Maintaining Your Pool & Spa in the Winter
An important part of maintaining a spa, hot tub, swim spas or swimming pool includes preparing it for those months when you may not be using it. Most people believe that pools should be closed when night time temperatures are in the 40s and daytime highs are in the mid 60s to low 70s. Algae growth can increase if the lid is closed too early. There will be more to clean up if you wait until the trees shed their leaves.
It is often thought necessary to winterize the plumbing, equipment and pool structure before any of these components freeze. It is essential to inspect the structure and equipment to make sure everything is working. If something needs to be repaired, you should do it before closing your pool for the season and ideally before the freezing weather sets in.
The wastewater from your pool and spa should be emptied into relevant drains. If your filter does not have a “waste” indicator, vacuum on the “filter” position only. Its is easier to suck the waste using a vacuum.
It is recommended to carry out this water treatment in the winter so that the water does not become corrosive when the temperature drops to the freezing point or below. Before placing the cover on you need to make sure you add the winter chemicals. It is advisable to check the instructions that come with your chemicals or cover.
After closing the valve on the skimmer line, you should then lower the water level to about 18 inches below the pool’s coping. How far you lower the level will depend on the type of pool.It is advised to check the manual for your pool from the manufacturers website.
Be sure to drain the water and blow water out of all piping. An air compressor will help to blow water out of circulation lines. You try an extract as much as possible from the heater and filter. Add nontoxic antifreeze – which is different than car antifreeze. It is obtainable at most hot tub shops. This will help to protect the pool from freezing for to -12° C.
Drain valves thoroughly, making sure that any below water level are securely sealed. It is best to use an electric heat tape for lines below water level that could be exposed to freezing but cannot be drained or filled with antifreeze.
Lights that have less than 18 inches of water above them are best removed. They can be wrapped in plastic and then stored in a dry place.
Drain the pump by removing the plugs and with the help of a wet/dry vac remove all the water from the pump housing and strainer compartment. Add antifreeze to the pump housing without removing the drain plugs. Corrosion can be avoided by coating all the drain hole threads.
All filters should be completely drained and drain plugs left out and again apply a lubricant to the threads.
Finally the cover. Securing it tightly will keep out any unwanted materials into the pool!