Swimway Tile & Vinyl Cleaner or another product.
We strongly recommend pool ladders and steps be removed from the swimming pool during the off season (winter months). For safety reasons this also applies to pools located in warmer climates. Unsupervised access to the pool must not be allowed. Carefully lift the pool ladder or step over the pool wall.
A saltwater pool is an alternative to a traditional chlorine pool. Although you don't add chlorine tablets to a saltwater pool, it does still contain chlorine. It just has a smaller amount that's generated through the filter system. A saltwater pool contains 10 times less salt than the ocean.
A common question asked is, “Can above ground pools stay up year round?” And although the easy answer is that “Yes, they can,” whether you want to leave them up year-round really depends on the type of pool you have. Dismantling some above ground pools for the winter may be more hassle than it's worth.
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.
This is why the Intex pools manufacturer strongly recommends draining and disassembling your pool if the temperatures in your area drop to or below 41°F (5°C). And so do we. We don't want your cozy winter by the fire to be ruined by a messy pool collapse.
Air Pillows, aka Ice Equalizers or ice compensators, are your best defense against ice damage. The presence of an Air Pillow prevents ice from freezing under the air pillow, which stops solid ice sheets across the top of the aboveground pool.
Closing a pool that is green with algae, or dirty with debris or with water that is unbalanced, leads to heavy staining and saturation of the water with dead algae cells, which makes it easier for subsequent generations to grow.
Alkalinity Adjusting Chemicals for Pool Start Up
This should be the first chemical that you add to your pool during start-up. This one can really affect the pH level of your pool. Sorting this out first prevents you from ruining your hard work on your pool's pH level by doing it afterward.
Add chlorinating tablets or granules weekly to maintain a clean and clear pool. For salt pools, add high purity pool salt as well as chlorine products. Always maintain 1 – 4 PPM of Free Chlorine.
Add Winter Chemicals
Specialty Pool Products offers several chlorine-free pool closing kits with all the essentials: pool shock, algaecide, stain and scale preventer, a winter float with oxidizer and an oil-absorbing sponge. Some kits even include a WinterPill for maximum winterizing power.