Pool Care | How to Winterize a Pool in Warmer Climates | Tampa Florida

Written by Tropical Pool & Pavers - 727.474.2142 - 585 S Duncan Ave Clearwater FL 33756 | 21 October 2012

We live in Florida...pool care is generally easy in the winter, right? I mean, how much of a winter do we really have? Do I really have to learn how to winterize a pool?

The answer is YES! Although "winter" in Florida is hardly a winter, if you want your pool to last, you still need to learn how to winterize a pool. Proper pool care is very important to keep yourself from having to pay for costly fixes in the future. Weather is pretty unpredictable, even in Florida, so it is always good to know how to winterize a pool to keep your pool healthy.

This is a general list to learn how to winterize a pool in Tampa, Florida, and may not be true to your particular pool. If you have any questions about how to winterize a pool, don't feel comfortable doing it by yourself, or just want a professional to do it for you, please contact your Tampa Pool Builders, Tropical Pools and Pavers.

5 Important Steps to Learn How to Winterize a Pool | Tropical Pools and Pavers

1. Balance your chemicals!
2. Drain all pipes and make sure you lower your water level
3. Clean your pool very good
4. Remove all pool accessories
5. Put your pool cover on

Balancing your Chemicals

Prior to closing your pool, make sure all your chemicals are balanced. Don't make the mistake of thinking just because your pool isn't being used, that you don't have to balance the chemicals. That is not true. Make sure your chemicals are balanced properly!
Drain all Pipes and Make Sure you Lower your Water Level
It's typical to lower your pool's level between 3-5 inches beneath the lowest level of plumbing. Make sure to clear all the water from every filter, pump, heater, and/or chlorinator. If there is ANY water left behind it can freeze and damage your pool.

Clean your Pool Very Good

Clear any debris you may find in your pool before you cover it up. Leaves cause algae to bloom, can stain your liner, and/or cause several more problems when you reopen it.

Remove all Pool Accessories

Make sure any and everything is removed from your pool: toys, diving board, ladder, handrails, etc. Cold weather can damage these things.

Put your Pool Cover on

Make sure there are no gaps or holes once you put your cover on your pool that would allow any debris to get in the pool.

After you've Winterized your Pool

Once you've finished winterizing your pool, there are a few maintenance tips that we suggest you do to avoid problems. By following these simple steps, you can make sure your pool will be ready to jump into when the temperatures start getting warmer:

• Check every few days to make sure your cover is secure
• Test your water every two weeks to make sure it's still balanced properly
• If you chose to not drain your pipes, make sure you watch the weather forecast. If it's going to be below 32 degrees, make sure you run the pump continuously until it warms back up above 32.

Winterizing a pool can be pretty tedious work, but don't worry, we can help!

Contact Tropical Pools and Pavers for all of your Tampa, Florida pool needs.