Checklist for Your Pool’s Winter Hibernation

Being a pool owner is all fun and games all the time…well, almost all the time. Unfortunately, there is a certain time of the year when you have to take precautions to make sure you’ll be able to enjoy your pool in the long run. We’re talking about winter hibernation. Up in the northern states, pool hibernation is a common practice, so pretty much everyone closes down their pool around the same time. In Florida, most people close down their pool, but there are some people that heat their pool for the winter months and just let it run all winter. Chances are, you’ll rarely use your pool during the winter in Florida, so we recommend putting it into hibernation. This will ensure that your pool stays healthy while you aren’t using it, and when you are finally ready to use it, it’ll be just as you left it. When putting your pool into hibernation, it’s very important to proceed with extreme caution. Before you start anything, consult your pool manufacturer’s guide to see what it says about hibernation, as instructions can vary from pool to pool. You will want to follow the directions exactly to ensure nothing unusual happens during hibernation. Let’s be honest, when winter approaches and the holidays come around, the last thing you’ll be thinking about is your hibernating pool.

Step One: A Thorough Autumn Cleaning

Of course, being the amazing pool owner you are, we’re sure your pool gets cleaned multiple times a week and is spotless. Nonetheless, your pool needs to go through a deep clean before it hibernates. You won’t be needing your pool heating system, so before you get your hands dirty, make sure it is turned off. It’s important to do a thorough cleaning of the interior of the pool, scrubbing the sides and vacuuming, because you won’t want any unknown substances in your pool when it hibernates. After you clean the interior, you’ll want to clean out your pool filter, skimmers and your strainer baskets. Lastly, be sure to avoid two common mistakes when shutting down your pool for the winter. The first mistake is turning off your pool pump. This can cause permanent damage to your pool pump, among other things. The second mistake is draining your pool. You should never drain your pool during the winter time, as this can cause damage to the actual structure of your pool.

Step Two: Chemical Adjustments

The second phase of putting your pool to sleep is making the right chemical adjustments. Even though your pool may look spotless, life finds a way. When spring hits, you won’t want your pool looking like a science project. First off, you’ll want to make sure your alkalinity is at about a 7.5 pH level. Secondly, you’ll want to add a lot of chlorine to shock your pool. This will ensure that no organic matter is residing in your pool while it’s hibernating. It is recommended that you keep your pool running for a day after you shock it so you can check the chlorine levels and add more chlorine if needed. Next, drain your pool so it’s below the skimmer valves. Remember, you don’t want to drain your pool entirely. Lastly, talk with your local pool guy about what products are best for hibernating your pool. There are plenty of products on the market that you can pour into your pool as an extra precaution before shutting it down.

Step Three: Closing it Down

The last step of the process will be performing closing measures. You’ll want to remove your floating dispensers, pool ladders and any other loose equipment you might have in the pool. Finally, you are going to cover your pool with a winter pool cover. These are heavy, durable covers that will be able to withstand the elements. This is the main protection for your pool during the winter months, shielding it from the elements, debris, algae and any other unwanted contact. Consult your local pool store about what cover works best for your pool. Most pool covers come with straps, but if you have a nonconforming shaped pool you can always hold the sides in place with something heavy like a cinder block or a brick. Make sure everything is securely fastened, and…you’re done! Don’t forget to take your pool chairs and other accessories inside that you don’t want to get damaged from the cold.

You will still want to check on your pool periodically to make sure the hibernation is going smoothly. Check the chlorine level and make sure the pool cover is securely fastened. This time of year requires a bit more pool maintenance, but it’s for the best. Now it’s time to relax by the fire, sip some hot cocoa and daydream about that awesome inflatable flamingo float you’ll be lounging on come March.