As the swimming season comes to a close and temperatures begin to drop, proper pool winterization becomes essential for Canadian pool owners. Winterizing your pool correctly not only protects your investment from freeze damage but also makes spring opening much easier and less expensive. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through all the steps necessary to properly close your pool for the winter months.
Why Proper Winterization Matters
Skipping or improperly winterizing your pool can lead to serious consequences:
- Cracked pipes, pumps, filters, and heaters due to freezing water expansion
- Damaged pool surfaces and liners
- Extensive algae growth requiring intensive cleaning
- Costly repairs in the spring
- Shortened lifespan of pool equipment and materials
By contrast, proper winterization offers these benefits:
- Protection of expensive pool equipment from freeze damage
- Preservation of water chemistry requiring minimal adjustment in spring
- Prevention of algae growth during the off-season
- Reduced maintenance and cleaning when reopening
- Extended life of your pool and its components
When to Winterize Your Pool
Timing is crucial when winterizing your pool. In most Canadian regions, the ideal time is when:
- Water temperature consistently stays below 15°C (60°F)
- Nighttime temperatures approach but haven't yet reached freezing
- Typically late September to early October for most of Canada
Winterizing too early while temperatures are still warm can lead to algae growth under the cover. Waiting too long risks freeze damage to equipment. Monitor weather forecasts closely and plan accordingly.
Complete Winterization Checklist
1. Clean the Pool Thoroughly
Start with a perfectly clean pool:
- Brush all walls, steps, and floor thoroughly
- Vacuum the entire pool to remove all debris
- Skim the surface to remove floating debris
- Clean the waterline to remove any buildup
- Backwash the filter until water runs clear
Leaving any dirt or debris in the pool can lead to staining and make spring opening more difficult.
2. Balance the Water Chemistry
Proper water balance prevents corrosion, scale, and algae growth during winter:
- Test and adjust pH to 7.2-7.6
- Ensure total alkalinity is between 80-120 ppm
- Adjust calcium hardness to 175-225 ppm for vinyl pools, 200-275 ppm for concrete/plaster pools
- Make sure chlorine levels are 1-3 ppm
Remember to run the filtration system for at least 8 hours after adding chemicals to ensure proper distribution.
3. Add Winterizing Chemicals
A winter chemical kit typically includes:
- Winterizing algaecide: Prevents algae growth during the off-season
- Pool shock: Provides an extra chlorine boost to combat contaminants
- Stain & scale preventer: Protects pool surfaces from staining and scaling
- Winter enzyme treatment: Breaks down non-living organic contaminants
Follow the product instructions for proper dosing based on your pool volume. Add chemicals one at a time, allowing circulation between additions.
4. Lower the Water Level
For most pools, water should be lowered to:
- 3-6 inches (7.5-15 cm) below the skimmer for pools with mesh covers
- 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) below the skimmer for solid safety covers
- Below the tile line for tiled pools
If using a pool cover pump during winter, you may not need to lower the water as much. Never completely drain the pool, as this can cause vinyl liners to shrink or concrete pools to crack or heave.
5. Drain and Winterize the Equipment
Removing water from all equipment is crucial to prevent freeze damage:
Plumbing Lines
Use a blower or shop vacuum to blow out water from:
- Skimmer lines
- Return lines
- Main drain lines
- Any other plumbing
After blowing out lines, install winterizing plugs in return jets and skimmers. For additional protection, add non-toxic antifreeze to the lines (never use automotive antifreeze).
Pump and Filter
- Remove drain plugs from the pump and filter
- Clean the pump basket and filter thoroughly
- For sand filters: backwash thoroughly, then set valve to "winterize" or between positions
- For cartridge filters: remove cartridge, clean with filter cleaner, and store indoors
- For DE filters: backwash thoroughly, remove DE grids, clean, and store indoors
Heater
- Drain all water from the heater
- Remove drain plugs and store them in the pump basket
- Disconnect and cap gas lines for gas heaters
Salt Chlorine Generator
- Remove the cell and check for calcium buildup
- Clean if necessary using cell cleaning solution
- Store the cell indoors
Automatic Pool Cleaner
- Remove from the pool, clean thoroughly
- Drain all water from the device and hoses
- Store indoors in a dry location
6. Remove and Store Accessories
Remove from the pool area:
- Ladder and handrails
- Diving board
- Slides
- Skimmer baskets
- Return fittings
- Solar blankets (clean, dry completely, and store)
- Cleaning equipment
Clean all items thoroughly before storage to prevent mold, mildew, and corrosion.
7. Install the Winter Cover
There are several types of winter covers:
- Safety covers (solid or mesh): Best option as they prevent debris and provide safety against falls
- Standard winter covers: More affordable but less durable
- Air pillows: Used with above-ground pools to absorb ice expansion
Ensure the cover is secured tightly using water bags, cover clips, or anchors depending on your cover type. For above-ground pools, install an air pillow in the center of the pool before covering.
Winter Maintenance
Even after winterizing, some minimal maintenance is required:
- Remove water that accumulates on solid covers using a cover pump
- Remove debris from mesh covers regularly
- Check cover security after storms or high winds
- Monitor for tears or damage to the cover
- For vinyl liner pools, ensure some water remains in the pool throughout winter
Occasionally check water chemistry (if accessible) during mid-winter thaws to ensure balance is maintained.
Special Considerations for Different Pool Types
Above-Ground Pools
- Check wall stability and support before winter
- Use an air pillow in the center (cover about 60% of surface)
- Ensure water level isn't too low to support the walls
- Consider removing the skimmer and replacing with a skimmer plate
Vinyl Liner Pools
- Never drain completely - vinyl liners can shrink, wrinkle, or tear
- Maintain water level below return jets but not too low
- Inspect liner for tears or damage before closing
Concrete/Gunite Pools
- Check for cracks that need repair before winter
- Consider a professional inspection of structural integrity
- Ensure water chemistry is perfectly balanced to prevent surface damage
Saltwater Pools
- Remove and clean the salt cell
- Store the cell indoors
- Consider having water salt levels professionally tested
Professional vs. DIY Winterization
While many pool owners can handle winterization themselves, consider professional services if:
- You're a new pool owner without experience
- Your pool has complex equipment or features
- You have physical limitations making the tasks difficult
- You want the peace of mind of professional service
At Crystal Clear Pools, our winterization service includes a thorough cleaning, complete water balancing, proper equipment preparation, antifreeze application where needed, and professional cover installation.
Common Winterization Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping thorough cleaning: Debris left in the pool leads to staining and water quality issues
- Improper water balance: Unbalanced water causes damage to surfaces and makes spring opening difficult
- Failing to remove all water from equipment: Even a small amount of water can freeze and crack pipes or equipment
- Using the wrong antifreeze: Never use automotive antifreeze; pool antifreeze is non-toxic and specifically designed for pools
- Waiting too long: Closing after freezing temperatures can lead to equipment damage
- Not securing the cover properly: Loose covers can blow off or collapse, allowing debris in
Conclusion
Proper pool winterization is an investment in your pool's longevity and will save time and money when reopening in spring. By following this comprehensive guide, you can ensure your pool remains protected throughout the harsh Canadian winter.
At Crystal Clear Pools, we offer complete professional winterization services to ensure your pool is properly protected. Contact us today to schedule your pool closing or to get expert advice on DIY winterization.
Remember, a properly winterized pool means an easier opening and a quicker start to next year's swimming season!