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Right now you're enjoying your pool and spa to the fullest thanks to the summer weather. Soon though, you'll need to think about closing your pool for the colder months. How do you properly close up a pool and protect it from the damage that occurs in the winter months? Here's what you need to do. 

Why Winterize Your Pool?

If you're no longer using your pool during the winter, do you really need to do anything different to it? You would be surprised at how much damage colder weather will do to any pool. If the weather gets cold enough the water can freeze, damaging equipment in the pool. When the trees start shedding their leaves, the resulting debris ends up in your pool if you're not careful. It'll clog up drains and affect the cleanliness of the water. 

Then there's safety you need to think about. In the winter you won't be using your pool, but you still may be using your yard. If there are children and pets roaming around, you want to ensure they can't fall in when you're not looking. You need to take appropriate steps, such as fitting a swimming pool safety cover, to stop that from happening. 

Adjust Your Pool Chemistry

As in summer, you need to keep a close eye on the chemistry of your pool. That means checking the pH balance, alkalinity, and calcium hardness. Doing this will ensure that the water stays clear and clean, ready for next summer. The best way to do this is to use a winter chemical kit for your pool. Follow the instructions carefully to ensure that you get the best results. Remember, if you're using a floater, don't pick one with a strong oxidiser, as they can stick to the pool wall and stain or bleach it. 

Protect Your Filtration System

Over the winter, if it gets cold enough it will allow your pool water to freeze up. This will cause damage to your filtration system, so you want to avoid this if you don't want a big repair bill come summer. It's easy to stop water freezing in the system, though. You can lower the level of the water so it's sitting below the skimmer. This stops it getting into the system and freezing up. You can also buy a cap for the skimmer, that sits over it and blocks it, stopping water from getting in. 

Drain Your Filter

Now you'll need to drain your filter, to remove any water that's sat inside, again to prevent it from freezing. Check the instructions for your pump to see how to drain it. You'll see that there is a 'winterize' setting that should help you do this. Once the filter is drained, run the pump for a few moments to remove the rest of the water from the plumbing. Ensure you only do this for a second or two, to avoid burning the system out. Once this is done, ensure there are no chemicals left in the system. Any chemicals left in over the winter can cause damage to the equipment. 

Also drain your other equipment, such as your chemical feeder, automatic cleaner pump and heater. The best thing to do is to put all the plugs into the pump strainer basket, so it's easy to find them in the summer. 

Cover Your Pool

Now this has all been done, you'll need to cover your pool. There are several types of custom pool covers you can buy, so you'll need to find one that's right for you. For example, a mesh pool cover is designed to allow rain and sunlight into your pool, while keeping debris such as leaves out. Hard pool covers, on the other hand, keep everything out of your pool, ensuring no debris gets in, and no algae can start developing in the water. The type you choose will depend on your own preferences. 

It's easy to winterize your pool and get it ready for the colder months. When you do it, you'll ensure that you're keeping the water clean and the pool equipment in optimal condition. When the summer comes around again, you'll be ready to jump back in again with minimal setup.