Pool covers are a great way to protect a pool during the off-season. Remove your cover properly to prevent debris from getting in your pool, and ensure your cover is ready for next fall.
Expansion plugs are recommended to protect against freezing. Inspect all pool pipes for these plugs and remove them as needed. Store them for the next winterization.
Clean the pool filter and backwash the system using a non-corrosive filter cleaner This removes any dirt, insects, oils and other contaminants that have built up during the off-season.
Fill the pool until the water level reaches the middle of the skimmer or the manufacturer’s recommended level. When the water reaches that appropriate level, start the pump and filtration equipment and let it run for 24 hours. For efficient results, vacuum the pool during the refilling process and apply water treatments after the water has risen several inches.
After the pool has been refilled and vacuumed, and the filtration system has run for 24 hours, shock the pool with a non-chlorine shock oxidizer. This breaks up and helps remove organic contaminants.
Balance the water to the proper alkalinity, pH, chlorine and bromine levels. Use unexpired, reliable test strips to test your pool’s
water.
Add a chlorine stabilizer to protect your freshly balanced pool from rapid chlorine loss caused by sunlight. Remember, a bright,
sunny day can reduce your pool’s active chlorine levels by as much as 90 percent in just 2 hours.
Prevent algae from growing and overtaking your newly opened pool by adding algaecide. This works in conjunction with chlorine to
destroy algae. Generally, it is safe to enjoy the pool 30 minutes after adding an algaecide.