Pool Winterizing Chemicals & Products
Winterizing your pool has never been so easy. Choose from either the above ground or inground pool category to get started. Don't forget to order water tubes, pillows and clips to keep your cover safe and secure.
With all the maintenance you give your pool during the swimming season, show it the same love and protection during the off-season with durable pool covers for winter, along with other top pool winterizing accessories and pool supplies from Pool Supply Unlimited!
Pool Closing Chemicals
One of the first steps to winterizing your pool is preparing the pool water. If water is unbalanced and untreated before closing, you could be faced with a good deal of clean up and maintenance work come spring. To help make the pool closing process easy, many of our pool closing chemicals are sold as all-in-one pool closing chemical kits that have been pre-measured based on pool size and include step-by-step instructions to simplify the pool closing process.
How to Winterize a Pool
If you live in an area that sees freezing temperatures during the winter, it's imperative to winterize your pool before the temperatures drop significantly. This process ensures all your equipment will be usable next season, and it should prevent algae and bacteria from taking over during the winter months.
To winterize your pool, follow these steps:
- Step One: Remove All Equipment - This includes ladders, chlorine floaters, slides, diving boards, and anything else that can get damaged when frozen. Let everything dry thoroughly before storing it in a secured area (i.e., a shed).
- Step Two: Clean the Pool - The cleaner your pool is before winterizing, the less work you'll have to do next season. A thorough vacuuming and skimming help prevent algae and bacterial growth.
- Step Three: Balance the Water - Check the chlorine and pH levels. You may have to wait a few days to ensure the water is properly balanced before moving on to the next steps.
- Step Four: Add Pool Shock and Algaecide - These chemicals help kill any bacteria and algae currently in your water. This way, they won't grow as much during the winter.
- Step Five: Drain the Pool Slightly - Draining water from the top of the pool helps prevent substantial damage from freezing. If there's too much water, the weight and expansion could damage the liner, leading to expensive repairs later on. Aim for about two inches below the skimmer line.
- Step Six: Remove Water From the Lines - Water in the intake and filtration lines can freeze and damage the pipes. Use a shop vacuum or something similar to blow any water out of the lines. If you're really worried about freezing damage, you can fill them with antifreeze before plugging the openings.
- Step Seven: Cover the Pool With a Safety Cover - Pool safety covers are ideal for winterizing because they prevent people and animals from falling into the water. These covers need to be anchored, so make sure you have sufficient anchor points around the pool.
How to Winterize an Above Ground Pool
The steps for winterizing an above ground pool are the same, but you may need to remove the filter and any other mechanical components so they don't get damaged over the winter.
The only unique step to winterizing an above-ground pool is adding an ice equalizer pillow in the center of the pool. You have to secure the pillow with a rope (or to the cover itself). This piece ensures the cover doesn't touch the water and freezes to it. Typically, pool cover warranties are voided if you don't use a pillow.
Which Pool Winterizing Chemicals Do I Need?
There are a handful of unique winterizing chemicals you'll need, including:
- Pool Shock - Kills bacteria and destroys contaminants.
- Algaecide - Kills existing algae and helps prevent new growth.
- Antifreeze (Optional) - Prevents pool lines from freezing.
You also may need chemicals to raise or lower the pH and chlorine to ideal levels before closing the pool for the season.
Should I Use an Above Ground Pool Cover for Winter?
Yes! And for a few important reasons. A winter pool cover for above ground pools will keep environmental debris out of your pool water. This includes rain or snow water, dirt, leaves, falling branches, and sunlight (hint: without sunlight, algae cannot grow!). Winter covers are also great at blocking sunlight from entering the pool, which can help prevent water evaporation and algae growth.
How Are Winter Covers Different from Safety Covers?
While it may seem that winter covers and pool safety covers are the same, there are some differences between the two options. The primary job of a winter cover is to keep debris and water out of your pool while it’s closed for the season. Safety covers keep debris out of your pool as well as serving as an essential layer of security to keep individuals, pets, and critters out of the pool. Winter pool covers are a great option for above ground pools where the risk of accidentally falling into the pool is lower. We recommend safety pool covers for inground pools to ensure peace of mind and security while the pool is closed for the winter.
Choosing an Above Ground Pool Cover
Unlike inground pools, which have the option of safety covers or winter covers, above ground pools only have the option of winter covers. This means you'll only need to distinguish the size and shape you need your pool cover to be and the warranty length you'd like to have on it. For instance, our winter covers for above ground pools have the strength and durability of covers costing twice as much, and since they are woven with a strong, durable polyethylene tape, you won't have to worry about winter weather wreaking havoc on it. You'll find our pool covers in various sizes and with 8, 12, 15, and 20-year warranties for added peace of mind.
Additional Necessary Pool Winterizing Supplies
Beyond winterizing chemicals, the only other supplies you need include:
- Winter Safety Cover
- Air Pillow (if applicable)
- Safety Cover Anchors
- Shop Vacuum or blower
- Towels to dry equipment
Should I Use an Above Ground Pool Cover for Winter?
Yes! And for a few important reasons. A winter pool cover for above ground pools will keep environmental debris out of your pool water. This includes rain or snow water, dirt, leaves, falling branches, and sunlight (hint: without sunlight, algae cannot grow!). Winter covers are also great at blocking sunlight from entering the pool, which can help prevent water evaporation and algae growth.
How Are Winter Covers Different from Safety Covers?
While it may seem that winter covers and pool safety covers are the same, there are some differences between the two options. The primary job of a winter cover is to keep debris and water out of your pool while it’s closed for the season. Safety covers keep debris out of your pool as well as serving as an essential layer of security to keep individuals, pets, and critters out of the pool. Winter pool covers are a great option for above ground pools where the risk of accidentally falling into the pool is lower. We recommend safety pool covers for inground pools to ensure peace of mind and security while the pool is closed for the winter.
Choosing an Above Ground Pool Cover
Unlike inground pools, which have the option of safety covers or winter covers, above ground pools only have the option of winter covers. This means you'll only need to distinguish the size and shape you need your pool cover to be and the warranty length you'd like to have on it. For instance, our winter covers for above ground pools have the strength and durability of covers costing twice as much, and since they are woven with a strong, durable polyethylene tape, you won't have to worry about winter weather wreaking havoc on it. You'll find our pool covers in various sizes and with 8, 12, 15, and 20-year warranties for added peace of mind.
At Pool Supply Unlimited, we're your year-round partner for all things pool-related. From essential winterizing accessories to everything you need for spring and summer enjoyment, we make sure you get the most out of every pool season. Let us be your guide and ally in pool care and fun!
Don't let the process of pool closing and winterizing overwhelm you. Our blog offers easy-to-follow guidance on how to winterize a swimming pool, ensuring a stress-free experience. We provide a comprehensive range of supplies, from pool safety covers and fittings to fun toys and games, to pool & spa lighting. Pool Supply Unlimited is your one-stop shop for keeping your pool in top condition throughout the years. Shop with us today and dive into a world of effortless pool maintenance and endless enjoyment!