If you live in a colder climate and don’t use your pool during those chillier months, then it’s essential you know how to prepare your pool for the winter.  Fortunately, with just a little extra TLC, you can keep your pool healthy and clean so that it’s ready to go when summer rolls around again. Read on for how to prepare your pool for winter in 3 easy steps.

Step 1: Give It a Thorough Clean

Dedicate one afternoon to completely cleaning out your entire pool.  This includes:

  • Taking out the skimmer basket and filters and removing any leaves, sticks, bugs, or other debris
  • Using a vacuum to suck out any debris that’s floated down to the bottom of the pool
  • Scrubbing the sides of the tiles to remove any algae and bacteria

While cleaning the pool, continue to remove and empty the skimmer basket regularly.  Then finish off the process by backwashing the pool to remove any leftover debris.

Step 2: Storing Your Accessories

All pool toys and equipment need to be stored properly to ensure that it will be usable next season. Don’t forget to give them a rinse and dry so bacteria and algae won’t continue to grow on them, and store them where they will be protected from the elements.

Next, detach all hoses from the skimmers, filters, and pool vacuums, and make sure that all of the water has been drained completely otherwise the hoses may contract or expand, which can cause cracking.  Remove the drainage cap to prevent any excess moisture build-up, and then stop by your filter and see if it has a “Winterize” setting.  If it does, turn it on.

Step 3: Chemically Treating Your Pool

Before you say farewell to your pool for the season, you’ll need to give your pool a final serving of chemicals to help keep the water clean for the next several months.  You’ll need at minimum two cleaning products:

  • A super-chlorinator (or a check treatment)
  • Algaecide

Once the chemical levels are balanced, you’re ready to close up your pool for the winter.

Your Coventry Pool Care Experts

When it comes to the health of your pool, the pool care experts at The Pool Doctor are here with a wealth of knowledge to help you properly close your pool for winter. Stop by our pool supply store in Coventry to speak with our pool care experts today. 

ABOUT THE COMPANY 

The Pool Doctor of Rhode Island is the leading full-service pool and spa company in Rhode Island. Their business had its beginnings in 1987 when co-owner Ron Leclerc began selling pool supplies out of the back of his Camaro. In 2001, Ron and his wife Debbie opened their 7,000-square-foot facility in Coventry. This extensive and beautiful showroom is the result of years of hard work and represents a long-standing tradition of excellence and commitment to giving Rhode Islanders the best pool and spa service, advice, and products.  

From installing vinyl liner inground swimming pools to selling gorgeous Dimension One hot tubs to offering free water-testing and professional service in their store, The Pool Doctor of Rhode Island is your place for everything pool and spa. They are a proud BioGuard Platinum Dealer and also offer a huge selection of other brands of swimming pool and hot tub supplies, including Loop-Loc Pool Safety Covers, above ground pools, and Hayward equipment. But, more than anything, The Pool Doctor of Rhode Island strives to give their customers a wonderful experience from beginning to end. 

Visit The Pool Doctor of Rhode Island at 2200 Nooseneck Hill Road in Coventry or at splashtime.com or give them a call at (401) 392-1300. They serve all of Rhode Island, including Coventry, West Greenwich, East Greenwich, North Kingstown, South Kingstown, Exete