How to Winterize Your Pool After Resurfacing to Prevent Damage

Winterizing your pool after resurfacing is crucial to protect your investment and ensure that your pool remains in excellent condition during the cold winter months. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prevent damage:

Materials You’ll Need:

  1. Pool cover
  2. Pool chemicals (chlorine, pH increaser/decreaser, algaecide)
  3. Pool winterization kit (available at pool  Phoenix Pool Resurfacing supply stores)
  4. Pool skimmer plug or gizzmo
  5. Pool antifreeze
  6. Pool vacuum or automatic cleaner

Steps:

  1. Check the Resurfacing Cure Time: Before starting the winterization process, ensure that your pool’s resurfacing has had enough time to properly cure. This typically takes several weeks, but consult with the installer or manufacturer for specific curing time recommendations.
  2. Balance the Water Chemistry: Test the water chemistry using a pool water testing kit. Adjust the pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness levels to the recommended range. Balancing the water chemistry helps prevent scale buildup and corrosion during the winter.
  3. Clean the Pool: Remove any debris, leaves, and dirt from the pool water using a pool vacuum or automatic cleaner. Ensure that the pool is clean to prevent organic matter from decaying and affecting the water quality.
  4. Lower the Water Level: Lower the water level in the pool to below the skimmer and return lines. This helps prevent freezing and potential damage to the pool equipment.
  5. Clean and Store Pool Equipment: Remove and clean all pool accessories, such as ladders, diving boards, and baskets. Store them in a dry place to protect them from the winter elements.
  6. Winterize the Plumbing: To prevent damage from freezing, you’ll need to blow out the pool plumbing lines or use a pool skimmer plug or gizzmo to protect the skimmer. Add pool antifreeze to the lines to further protect them from freezing.
  7. Add Winter Chemicals: Follow the instructions on your pool winterization kit to add the necessary chemicals to the pool water. Typically, this includes chlorine, algaecide, and other winterizing agents. These chemicals will help keep the water clean and clear during the winter months.
  8. Cover the Pool: Install a properly fitting pool cover to keep debris out and to maintain water temperature. Make sure the cover is secure and free from tears or gaps. Use water bags or other securement methods to hold the cover in place.
  9. Monitor the Pool: Periodically check the pool throughout the winter to ensure that the cover remains secure and that water levels are appropriate. Remove any debris that may accumulate on the cover.
  10. Spring Reopening: When spring arrives and you’re ready to reopen your pool, follow a thorough pool opening checklist to remove the cover, clean the pool, and balance the water chemistry before swimming.

By following these steps, you’ll effectively winterize your pool after resurfacing, preventing damage and ensuring that your pool is ready for enjoyment when warmer weather returns.

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