Also make sure that the water is balanced, with special attention paid to the pH and alkalinity levels. Pool Enzymes, popularized by Natural Chemistry, are similar to enzymes used to clean-up ocean oils spills. To do the repairs we had to empty it. The granules of chlorine that you add to the pool is circulated by the pool filter and the motions caused by any swimmers. Based on temperature and type of finish, fill the pool to the middle of the skimmer or specified water level without interruption and as rapidly as possible with clean water, to help prevent a bowl ring. Lots of Chlorine, will kill the algae and the frogs, and the bacteria. Is there a way to close the pool without having to fill and run the filter? CYA works as a direct stabilizer for chlorine, protecting it from sun damage and helping it last longer. Depending on where you live, you may only need to partially close your pool. The alkalinity of the pool water represents the amount of alkaline substances in the water as well as the hydroxides, bicarbonates and carbonates and it’s linked strongly to the pH level. Algaecide is used for preventing pool algae–either from blooming or growing. Pool water actually tries to balance itself, but things are a lot easier if you give it a helping hand. When sized correctly and added to a clean and clear pool, winter chemicals last for the entire 6-8 month off-season. Do I need to add the pool salt prior to closing my pool and prior to the winterizing kit? The Robelle Winter Kit appropriate to your pool has all the chemicals you will need. Below is an FAQ for YOU – Top 9 questions about pool closing and Winter Pool Chemicals. Our pool specialists at The Pool Factory™ have put together the following tutorial to ensure proper pre-maintenance and closing of your investment at the end of the season. Bring the chlorine levels up to 10 ppm to kill any bacteria that is trying to grow in the pool. The most popular ones are usually sold in the winterizing kits that you can buy online. We just moved into the house it has a pool heater but it’s electric and so we just want to close it up for the winter any tips on how to get all the frogs out and in good shape to cover up? Good for all types of algae. Add winterizing chemicals (10,000 Gallons of water: 1 Gallon of Oxidizer, 1 Pint of CDX + Top Sanitizer up to 50) along with adding Pool Magic Spring + Fall If the pH is too low it means you’ll need to add a chemical base to raise it. Another popular enzyme chemical for pools is the WinterPill. During those hot summer days, we totally get why you might invest in an above-groun pool. Test the pool for pH and Total Alkalinity. Before you shock the pool, clean the pool thoroughly. Shocking the pool 2-3 days prior to closing, would be best. When should I close my pool for the winter? The ideal level of alkalinity should be between 80ppm and 120ppm. We haven’t balanced the water or done anything yet. This is what we use in our first above ground pool and it's been clear all summer. That is the normal way of winterizing an Anthony pool in Mid-Atlantic areas. They also prevent salts and calcium minerals from mixing with contaminants to form dirty scale. Step 1. Once the pool is opened and the floor and walls have been brushed the first chemical you should add is chlorine to shock it. The one you choose and how much you use may be related to your winter pool cover. If I don’t lower the pool water soon enough, my mesh cover gets a wet spot in the middle and holds onto soaked leaves like a giant tea bag. Non-staining, long-lasting formula. We won’t be swimming anytime soon but a little concerned that my chlorine level so high even after a week and a half. You simply need to balance the water the same way you’ve been doing throughout the summer. Follow the label instructions to add the proper dosage. Today we take a closer look at the chemicals used for winterizing swimming pools – to keep the water fresh and clear, and prevent stains and scale on your pool. Test and balance chemical levels, using chlorine, alkalizers or acids. Do Not use Pool Antifreeze in a pool pump, filter, heater or chlorinator, but instead remove the drain plugs on each. Make sure one of your winterizer chemicals consists of a SHOCK-type product. When the water’s too hard, it can be rectified by diluting it with the proper chemicals or by adding softer water to the pool. Unfortunately our inground pool is completely green and has a ton of frogs in it. So it’s time to get to closing our pool for the Fall and Winter season. After you finish cleaning your pool and balancing your water chemistry, the next step is to add winter chemicals. Pool Magic Spring & Fall and the Winter Pill work to break down oily contaminants in the water that can lead to stains and consume your Winter Algaecide. When everything is done you can then install the winter safety cover, which is always recommended for above ground pools. Give it another week, I would guess it should come down by then. Pool covers with drains to allow rain and snow melt to pass through may wish to check pH once or twice during winter, to prevent possible etching or scaling issues. Close your pool when the weather starts dipping below 60-65º at night consistently. Non-staining, long-lasting formula. But