Supplements
Enzymatic treatments are also a good option when winterizing pools. One of the benefits of using these types of products is their ability to prevent a waterline ring around the pool during the closing. Another important function of these treatment products is that they will breakdown complicated structures in the water, leaving chlorine (and algaecides) to effectively do their job.
Borate-based water treatment products also offer superior protection to surfaces as they inhibit corrosion and scale. However, the use of these products does not excuse one from having to balance the water first. That said, its use at closing time is an added insurance policy that the water balance from pool closing to opening will be identical. These products are beneficial for those pools with covers that allow rain and melted snow to enter the pool. 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 one would have to replace to top off the pool when it is opened.
Equipment
In northern regions, it is more than likely for a pool to experience prolonged freezing conditions. Therefore, in these harsh conditions, it would be wise for maintenance 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, placing an anti-freeze solution in the skimmer and plumbing is a cheap insurance policy in the event water retreats into these areas. To provide pool owners even more protection, maintenance professionals should add a sacrificial plug to the skimmer in the event it gets flooded with water.
That said, equipment plugs should be removed and drained on pools in northern regions. Pressure gauges and switches from various components should also be removed 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 for the entire off-season.
Other helpful winterizing devices include: snap-on skimmer closures which can eliminate costly water draining in the winter. These devices are easy to install and help protect the skimmer from freezing in the winter while conserving valuable, treated pool water. Additionally, many pool professionals use a specialized ‘blow out plug’ for pool winterization. These plugs allow air and water to flow freely when pressure is applied and seal with an O-ring. They 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 some located in parts of Western Canada, as well as those in the southern states, the water must be circulated to maintain its appearance. Fortunately, since the activity in and around the pool is significantly less, resulting in slower growth of micro-organisms in the pool, the water can be circulated less than it needs to be during the season.
Water circulation is especially important for those pools that are not completely shut down for the season to avoid water from freezing in the plumbing and equipment. Pools can also be equipped with ‘freeze-guards’ which will automatically turn on the pump in the event the water temperature drops to a certain temperature.
Kevin Vlietstra 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 e-mail at kevinv@havilandusa.com.
