If you are reading this blog, then another great summer has come and gone and it is time for you to get busy winterizing your inground pool. If this is your first time winterizing your pool it can be overwhelming to do on your own. In this blog, we will guide you in the right direction to safely winterize your inground pool. Just follow these steps.

Step 1
Add the proper balancing chemicals to your inground pool as you normally would do.

Step 2
Lower the water level below the skimmer and all return lines. You can use a submersible pump to remove water from the pool. Alternatively, a blowout extension may be used to remove water from the lines.

Step 3
Add a winter chemical kit. Remember to always add chemicals to water, not water to chemicals. Please follow all the manufacturer’s instructions precisely.

Step 4
Remove the skimmer basket and install gizzmo(s) to seal the skimmer pipe. This protects your skimmer by absorbing pressure from expanding ice.

Step 5
If pool equipment (pumps, heater, and filters) are below the level of the pool remove return fittings and install return plugs.

Step 6
Remove ladders and handrails from the pool. You can actually do this prior to step 6. Your preference.

Step 7
Drain all pool equipment. Remove 1 plug or cap from the bottom of the filter tank. Remove the pressure gauge and sight glass from the multiport valve on top of the filter. Remove 2 plugs from the pump: 1 from the strainer basket and 1 from the pump housing.

Step 8
Remove the pump basket, clean out excess debris and water and replace the basket. Store all plugs, sight glass, pressure gauges in a skimmer basket with the pump lid closed. Reminder to leave all plugs out for the winter.

Step 9
TURN OFF BREAKERS TO ALL POOL EQUIPMENT! Don’t forget this step, unless you want issues later.

Step 10
Remove off-line automatic chlorinator from the system. Rinse chlorinator thoroughly. Mark your hoses for proper re-installation in the spring to make that job easier.

Step 11
Anything that holds water needs to be drained using the appropriate drain plugs (ie: Salt Cell, Heaters, and Heat Pumps, etc.)

Step 12
Leave all valves in the open position for the winter months.

Step 13
The filter system should be covered to help against weathering.

Step 14
If you have a winter cover, it must be kept clean and water pumped off during the winter. In areas with lots of trees, a leaf net can be helpful for quickly removing excess debris from the cover.

No matter the climate or how you winterize your inground pool, it’s important to keep up with routine maintenance over the winter months.

At least once per month, take a peek under the cover. Visually inspect the water and look for changes in color, signs of stains and scaling, or evidence of a pool leak. You’ll also want to check the cover for damage and test the water every 2-4 weeks to make sure there’s still sanitizer available.