Labor Day weekend is over, and the patio furniture and grill are ready to be wrapped up for the season. The average homeowner is searching out the gardening gloves and rakes in the garage, and thinking about where to put the jack-o-lanterns this year.
One home amenity that tends to get overlooked is the pool. Whether in-ground or above-ground, the pool is often covered for the season and left to sit until Spring. When uncovered, a soupy green paste emerges for the pool owner to deal with. Draining and refilling the pool is an option at that point, but in many areas water can be costly or the water can’t be dumped on the ground.
Winterizing
If you live in an area where temperatures can dip below freezing, you will want to winterize your pool. Winterizing involves ensuring that any plumbing that is exposed or below ground is drained of water and filled with air or a non-toxic antifreeze. This ensures that pipes will not freeze and crack, creating a ruined pool.
All inlets and outlets of the pool can be sealed with caps or expansion plugs that are available at most local hardware stores. Once the expansion plugs are put in place and secure, the pipes can then be evacuated of water. Where the plumbing meets the pump of the pool, a breakable union can be installed in the piping. This union can be opened and the pipes can be vacuumed out with a wet-dry vacuum or blown out with an air compressor. For a few dollars more, non-toxic RV type antifreeze can be pumped into these lines to ensure any water left in the pipe is mixed with antifreeze, and won't turn to ice.
Winterizing can usually be done while the pool is full, but for safety reasons, two persons should be present if any plugs are to be installed underwater. Once completed, the pool can be left full of water in the winter, saving the owner from a costly water bill.
Blow Out Plugs
For in-ground pools, hydrostatic relief valves, or blow out plugs, should be located in the main drain box of the pool. These plugs are meant to open and allow ground water into the pool if the ground water creates significant pressure on the shell of the pool. If these don’t work, or if they aren’t installed, and the ground water pressure is too high, it will cause the pool shell to crack, or in the worst case, the pool can float like a toy boat in a bath tub. The most dangerous times and places for this to occur are in the Spring and Fall, or in areas that are at or below sea level.
To check on these plugs, empty the pool and access the main drain box of the pool. The plugs should look like small caps in the bottom of the drain box. The plugs will have spring activated lids that lift up and should re-seat cleanly. The rubber seals on the plugs should be clean and not cracked or expanded. The springs should be fairly clean and rust free. Remember, these plugs are what’s keeping nasty, muddy ground water out of your pool, so their proper operation is essential! Replace them at the first indication they are wearing out.
Pool Covers
Before closing a pool for the winter, be sure it is totally free of any organics. Leaves, earthworms, mice, and even deer have found their way into pools, creating a dirty job in the Spring. Fall leaves that lie on the bottom of a pool can leave unsightly stains. Organics in the pool, such as any plant or animal matter, will create a green, smelly body of water over time.
Once the pool is completely clean, a pool cover should be installed to keep it that way. Pool covers come in a variety of strengths, shapes, and sizes. A pool owner should concentrate most on a proper fitting cover first, and style second. A poorly fitting cover will let in anything it’s meant to keep out, so stress function over looks.
Once covered, adding algaecide to the pool will keep the water clean all winter long. Algae will grow in water that is not chlorinated, specifically when the air temperature begins to reach 50 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. Adding algaecide as recommended will keep the water free of algae, and allow for clean and clear water to be maintained from Fall through the pool’s opening day.
Keeping the pool healthy and clean for the winter is no easy task, but a few hours in the Fall can allow the owner to uncover a clean, clear pool in the Spring.
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