Supplements
Enzymatic treatments are a good option when closing pools for the season. The benefits many pool professionals tip their hats to when using these types of products is their ability to prevent a waterline ring from forming around the pool during the closing. While an important function, these chemistries will breakdown complicated structures in the water, allowing chlorine (and algaecides) to effectively do their jobs.
Borate based water treatments offer superior protection to surfaces as they inhibit corrosion and scale. Use of these products will not excuse one from having to balance the water initially. However, its use at closing time is an added insurance policy that the water balance will be identical from closing to open. This could be a great benefit for those pools with covers that allow rain and melted snow to enter the water. Borate’s natural clarifying ability can help maintain water clarity during the off-season as well.
Anywhere there is exposed water during off-season care, evaporation is likely to occur. Placing a solar cover on the water or using a specialty liquid formula that mimics a solar cover can help reduce evaporation. The benefit of either one (or both) will reduce the amount of time or at least the amount of water that will be needed to top off the pool.
Equipment
In Northern climates, it is likely for pools to experience prolonged freezing conditions. In these harsh settings, it is wise for pool professionals to vacate the water from everywhere but the pool itself. This includes the pump, filter, heater, skimmer, and effluent and influent line.
After evacuating the plumbing lines service technicians should use an anti-freeze solution in the skimmer and plumbing as it is a cheap insurance policy should water retreat into these areas. For even more protection, add a sacrificial plug to the skimmer in the event it becomes flooded with water.
In Northern areas, equipment plugs should be left removed and drained. Also, service technicians should consider removing pressure gauges and switches from the various components as they typically have a small amount of water remaining in them. If there is a multi-port valve attached in the equipment system it should be moved to the closed position, or at least in-between valve positions, so the gasket does not rest in one position throughout the off-season.
Other helpful winterizing devices include items such as snap-on skimmer closures that can eliminate costly water draining in the winter. These devices are easy to install and help protect the skimmer from freezing, while at the same time conserve valuable, treated pool water. In addition, many pool professionals use a specialized ‘blow out plug’ for pool winterization. This plug allows air and water to flow freely when pressure is applied and seals with an O-ring. It can even function as a hydrostatic relief valve or a multi-directional return fitting.
If the pool is not covered, as is the case with pools in more southern locations, the water must be circulated to maintain its appearance. Fortunately, since the activity both in and around the pool is significantly reduced, there is less contaminates in the pool and the growth of algae is slower; therefore, the water can be circulated less than it would be during the season. Circulation is going to be important to those who do not completely shut down the pool to avoid the plumbing and equipment from freezing. Pools can be equipped with ‘freeze-guards’ which will automatically turn on the pump in the event the water retreats to a certain temperature.
Conclusion
All pool professionals have their own method to closing pools. Some use anti-freeze, some do not. Some like adding chlorine, while others use non-chlorine alternatives. Some cover the pool when it is not necessary, while others do not. Regardless, of where, when, or how the pool is closed, the purpose of winterizing is to ensure that when the sun and hot weather returns, the customer’s pool is ready to be turned back on with minimal effort. Incorporating just a few of these recommendations as part of a service technician’s winterizing program could help reduce their efforts further during pool opening season.
Kevin is the technical director and regulatory specialist with Haviland Pool and Spa Products. He has been working in the recreational water industry for more than 20 years. He can be reached via email at kevinv@havilandusa.com.
