The arrival of winter is a time of year that many Minnesota pool owners dread. Not only does it mean you won’t get to take a swim for at least five months, you’ll also need to winterize your swimming pool before the subzero temperatures and big snowfalls. If you’re a new pool owner who has never gone through this process before or a long-time pool owner who still needs a refresher, check out this handy guide to pool winterization in Minnesota.
The Steps to Winterizing Your Pool
1. Get It Clean – The last thing you want to do is trap a bunch of dirt and germs in your pool over the winter. That’s why the first step to winterizing a pool in Minnesota is to thoroughly clean it out. Use nets and, if necessary, a pool vacuum to remove all fallen leaves and other debris. Then, scrub off the bottom and the sides of your pool to dislodge any algae or other gunk. Only when your pool looks pristine should you move on to the next step.
2. Balance the Water Chemistry – You might not expect algae and bacteria to accumulate in your pool over the winter in Minnesota but that can easily happen if your water chemistry is imbalanced. Test your pool water and adjust as needed to achieve the following levels:
a. Alkalinity: 80 to 150 ppm
b. Calcium Hardness: 175 to 225 ppm
c. Chlorine: 1 to 3 ppm
d. pH Level: 7.2 to 7.6
3. Lower Water Level & Drain Equipment – These next steps go hand-in-hand. Lower the water level of your swimming pool to be about a foot below where the skimmer sits. While you’re at it, drain your pool filters, pumps and any other equipment to prevent freezing damage during the winter. Don’t forget to blow out your water lines and add some antifreeze before plugging them up, too. Once that’s all done, you can remove your pool filters and store them in a garage, basement or shed for the winter.
4. Prevent Algae & Bacteria Growth – Preventing the growth of bacteria and algae during the winter is an important step to pool winterization in Minnesota. First, use shock to eradicate all bacteria from your pool and then wait until the chlorine levels in your pool have gone down. Then, add algaecide so that your pool won’t turn green by next spring. Be sure to use the right dosages for your pool and to distribute these chemicals evenly.
5. Cover It – The final step to winterizing your pool in Minnesota is pretty self-explanatory. Find a good, sturdy winter cover and secure it over your pool to protect it from the elements until next spring.
Need Professional Help to Winterize Your Swimming Pool?
Getting a pool ready for winter can be quite the chore, and it might be best to get the help you need from your top local pool experts. Get in touch with Poolside today if you’d like us to assist you with pool winterization or any other pool services you might need in Minnesota!
