5 Winter Damage Preventative Tips

Winter is coming… Are you ready?

With winter quickly approaching it is time to close your pool if you have not already completed the task.   Here we have 5 Tips to help you prevent Winter Damage this season.

1. Check the pool and surrounding area for leaks before you close.– It is cheaper to address a leak in the fall than in the spring as water loss can cause structural damage to the pool.

Use the following steps to determine if your pool is leaking:

1. Bring the pool water to normal level. Fill a 5-gallon bucket with pool water to about five inches from the top.
2. Place the bucket on the first or second step of the pool. Ensure the bucket is immersed in the pool at least 5 inches.
3. Mark the water level inside the bucket.
4. Shut off the pump and mark pool water level on the outside of the bucket.
5. Resume normal pool pump operation.
6. After 24 hours, compare the two water levels. If the pool water (outside the mark) goes down more than the bucket’s water level, there is probably a leak. If levels are the same, only evaporation has occurred.

2. Partially drain the pool, to just below the return lines. – With our winter temperatures dropping as low as they can here in the Maritimes, we need to do this in order to prevent freezing issues and causing cracks.

•  Set your filter to “waste” or “drain” and partially drain your pool, usually at least 4” – 6” below your skimmer and returns. You will need to create a suction force after the water goes below the skimmer.  Consider a garden hose or a sub pump.

 3. Use a Styrofoam plug in your skimmer.– This high density foam is meant to keep the water / ice out of the skimmer, protecting and preserving your pool skimmer from winter freezing.

 4. Use a winter cover. – A winter cover serves several purposes.  It protects the liner from tearing due to fallen debris during storms.  It will keep out leaves, which can break down into tannins and cause staining.  It will also prevent an ugly mess in the spring as the expense of cleaning up the algae, staining, and smelly water can be quite high.

5. Add a high grade, lubricating, -50 degree Celsius anti-freeze to your pump and pool lines – like our BioGuard Hiber Anti-Freeze.–  Anti-Freeze will prevent the pump from seizing and will keep cracks from forming in the lines.

• You want to ensure the anti-freeze contains a lubricant, so that “O” rings and seals will remain pliable. It should be Non-toxic and Guaranteed to –50°F (-45°C).  We are suggesting a triple action antifreeze – corrosion, inhibitor and lubricator

By following our tips on winter damage prevention, you will save time and money on unnecessary repairs in the future.