Steps To Winterizing Your Swimming Pool
The winter months are rapidly approaching, which means it’s time to start thinking about winterizing your pool. Not only will this save you money on maintenance in the long run, but it will also make reopening easier in the spring.
Here are four crucial steps to winterizing your pool so that it stays trouble-free throughout the winter:
BALANCE YOUR CHEMICALS
Giving your pool a final shock treatment before winter will help to minimize algae blooms and mold and limit the amount of spring cleaning required.
LEAVE WATER IN YOUR POOL
Drain your pool just below the skimmer and jet level.
PREVENT FROZEN WATER IN YOUR LINES
Be sure to drain the water from your filter, pump, heater, and chlorinator. To prevent moisture from entering the system, blow out the lines using an air compressor or a Shop-Vac, then plug them with suitable-sized plugs.
COVER YOUR POOL AND STORE EQUIPMENT
Cover your pool to prevent any debris from entering the water, and store all pool equipment such as filters, deck furniture, toys, ladders, slides, diving boards, pool skimmers, and cleaners in a temperature-controlled room.
Here are some more checklist items to help you get ready for the upcoming Fall and Winter season:
INTERIOR
Have your heating system cleaned and inspected by a qualified technician
Replace your furnace filter in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct, as well as the space under and behind the dryer
Remove any lint or dust that may have accumulated inside your dryer in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendation
For wood-burning fireplaces – have your chimney inspected, cleaned, and maintained by a professional
Clean your fireplace
Seal showers and bathtub tiles
Check electrical breakers
Check electrical outlets for loose-fitting plugs or receptacles
Be sure not to overload electrical outlets
Check your fire extinguisher and confirm that it is fully charged and ready for operation
Inspect your smoke detectors – test them monthly to ensure they are fully operational and change the batteries annually or as needed
EXTERIOR
Disconnect garden hoses, drain exterior taps, and blow out irrigation sprinkler lines
Check and clean deck drains
Apply a sealer to the driveway and exterior concrete
Check the foundation for leakage or damage
Clean gutters and downspouts to keep debris from accumulating – this is especially important during the fall season when leaves may collect in gutters
Check gutters for damage and confirm they are securely attached to the house
Check roof for defects
Remove ice dams as snowfalls
Remove snow build up around doors
Check and clean window wells and windows
Check and repair caulking around doors and windows that show signs of deterioration
Check weather stripping and adjust if necessary
As Kelowna custom home builders, we want to remind all of our homeowners that regular home maintenance is required to ensure you maintain your home warranty. Make sure you are checking off each item in the Travelers Canada New Home Maintenance Manual of your Home Warranty Binder.