WIN This Winter

As the days get colder and shorter, your pool might be the last thing on your mind. This winter, let's save your pool, instead!

For most people, a family swimming pool is a feature reserved for the scorching hot rays of summer and spring, tucked away or forgotten in the fall and winter. Often, the backyard pool may be neglected in winter preparations. This can lead to freezing or even damage to your pool!

Winterization

Make sure your pool is prepared for winter! Winterization, or "pool closing", is the process of preparing a swimming pool for disuse in the colder months. While there are other alternatives to winter pool use, pool winterization is vastly preferred by many families and home owners. In a Tulsa Pool Boys winterization, our technicians blow out any water in the pool's skimmer and return lines, plugging each end to prevent additional water from returning. Then, they drain all water from the pool equipment (filter, pump, etcetera) and remove any lingering water. Throughout this process, our technicians perform our standard swimming pool leak detection, pressure testing each line to check for potential existing leaks or damage. In warmer weather, this may optionally include a dive test of the pool's main drain(s). Depending on client preference, the TPB winterization service ends with covering the pool with a tarp and anchoring it in place.

Our technician team recommends having a clean pool with balanced chemicals for at least a week prior to closing, as well as water that has been 65° or lower for a week. These prerequisites help prevent complications like algae or other bacteria buildup while the pool is closed for the winter.

Freezing Protection

Already closed your pool? Great work! Pool winterization goes a long way in preventing many common problems that arise in pools in colder weather. How else can you work to prevent damage to your swimming pool while it isn't in use?

Pool equipment or other plumbing that remains unprotected in below freezing temperatures may be prone to freezing or even breaking. While some may be completely exposed and survive the winter, many form cracks caused by ice in subzero weather— it can depend largely on the surrounding area and general location.

Especially for residents that live in places that may be colder, such as on a hill or near water, we recommend enclosing your pool equipment to help negate the risk of freezing. There are some temporary solutions you may employ for the coldest days of the year, though the more permanent solution would be to invest in a structure like a fence or shed around your swimming pool equipment. This helps to minimize the wind chill and create a barrier from the cold air or moisture.

Have more questions about how to safeguard your pool against winter weather? Ask a Pool Boy! Connect with Tulsa Pool Boys via our website chat, email, phone, or social media!

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