Pool Winterization Guide (Inground)

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Winterizing In Ground Pools (Mild Winter)

Before the snow starts to fall, your pool must be protected. The better you prepare for its winterization, the easier it will be when you open up the pool next spring.

Bring in a 1 pint pool water sample to Midwest Pool & Spa. We will perform a thorough water balance check to ensure a proper closing. Along with properly sanitized and oxidized water, pH & Alkalinity balance are an important part to a properly winterized pool.
Don't drain your pool. Although you will lower the water level, don't drain the pool. You will save the expense of replacing water and chemicals, and you'll also protect you pool from the pressure on pool walls as the ground water freezes and expands during the winter months.
Check pH. Bring it to the 7.2-7.6 range. Check and adjust Alkalinity, bring it to the 80-150 range.
Add a winterizing dose of E-Z CLOR® - SNAP® or Baquacil®. Run the filter for one or two days (24-48 hours).
Clean the pool thoroughly by vacuuming and removing any floating debris.
Prevent winter stain formation by adding a winterizing dose Stain preventer, helps to prevent metals in the water and plumbing from causing stains when the water turns colder.
Lower water level to just below the skimmers to aid in "blowing" water from the plumbing to protect them from freezing.
Protect your equipment to prevent damage from freezing. The most effective way to protect pumps is to drain the water by removing drain plugs, and flushing with "Swimming Pool Anti-Freeze". Do not use Any type of automotive antifreeze, it is toxic to animals and humans, and will require draining and cleaning the pool to remove it.
Your final cleaning of the season should be your best work. Leave the water crystal clear to ensure a easier opening next spring. A thorough sand filter backwashing should be done to extend Filter Media life. Remove and clean Cartridge Filter Elements. Backwash DE filter remove and clean Elements.
Drain the pool filter, valves, lines and gauges. Refer to manufacturer's instructions for help with each piece of equipment.
Protect lines and skimmers. Use a "Shop Vac" style vacuum cleaner on the blower setting. To blow water from the plumbing lines. Add an environmentally friendly antifreeze approved for use in swimming pools. Do not use automotive antifreeze. The antifreeze solution you put in your lines this fall will circulate through your pool next spring--use the right stuff! Shut off the valve on a gas heater at both ends of the line unless your model requires leaving a pilot light on. Again, check your owner's manual.
Install Gizzmo® Crushable containers in the skimmers to prevent freeze damage when the water level raises from the winter precipitation. Note: you can use a "Blowout Gizzmo"® and you don't even have to lower the water level below the skimmers (in mild winter climates only).
Cover the pool. A tight-fitting cover keeps your pool free of damaging debris and also prevents algae from growing, which needs sunlight to survive. A Safety cover by Midwest Pool & Spa, is not only a great winter cover it can prevent drownings from accidentally falling into the ice cold water.