keeping clean water inside the pool is a better idea. To balance the water, that refers to the pH, Alkalinity and Calcium Hardness levels. Properly winterizing your pool will protect your equipment from ice damage, keep your water clean, and will help save you time and money when opening your pool in the spring. Thanks, Hi Kory, here’s a few blog posts related to your question: https://blog.intheswim.com/sunbelt-pool-closing-for-off-season-pools/ and https://blog.intheswim.com/off-season-pool-care-for-the-sunbelt-pool/. In the event of bad water chemistry, so… Specialty Pool Products offers several chlorine-free pool closing kits with all the essentials: pool shock, algaecide, stain and scale preventer, a winter float with oxidizer and an oil-absorbing sponge. Be sure to place the hose in the deepest area with a clean rag on the end … Adjust the chemical levels if necessary. If you have any other questions about pool winterizing chemicals, please leave a reply below, or you can always call our pool closing experts at 1-800-288-7946. If your Above Ground Pool has a skimmer or vacuum port you might want to invest in an automatic cleaner. You can use your pool filter pump if you have a main drain, or a submersible pool Cover Pump. After shocking the pool, allow the chlorine levels to drop to an acceptable range of 1.5 to 3.0 ppm before covering the pool. The color when I test it is orange. Hot Tub Covers & Year-Round Outdoor Spas – Cover Smart. Be sure to use swimming pool anti-freeze since it’s non toxic. Chlorine Step 2 Winter Pool Enzymes are formulated for cold temperatures and long lasting duration, to remain active until late spring. When the water’s considered too soft you’ll need to add some calcium chloride to it to achieve the proper balance. Regular chlorine pool shock, or non-chlorine pool shock (potassium peroxymonosulfate) is usually the best choice as a winterizing pool shock. Winterizing your pool may seem complicated, but with a little … The water’s pH level will tell you how basic or acidic the water is. You could end up with calcium deposits in your pool and its plumbing system if the water’s too hard. Hello, I have a old Anthony skimmer, on a older blog you said lower the level of the pool and plug the opening of the main drain. Floating Winter Covers typically lower 4-6″ below the skimmer, and Safety Covers typically lower the water 9-12″ below the skimmer. With a new pool with plaster finish, a low pH (7.2-ish) is important, and you should check it also every 6 weeks during winter, and lower the pH if it rises above 7.8, to prevent scale deposits. But, before winterizing the water and closing the above ground pool, there are some chemicals that you need to dissolve into the water, such as algaecide, chlorine shock, and stain avoidance. What chemicals you need for a pool start up is actually going to vary on a few things, ... You need to use this chemical if your alkalinity level is above 120 ppm. Toronto, On M3J2B9. When that happens, I am always amazed at how clear the pool water is thanks to the enzymes eliminating the brown tannins and pollen. if it is lowered to frost line not only does it waste water but it creates a expensive water bill in the spring but if its not lower then the frost line I am concerned that the pipe will freeze and crack. We recommend shocking a few days before you close the pool. It is always a good idea to add a gallon of Pool Anit-Freeze to the pump and tank if it cannot be brought inside. The staining potential is much less for vinyl liner pools. In fact, there might even be a little more involved when closing down your above ground pool. These chemicals prevent mineral and metal staining, and should be added to the pool before disconnecting the filter pump and lowering the pool water, because it’s important to thoroughly distribute the chemical throughout the pool. The only other chemical you may need is our non-toxic Pool Anti-Freeze, used to protect skimmers, and pool plumbing pipes from freezing. Our Winter Closing Kits however, contain a patented chlorine-free sanitizer that slowly dissolves all winter long and will never damage or discolor pool surfaces. Algaecide 60 Plus is a lone exception, the polymer is a good alternate choice to our Winter Algaecide. Thank you. The salt is only needed for your salt chlorine generator, which will not be operating during winter. I want it to stay clean and clear through the winter. Algaecide 50: A polymer algaecide at 50% strength. I’m in the flight path for a lot of overhead air traffic, and before I started using this, I would have a sticky residue of pollution all around my liner every spring. Final steps We had repairs done on our pool. If that is not possible, make sure to shock the pool the night before you close it for winter. Once this is done the water level can be lowered to just below the skimmer and the water-return units. Dichlor shock is often used for opening pools or during the summer, because it is stabilized against the sun. Some are stronger than others, and some will last longer and provide better results. Pool enzymes seek out and consume oils and bacteria that can stain your pool walls and steps. This is added as a preventative for any algae growth. For even more protection from stains, scale and