Key Products to Winterize Your Pool

A Guide to the Chemicals You Will Need For Your Pool’s Winter Maintenance

If you live in a cold climate where weather conditions tend to be harsh during the wintertime, taking care of your pool is often pushed to the back of your mind unless you’re keeping it open for the season. But winterizing your pool is essential in order to keep your pool from losing its health and quality come later seasons. And what’s the main concern of winterizing? Setting yourself up for a successful spring pool opening, of course!

Key products used to winterize your pool

Chlorine Free Pool Shock

Most pool professionals like HB Pools recommend using a chlorine-free shock treatment to balance the water and make sure that it’s ready to sit all winter. In most cases, pools are now closed without draining the water and adding a chlorine-free pool shock beforehand as this helps filter debris properly to run through the pump.  Pool supply stores will often carry different options between chlorine and chlorine-free shock treatments, and many professionals offer the service so it can be done flawlessly. The amount you need depends on the size of your pool.

Stain & Scale Treatment

In the event of bad water chemistry, which may occur if your pool is not being used as much in the winter, metal build-up can develop and cause rusting or staining in the pool. Stain and scale treatment are then recommended, helping remedy the stains and scales that form while the pool water sits stagnant over the winter.

The treatment is a solution that is safe for all surfaces and is slowly added to the water to wear away the stains while preventing calcium carbonate from suspending in your water. However, once the calcium is out of suspension, the only way to remove it is to allow your filter to take it out of the water.

Winter Algaecide

Though algae growth isn’t as common during colder months, long-lasting winter algaecide is recommended to prevent algae accumulation over an extended period of time. Winter algaecide is a strong liquid that is put into swimming pools to maintain water quality. Algae growth is the main cause of green-toned water in your swimming pool water. Regulating your use of algaecide will make your pool water will stay clear and shiny.

Winter Floater for Step

HB Pools uses an antifreeze jug which is weighed down in the step as floater but is only used when there are inground steps in the pool. It is rare that a winter floater is used.

Why you should opt for professional services

There are so many rules when it comes to winterizing a pool and so many risks that are closely related to it. There are details to pay attention to, such as chemicals that should not be mixed with others (i.e., algaecide and chlorine) and a process with each treatment that may put your pool at risk if executed incorrectly. Hiring a professional to handle the heavy lifting of winterizing your pool will only save you time, money and damage in the long run. You can even book a pool professional online and outline exactly what it is you need them to do, and they will come ready and equipped with all the necessities to winterize your pool. Professionals may also provide additional guidance on any other forgotten essentials needed to get your pool ready for winter.

Read More on Pool Winterization

• END-OF-SEASON POOL REPAIRS & CLOSING GUIDE

• SAFETY WINTER POOL COVER MAINTENANCE TIPS

• COMMON POST WINTER POOL ISSUES AND HOW TO RESOLVE THEM

• THE IMPORTANCE OF MID-WINTER POOL CHECK-INS

• HOW TO PROTECT YOUR POOL FROM FREEZE DAMAGE THIS WINTER

• HOW TO SUCCESSFULLY RE-OPEN YOUR POOL AFTER WINTER

So, when you’re getting ready to winterize your pool, remember that chemical processes play a big part in making sure your water is going to be fresh, clean and algae-free in the winter. Because whether or not you keep your pool open in the colder months, you may be using it less, which could ultimately cause damage to it later. Avoid that trouble altogether and get your pool ready the right way with a bit of help from shocks, algaecides, stain and scale treatments and floaters. And to play it safe, always consult a professional for a stress-free winterizing experience.