Pool closing techniques: Back to basics: Step-by-step winterizing tips for service pros

by habiba_abudu | December 10, 2019 11:42 am

By Mark Elliott and Codi Keller

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Pools are an excellent way to stay active and have fun in the summer, but for many homeowners who operate their pool in a colder climate, there comes a time at the end of the season when it needs to be winterized. Service professionals should explain to their clients that not winterizing their pool is simply not an option, unless they want a hefty repair bill come spring.

The power of water when it freezes and thaws is absolutely amazing. That said, a pool that is not winterized properly will experience all kinds of damage, including cracked and broken pipes, pumps, and filters.

In addition to winterizing the pool’s entire mechanical system, a service pro needs to ensure the pool shell itself is also protected against frost. The easiest way to protect the shell is to leave it full of water for the winter; therefore, when filling the customer’s pool for winter hibernation, care should be taken to allow room for the water level to rise with rain and snow. Typically, the water level should be 305 to 457 mm (12 to 18 in.) from the normal operating level at the time of winterizing.

To complete the winterizing procedure, the pool’s plumbing should be completely drained by using compressed air to blow out water from the recirculation system. All returns, water inlets, drains, etc., need to be capped or plugged to keep water out. Play features in pools also need to have all the water removed and, in some cases, water features will need to be filled with anti-freeze to prevent low lying fittings from collecting water and freezing.

Service techs should also install expansion devices into items such as skimmers to prevent them from freeze/thaw damage. Once all of the piping has been cleared of water and properly sealed, the pool shell can then be filled, and chemicals added. Drain ports need to be opened up and plugs removed on all equipment in the mechanical room such as pumps, filters, and heaters.

When winterizing a client’s pool it is imperative to take the necessary time required to do it properly. This will avoid any future damage and additional repair costs. Further, taking the proper steps will not only help preserve the condition of the pool and mechanical equipment, but also increase the longevity of the landscaping, buildings, and deck equipment.

Water chemistry and chemicals

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It is imperative the water level in the pool during the winter is below the returns and the correct adjustments are made to the water chemistry within the recommended levels. Further, properly treating the water with the appropriate products will help minimize any occurrences of algae, bacteria, and/or damage to surfaces.

The pool should be thoroughly vacuumed, skimmed, and cleaned. Chemicals used during the season need to be properly stored to prevent breaking and/or getting mixed with another chemical by mistake. Everything should be properly labelled. Be prepared as there will be certain items that will need to be disposed of, such as testing reagents, disinfectants etc., as they will lose their potency over the winter.

White goods

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All white goods need to be removed and stored in a warm environment over the winter so they do not crack. All skimmer baskets, pump baskets, return fittings, and floor drains need to be removed and stored, too. All winterizing plugs and threads need to be greased and used to plug all open lines once the water has been removed. Service pros need to ensure all skimmers, gutter lines, return lines, and main drain lines are plugged. Finally, it is important to make sure the hydrostatic relief valve on the client’s pool is operational.

Filters

All filters need to be cleaned and drained. Sand filters should be thoroughly backwashed and drained. For cartridge filter applications, the filters need to be cleaned and removed. For those clients whose pools are equipped with a diatomaceous earth (DE) filter, the elements need to be removed, cleaned, and inspected for damage so they can be replaced for the next season.

Pumps and valves

All pump room valves need to be opened along with the lid on the pump (if the pool is an above-grade application). However, if the mechanical room is below grade, the valves leading from the pool to the filter should be closed. If the client’s pump and motor will be exposed to weather, it should be disconnected and lubricated before performing seasonal maintenance to the pump so it can be stored indoors. Adding anti-freeze is an additional failsafe to help protect pumps and seals from any residual water left after draining. Cleaning pressure gauges, flowmeters, and thermometers is also good practice.

Electrical and lights

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All fuses and open circuit breakers should be disconnected. If the client’s pool is equipped with any underwater niche lights that will be exposed to the elements, they will need to be removed from their niches. Once removed, they should be bagged and lowered to the bottom of the pool.

Heaters

In addition to draining the pool heater, the drain plugs should be greased and stored in the equipment room for the winter. The gas supply, valves, and pilot lights should be turned off by a certified gas technician.

