As winter approaches, it’s essential to prepare your pool properly to ensure it stays in top shape for the next swimming season. Unfortunately, many pool owners overlook a few critical steps when closing their pool for winter. Here at SunSouth Carolinas, we want to make sure you avoid these common mistakes so you can enjoy a clean, well-maintained pool come spring. Let’s dive into the top five mistakes to avoid when winterizing your pool.

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is neglecting the water chemistry before shutting down the pool for winter. It’s vital to have balanced pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness to prevent issues like corrosion, scaling, and algae buildup. If left unbalanced, you could face unwanted expenses and extra cleaning when reopening your pool. Aim for a pH level between 7.2 and 7.6, and ensure you’re using the appropriate winterizing chemicals.

• Pro Tip: Test your water a few days before closing. This gives you time to adjust the levels and ensure the pool water is in perfect condition before covering it up.

A common misconception is that the pool doesn’t need to be cleaned before it’s closed, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Closing a dirty pool for winter will make spring cleanup much more challenging and could even damage your pool equipment. Brush the walls and floor, vacuum the pool, and skim off any leaves or debris. Pay special attention to the pool’s filter and pump to remove any trapped dirt.

• Pro Tip: Empty the skimmer baskets and clean out the pump basket, as leaves and other debris left behind can rot and create unpleasant odors under the cover.

Lowering the water level is a crucial part of winterizing, but it’s often done incorrectly. Lower the water just below the skimmer to prevent freezing damage. Some pool owners drain their pools too much, which can put strain on the structure, especially in areas prone to heavy winter precipitation.

• Pro Tip: If your area experiences freezing temperatures, consider using pool antifreeze in the plumbing lines to avoid cracks and leaks. Keeping the water level at the right height ensures that your pool’s structure remains intact through winter.

A quality pool cover is essential for keeping debris out and protecting your pool from harsh winter weather. However, many people skip the cover altogether or use a low-quality one, leading to more work and even potential damage come spring. A durable winter pool cover should be tightly secured to withstand snow, ice, and wind. Consider an automatic cover for easy use, or, if budget permits, a safety cover that keeps both debris out and protects pets or children who might wander near the pool.

• Pro Tip: Regularly check the cover throughout winter to ensure it remains secure. A loose cover can allow debris to enter the pool, creating additional maintenance work later.

Properly preparing your pool equipment is just as important as the pool itself. Skipping this step can lead to costly repairs and replacements. Begin by draining the pump, heater, and filter to remove any remaining water, which can freeze and cause damage. Detach any removable parts and store them in a dry place to extend their lifespan.

• Pro Tip: Invest in a winterizing plug for your pump and use non-toxic pool antifreeze in the pipes to further protect the plumbing. When spring arrives, you’ll be thankful you took the extra precaution!

Winterizing your pool might seem tedious, but taking these extra steps now will save you time, money, and stress when the warm weather returns. Avoiding these five common mistakes is key to maintaining the longevity of your pool and ensuring it’s ready for a smooth reopening in the spring.

At SunSouth Carolinas, we’re passionate about helping homeowners enjoy their outdoor spaces year-round. If you need assistance with your pool for winter or would like expert advice on pool care, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is here to help make outdoor living a breeze!

Ready to safeguard your pool for winter? Contact SunSouth Carolinas today for a free consultation, and let us help you make sure your pool is in perfect shape for next season.

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