How to Install Winter Pool Covers

Hi everyone!

Winter is set to arrive and sadly, we need to close our fun basin. Fun memories during summer are fading away. This is not the usual time people to think about swimming pools, but this is an important time to pay attention to our pool.

This is my first instructable and I want my debut a good one. Winterizing is the only way to protect our pool from harsh snow and cold air. If you failed to winterize and cover you pool, ready your wallet for the pricey repairs.

Before we start, ready your materials: Winterizing chemicals, chemical test kit, chlorine shock, net skimmer, winter pool cover, wire, and shop vacuum.

Step 1: Clean Your Swimming Pool

Debris like leaves, bugs, pine needles, and any dirt must be removed prior to covering your pool. Never leave these debris as they can clog in your skimmer. Use net skimmer to remove these debris on the pool surface. Filters can also be a big help. Be O.C. enough in removing the dirt so that your pool will be ready for use upon opening.

Step 2: Balance the Water Chemistry

Mark my word, these chemicals are the ultimate savior of our pool. Before closing your pool, check the chemical balance of your water. This step helps you to check if your pool water is okay. Make sure the following figures are attained when balancing the chemicals:

pH: 7.2 – 7.6
Alkalinity: 80 - 120 ppm
Calcium Hardness: 180 - 220 ppm

Use chemical test kit to check if the mentioned chemicals are balanced. Then powder your pool with chlorine shock. Pour in the other winterizing chemicals. Chemicals preserve the quality of your water during the winter.

Step 3: Lower the Water Level

Lower your pool water until it reaches below the skimmer's mouth. Ensure that there's no water left inside the throat. The freezing water might damage your skimmer. Some pools don't require lowering the water because owners use skimmer cover. On lowering the pool water, you can use submersible pump or filter pump.

Step 4: Drain All the Equipments

Pumping, filtering, and heating equipments must be absolutely drained. These equipments have drain plugs to remove the water inside. If you didn't drain the water, it will freeze resulting your equipments to damage. You can use a shop vacuum to drain the water inside. Other pool accessories like DE Grids and filter cartridges should be removed. If possible, disconnect your pool pumps and keep it indoors.

Step 5: Cover

Winter pool covers are available at any pool supplies store. You have to acquire a pool cover with an allowance in size for better covering. Your cover should not have any holes where leaves and other dirt can pass. Cover it tightly using a thin sturdy wire. Run the wire into the holes. If any, you may use water bags or aqua blocks to give weight on the pool cover so it won't come off. Before filling in with water bags, put some antifreeze chemical on the water.

The instruction is easy as 1-2-3-4-5. After doing this, roll yourself in the snow bed until spring arrives.