Deck equipment

Deck equipment, hardware, and non-permanent objects such as ladders, rails, and slides should be removed and put in a weather-protected location. In the case of a public pool, guard chairs, starting blocks, drinking fountains, handicapped lifts, portable ramps, clocks, and diving boards should also be removed and stored. Note: Diving boards should be stored indoors and turned upside down to lay them flat to avoid any warping over the off-season.
Public pool operators should remember to turn off the city water supply to restrooms, showers, sinks, and toilets. As part of the closing process, service pros must make sure everything is drained and anti-freeze is added where necessary. All shower heads, drinking fountain handles, open hose bibs, and fill spouts should also be removed.

Deck furniture (residential and commercial) should also be prepared for winter, too.

Chemical controllers

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If the client’s pool is equipped with an automatic chemical controller, it needs to be disconnected and cleaned. The unit’s probes (sensors) need to be submerged in water and stored in a warm indoor environment. Further, the chemical feeders’ pumps need to be disconnected and cleaned with water before storing them over the winter.

Install the safety cover

There are different ways a pool can be covered for the winter. Installing a cover can prevent damage to the pool, as well as help control staining by keeping external debris out and maintaining the water level and chemicals in the pool.

The best option for the client is a winter safety cover as they are very durable. Further, their mesh construction allows rainwater and melting snow to pass through, but not dirt. They also block sunlight, which inhibits algae growth. They are called safety covers because they can be walked on without the risk of entrapment, which makes them a great option for clients who have kids and/or pets.

Depending on the fabric and brand of the safety cover the client chooses it may come with an extended warranty of two or more years. While they are a larger upfront investment, they are easier to install each winter and stand the test of time. These covers, opposed to a tarp and water bags, are more esthetically pleasing in the backyard—especially when they are installed for six to eight months of the year.

Tarps are relatively cost-effective and will keep sunlight and debris out of the client’s pool; however, when it comes time to open the pool in the spring, these covers can be a lot of work for a pool opening crew to remove. They will hold dirt, debris, and leaves, which makes them incredibly difficult to take off the pool without spending extra time pumping water off the cover and removing the debris. These covers can also become an eyesore for many homeowners when looking at them over a long winter. Further, they do not offer any safety benefits.

Surprisingly, covering a pool over the course of winter is actually not a necessity—especially large commercial pools. In fact, many of these facilities do not use an outdoor cover. In the spring, large trash pumps are used to remove the mud, leaves, twigs, and other debris that may have accumulated over the winter.

It is all in the details

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Closing a pool is a lot more critical and complicated than the opening process; therefore, if it is done incorrectly, it can become a very costly mistake. That said, it should be recommended to clients they work with the same company to perform their pool closing and opening. This ensures consistent workmanship and peace of mind for the homeowner as their service professional is familiar with their pool and knows their equipment inside out.

Keep in mind, following this method means the responsibility—if an error has been made during closing—falls on the hired company. Service companies should follow these closing tips and ensure its closing/opening crews are well-trained. That said, if a homeowner or facility operator decides to open the pool themselves and realize there is winter damage, the company that was hired to close the pool is not likely to take responsibility. It is the responsibility of the homeowner/facility operator to perform due diligence when hiring a company.

Experienced pool technicians should understand what items need to be secured from vandals, as well as what items need to be protected from weather (e.g. moisture and freezing) over the course of the off-season. Some of the off-season issues pools face include: damage to equipment and materials from rust, cold, dampness, condensation, weather conditions, ultraviolet (UV) rays, rodents, and insects. To this end, pool service companies should be prepared to offer their clients with a complete list of services and chemicals included in the closing.

When it comes to shutting pools down for the winter knowledge is essential. For example, if a technician is not aware of the hydrostatic relief valve in the client’s pool, and there is a high groundwater pressure, the shell can pop up and out of the ground. Therefore, a pool company with an experienced seasonal maintenance team is not only important to ensuring the longevity of clients’ pools and equipment, but also eliminating any potential headaches and added expenses.

[7]Mark Elliott is the vice-president of construction for Acapulco Pools in Kitchener, Ont. He has dedicated nearly 15 years to the company and oversees all aspects of the construction process, including purchasing, construction services, and project management to ensure all installations are completed on time and within budget. He can be reached via e-mail at mark@acapulcopools.com.

[8]With an extensive background in aquatics, Codi Keller has the knowledge and experience needed to answer technical questions and address aquatic issues promptly and accurately. She is responsible for co-ordinating the Acapulco Pools service department, including troubleshooting, scheduling technicians, and order processing. She can be reached via e-mail at codi@acapulcopools.com.

Source URL: https://www.poolspamarketing.com/trade/features/pool-closing-techniques-back-to-basics-step-by-step-winterizing-tips-for-service-pros/

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