As winter approaches in Ottawa, taking steps to protect your pool from the harsh cold is essential. Winterizing isn’t just about covering it up and hoping for the best. Ottawa winters are no joke – freezing temperatures and heavy snow can wreak havoc on your pool if it’s not prepared properly. Pipes can freeze, equipment can crack, and your pool could be left with expensive damage to fix when spring rolls around.
The good news is, by taking the time to winterize your pool, you’re not only protecting your investment but also making your life easier when it’s time to open up again. A properly winterized pool will need less cleaning and fewer repairs when the snow finally melts. You’ll be able to jump in sooner, without the headache of dealing with frozen pipes or damaged equipment.
Winter care might seem like a chore, but it’s a vital part of pool ownership. The more attention you give your pool now, the less time you’ll spend fixing issues later.
So, let’s dive into the steps you need to take to keep your backyard oasis safe and sound through the long Ottawa winter.
Step 1: Thoroughly Clean Your Pool
Before you start the winterization process, giving your pool a thorough clean is key. Leaving leaves, dirt, or debris in the pool over the winter can lead to staining, algae growth, and a much harder cleaning job when it’s time to reopen in the spring.
Even though the pool will be out of use for a few months, it’s still important to make sure everything is spotless before closing it down.
Start by skimming the surface to remove any floating leaves or debris. If you have a pool vacuum, now’s the time to give the pool floor a good clean. Pay special attention to areas where debris tends to gather, like steps or corners. Dirt left behind can become a problem during the winter months, especially if it starts to break down.
Don’t forget to clean out the skimmer basket and pump basket as well. They often collect small bits of debris that, if left unattended, can cause issues over the winter. You can also brush down the sides and bottom of the pool to remove any algae or dirt stuck to the surfaces. Doing all this prep work now will make a huge difference come spring, and you’ll thank yourself when you don’t have a big mess to clean up later.
Step 2: Balance the Water Chemistry
Once your pool is clean, it’s time to balance the water chemistry. This step is crucial for protecting your pool from corrosion and scale buildup during the cold months. Even though you won’t be swimming in it, the water in your pool needs to stay in good condition while it’s closed.
Start by testing the water’s pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness levels. The goal is to keep everything balanced to prevent damage to the pool’s surfaces and equipment. A pH level between 7.2 and 7.6 is ideal for winterization. If the pH is too low, it can cause corrosion in the pool’s pipes and equipment, while a pH that’s too high can lead to scale buildup.
You should also adjust the alkalinity and calcium hardness to the recommended levels.
Alkalinity helps stabilize the pH, and calcium hardness prevents the water from becoming too soft, which can damage plaster and other surfaces. If you’re not sure about the exact levels, a pool winterizing kit can make things easier by providing all the chemicals you need in one go. Taking the time to balance the water now will protect your pool through the winter and make reopening it in the spring much smoother.
Step 3: Lower the Water Level
When preparing your pool for winter, it’s important to lower the water level. This step helps prevent freeze damage to your pool’s plumbing and equipment. You’ll want to drop the water level just below the skimmer, which allows for any expansion from freezing water without putting stress on your pool’s infrastructure.
Start by using your pool’s filter system to drain the water down. Most pools in Ottawa are equipped with systems that make it easy to lower the water level without too much hassle. Keep an eye on the waterline as it drops, making sure it’s just below the skimmer opening. If you go too far, you risk exposing too much of the pool liner or surface, which can also lead to problems. The goal is to strike that balance where the pool is protected from freeze damage, but the structure remains safe.
It’s also worth checking local guidelines or specific manufacturer recommendations for lowering water levels in Ottawa’s climate. Our winters can be particularly harsh, so taking extra care at this stage is essential.
By making sure the water level is lowered to the right point, you’ll avoid major headaches when the temperatures dip below freezing.
Step 4: Drain Pool Equipment
Draining your pool equipment is one of the most important parts of winterizing. If water is left inside the pump, filter, heater, or pipes, it can freeze and expand, causing expensive damage.
This is especially important in Ottawa, where the cold winters can freeze even small amounts of water left behind in the system.
Start by turning off all the equipment, then use the drain plugs on the pump, filter, and heater to let the water out. Don’t forget to remove the hoses connected to the pump and filter as well. Even a small amount of trapped water can cause problems once the freezing weather hits. If your system has a blower or air compressor, it can help blow out any remaining water in the lines, making sure everything is completely drained.
Once the water is out, leave the plugs off and store them somewhere safe. This helps avoid any accidental buildup of condensation over the winter. If your pool has an automatic cover pump or other connected devices, make sure they’re drained and stored properly too. By fully draining your pool’s equipment, you’ll protect it from freezing and ensure it’s ready to go when spring arrives.
Step 5: Add Winter Chemicals
Adding winter chemicals is a crucial part of preparing your pool for the cold months ahead. These chemicals help protect your pool water from algae growth, scaling, and staining while it sits unused through Ottawa’s winter. Without them, you could be greeted by murky green water and stubborn stains when it’s time to reopen your pool in the spring.
Start by adding an algaecide, which helps prevent any algae from taking hold in the water while it’s covered. Even though it’ll be too cold for swimming, algae can still grow in stagnant water if it’s not treated.
Next, shock the pool with chlorine or a non-chlorine shock treatment. This will eliminate any bacteria or contaminants left in the water, ensuring it stays clean throughout the winter.
You might also want to add a stain and scale prevention product. This helps prevent mineral buildup and scaling on the pool walls and equipment, especially if your water has a high calcium content.
Most pool supply stores offer winterizing kits with all the necessary chemicals in one package, making this step simple and hassle-free. Once the chemicals are in, circulate the water for a few hours to make sure they’re evenly distributed. Properly treating the water now will make opening your pool in the spring a lot easier, with clearer water and fewer issues to deal with.
Step 6: Cover Your Pool Properly
Once the water is treated and the equipment is drained, the final step is covering your pool. A high-quality pool cover is essential for keeping out leaves, debris, and harsh winter elements. It also helps maintain the chemical balance in your pool, protecting it from contamination during the off-season.
Choose a durable cover that can handle Ottawa’s snowy and windy winters. If you don’t already have a safety cover, it might be worth considering. These covers not only protect your pool but also provide a safety barrier for children and pets.
When installing the cover, make sure it’s pulled tight across the pool and secured firmly to prevent any sagging. If your cover sags, it can allow water and debris to collect in the centre, which could lead to damage.
Some homeowners like to use water bags or cover weights to keep the cover in place. These can help in particularly windy areas, ensuring your pool stays sealed throughout the season. Take a little extra time to ensure everything is snug and secure. A properly fitted cover will protect your pool and make reopening it in the spring a breeze.
Conclusion: Protect Your Investment Year-Round
Winterizing your pool is more than just a seasonal task – it’s essential for keeping your pool in great shape year after year. Taking the time to properly close your pool ensures it stays clean, damage-free, and ready to enjoy when the warmer months return. With Ottawa’s harsh winters, skipping any step can lead to costly repairs and extra work in the spring.
If you’re unsure about any part of the winterization process or simply want the peace of mind that comes with expert care, Edgewater Pools is here to help.
Our team offers professional winterization services that keep your pool safe from the elements, so you can focus on enjoying your backyard oasis when the snow finally melts. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and make sure your pool is ready for the winter ahead.
