Winterizing
must be done as soon as the weather becomes too cold to enjoy the
swimming pool. In warm-weather areas, winterizing may just require
reduction of filtration time from twelve to six hours. In cold areas,
however, winterizing becomes more complicated. Discussed below are
general steps and tips in winterizing. Take note how complicated the
whole process is.
Closing
down pools in very cold areas requires the following steps: 1) blow
the lines – all water lines must be blown using air tank to force
out all the water from the lines; 2) seal the lines – all lines
must be sealed using appropriate plugs to prevent water from
reentering the lines; 3) chemical application – application of
winterization chemicals is a must to inhibit algae growth; 4) cover
the pool – covering the pool by mesh covers prevents water from
rain or snow from getting into the pool and wards-off debris. The
following tips are also important in pool closing: 1) pools with
solid covers require a pump on top of the cover to pump water off the
cover; 2) let air run through the heater; 3) cover the top of the
heater with plywood, not with plastic wrap or any plastic material;
4) keep the sides of the heater exposed so moisture does not get
trapped inside which can cause rusting of heater components.
In
warmer regions freeze protection may just do. Freeze protection is a
feature that turns on the pump when air temperatures gets near the
freezing point, usually activating at around 38 degrees Fahrenheit.
In the absence of freeze protection, it is important to watch the
weather and turn on the pump when freezing temperatures are imminent.
As soon as the temperature starts to warm, chemical test must be
done and the required amount of spring chemicals must be applied to
ensure that the water will be clearer when the pool opened. Never
use anti-freeze on the pool according to pool service Mendham experts.
Opening
the swimming pool requires the following basic steps: 1) remove the
pool cover; 2) remove debris using a leaf net; 2) remove the seal
plugs and return the fitting; 4) start the filter equipment; 5) test
the pool water; 6) brush and vacuum the pool; 7) reinstall all deck
equipment. If the pool has solid cover, it is important to first
pump-off standing water from the cover. The pump may need to be
primed by adding water into the pump basket. This may take several
times to get all the air out of the plumbing. Inspect diving board,
ladders, handrails etc. for wear and damage. Stainless steel should
be cleaned with car wax to help protect them from corrosion. Salt
pools may create extra corrosion which will need to be watched and
maintained throughout the season. Pool water must be allowed to run
in 24 hours before taking a water sample.
Per
pool service Mendham
experts, the whole winterizing process is indeed very tedious,
complicated, and tricky. ‘Do-it-yourself’ may result to ‘trial
and error’. Improper winterization leads to costly damage because
when water freezes it expands to nine percent of its volume; stuck
water when frozen will definitely damage the lines and equipment.
Hence, it is sensible, practical and cost efficient to employ the
services of pool service Mendham
expert in pool winterizing.