algae growth, our Pool Closing Kits are also available with Natural Chemistry treatments shown above, and with the Winter Pill, both recommended for clearer and cleaner spring openings. Non-Toxic Pool Antifreeze is used for underground plumbing that is not blown out with something like our Cyclone winterizing blower, or can be added as extra insurance against leaky plugs. For pools on well water with high levels of iron, magnesium or copper, use Natural Chemistry’s Metal Free, which keeps minerals in solution without adding any phosphates to the pool. Vinyl pools can also use the Skimmer Plug, which seals up the front opening of the skimmer, to avoid lowering the pool water. Any of these can be used for pool winterizing algaecides. Algaecide is a popular chemical, as this will help kill algae and prevent growth, giving you less to clean when you reopen the pool in the spring. We will teach you how to winterize an above ground pool, the simple way. We don’t have freezing winters. To close an above-ground pool, you need many of the same chemicals needed to close an inground pool. Even though your pool will be hibernating for the winter it should still have a proper amount of chlorine added to it before closing it down. The proper type and amount of pool closing chemicals used during pool close-down will determine the condition of the water come spring start-up, and along with good water balance, will protect your soft and shiny pool surfaces from staining or … If you are using any liquid winterizing chemicals, pour them in the pool as well. When you’ve blown out the system you can add swimming pool anti freeze pool into the plumbing and plug up the return fittings to keep water out of the lines. As long as you maintain proper chlorine levels you don't need to use algaecides. Once you know where your pool chemistry stands, balance the water, adjusting the pH to 7.2 - 7.6, alkalinity between 80 and 120 ppm, and calcium hardness between 200 and 350 ppm. If it isn’t balanced it can result in damage to the vinyl lining and you could see mineral deposits in the pool when you open it up next spring. https://blog.intheswim.com/sunbelt-pool-closing-for-off-season-pools/, https://blog.intheswim.com/off-season-pool-care-for-the-sunbelt-pool/, Energy Awareness Month – 7 Ways to Save Around the Pool, Has Fall Landed in your Pool? If you use chlorine shock to close the pool, it’s best to do so about a week before closing.  International Pool and Spa Centers specializes in winter closings that will last a harsh Canadian winter. Let's say you've set up your above-ground pool, filled it with water, and are excited to use it.Before you jump in the water, however, there are a few steps you must take to ensure that your pool is safe for swimmers. These both contain PHOSfree to remove phosphates in the pool. Hi Cathy, I’m wondering if the reagents are bad? If using copper algaecide, it’s best not to overdose, especially with a plaster pool. None of my friends drain or plug the pool. Now is a good time to take stock of your pool closing supplies – winter chemicals, pool cover attachments, plugs and other gizmos used to close the pool. If you have a solid pool cover in great shape, a cheaper or less potent algaecide can be used. Secondly, if it flips over, or if small slivers slip out of the bottom holes, it will discolor or stain pool surfaces. You are correct that chlorine lasts longer in cold water. When you’ve added all of the necessary chemicals and the water’s properly balanced you should allow the filter to run and for about a day to circulate everything. When adding winter chemicals, make sure they run for at least one cycle. It’s in the sun most of the day when the sun is out (Kansas) but temps got very cool. But higher pH level reduce chlorine effectiveness half or more. It is great blog post. Below are a few tips you may want to heed when the time comes to close your pool. Hi, you really don’t need to fill the pool, just balance the chemistry, brush it well, skim the surface and cover it tightly. If you have visible algae, double the dose, and then brush the pool. 30’s to 50’s so water is very cold. Closing an above ground pool at season’s end should be an easy and worry-free process. These chemicals will help to keep the water clean and clear and fight off scale buildup, rust, and algae growth during the winter. Assuming the reagent is good, I would guess that it will come down soon. Not only are pool closing kits extremely convenient, but they’re also a cost-effective way to purchase winterizing chemicals. If your pH is high on the scale, much of your pool shock could be wasted or become ineffective. When closing your above ground pool in a warmer climate, you’ll follow the same steps observed in ‘How to Close Your Above Ground Pool in Colder Climates’, but with a few subtle differences. Shock your pool with Pool Breeze Granular Shock or 12.5% Liquid Shock two days prior to closing. If the water is too acidic you’ll need to add the proper chemicals to lower it and if the water’s too basic it means you should raise the level of acidity to make sure it’s properly balanced.  We have locations across Ontario and our pool experts can help you with any questions you may have. Shock and Chlorinate Your Pool Shocking kills any bacteria that might linger in your pool during the winter. Extreme Leaf Removal. Winter will be here soon, and for snowbelt pool owners, thoughts begin to turn towards closing up the pool for winter. We have our winterizing kit, as you can tell this is my first in ground pool. It’s no coincidence that our Winter Closing Kits contain these exact chemicals, plus a Winter-Sorb to absorb floating oils. Between the chemicals, cold weather, protection from debris and … Keep in mind these differences for above ground pool closing chemicals: Use a non-chlorine pool shock in above ground vinyl pools or plaster pools. How low do you drain an above ground pool for winter? First, shock your pool. Balancing the water Several days prior to closing an above ground pool, test the water for pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness and chlorine. When I opened my above ground pool a week and a half ago, it was real clear (Yay) with a little bit of debris that we failed to get out upon closing but there is not much debris. Poke a small pinhole in the pill, drop it in the pool, and it slowly releases the chemical throughout the winter. Good for all types of algae. So helpful information and tips are greatly appreciated. Never add more than one chemical at a time. Shocking your pool before closing is necessary to kill any “undesirables” in the water. However, a pool closed with algae, or with a loose fitting cover, or older safety covers that allow sun and dust to enter, or one that has a wet spot in the middle from a too-high water level – all could benefit from additional algaecide or shocking with chlorine-free pool shock, when water begins to warm in early spring. Perhaps you also have a good level of stabilizer in the water, helping to keep it high. You should make any debris at the bottom of the pool is vacuumed out and the sides of the pool have been brushed clean. It also depends on the length of your off-season, and how clean and clear the water is when you close. Winter Algaecide: A chelated (non-staining), long-lasting copper algaecide with 3% elemental copper. For pools that are winterized, or closed during winter, the water is essentially stagnant for 7 months, without circulation and filtration. What do I need to do to “winterize” in an area that doesn’t really get winter. I know in the startup instructions, it states to balance the water, is this the case for going straight to winterizing? Stain prevention and metal sequestering chemicals are also available to help winterize your pool. Let me know if you have other questions! Antifreeze is also used to protect a winterized skimmer, as it fills with rain water over the winter. It’s clean burning (leaves behind no residue), and it won’t harm your vinyl liner. The ideal pH level ranges from 7.2 to 7.8. In most cases there is no need to test the water on a covered pool, with exception to a pool with new plaster or whitecoat, which tends to rise in pH level during the first year. You could also use Pool Perfect. There are other winterizing chemicals that you can buy to help keep your pool in tip-top shape for the coming winter. Never drain the pool completely for the winter. These chemicals will help to keep the water clean and clear and fight off scale buildup, rust, and algae growth during the winter. The Easy Way to Close or Winterize Your Pool. For hard water areas, or those with high calcium hardness over 400 ppm, Natural Chemistry has another product called Scale Free. When the number is higher it means the water is more basic. Run the filter overnight to circulate. Make sure to get your water tested by a pool professional so you can put the correct chemicals in your pool as well as the precise amount. If you have a mesh safety cover like I do, all sorts of pollutants, acid rain, pollen, tree sap and algae can wash into the pool all winter long. But there is no need to use this more expensive shock if you are adding it just before closing the pool, unless your (mesh) safety cover lets in a lot of sunlight. Don’t use auto mobile anti-freeze as it could cause damage. If you decide to purchase a winterizing kit be sure to read and follow the directions as carefully as possible. For vinyl pools, non-chlorine pool shock is preferred during winterization. Add the appropriate Winterizing Chemicals to the pool the night before closing it. In the Ultimate winter closing kit, a bottle of Pool Magic is included. If my chlorine level is zero and I add a liquid winterizer, do I need to add chlorine as week before i cover the pool? Before closing your above ground pool, make sure the water is clean, clear and chemically balanced. Adding chemicals such as chlorine and bromine to your above-ground pool is highly important if you want to keep your pool water free from bacteria and other infections. In most cases, yes – lower the water level several inches below the tile line and skimmer. It’s also recommended for salt water pools, to keep sodium in solution and keep it from mixing with organic matter, which can make a pool look dull and dirty. Pool enzymes, popularized by Natural Chemistry, the better it will come soon... For above ground pool once the water, that refers to the level to go down or... 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