Winterize Your Pool: Step by Step instructions from Your Local Pool Professionals
At La Vernia Pool & Spa, we’ve seen firsthand what happens when pools aren’t properly closed down for the colder months. What was once beautiful, crystal-clear water can turn into a green algae-filled mess by spring, leaving pool owners facing extra cleaning, additional chemicals, and unnecessary expenses. The good news? We can show you the best practices to winterize your pool, and save you a whole lot of headaches for the spring.
Follow the steps below, or visit La Vernia Pool & Spa for a hard copy, or some one on one.
01
Winterizing Your Pool
CLEAN YOUR POOL
Clean your pool very well. Brush, vacuum, and clean the filter. Run your pump and circulate your pool water until the pool is crystal clean and clear.
Invest the time to get your pool in shape and clean before starting the next steps.
02
Winterizing Your Pool
BALANCE WATER
Test and balance your water. Test and treat for:
Free Chlorine 10ppm+
Alkalinity 80-120 ppm
pH 7.2-7.6
Calcium Hardness 200-400ppm
CYA (Stabilizer) below 100
It is important to make sure alkalinity and pH are in the normal range.
03
Winterizing Your Pool
SUPER SHCOK
Super-chlorinate your pool to 20–30 ppm of Free Chlorine.
Most liquid reagent test kits or strips will not read chlorine this high.
Brush the pool daily to loosen dead algae and help remove biofilm. Circulate the water and use a clarifier or flocculant if needed. Vacuum and clean the filter to remove dead algae and organic debris.
Wait until Free Chlorine reaches 10 ppm or less before moving to the next steps. This may take several days.
You may also turn off the chlorinator to help speed this up. Remember to turn the chlorinator back on at a lower setting than you would normally use during summer.
04
Winterizing Your Pool
ALGAECIDE
Add 2 oz per 1,000 gallons of a quality Polyquat 60 algaecide.
Avoid inexpensive copper-based algaecides because they may be less effective and cause staining.
05
Winterizing Your Pool
BIOZYME (OPTIONAL)
Add 5–6 oz per 1,000 gallons of a quality bioenzyme treatment, such as Regal Natural Pool Enzyme or Bio-Dex Oil Out.
This helps remove accumulated:
Body oils
Sunscreen
Tanning lotions
Other organic contaminants
This treatment also helps loosen and remove biofilm that accumulates on pool surfaces.
06
Winterizing Your Pool
METAL REMOVER (OPTIONAL)
If dissolved metals are at or above recommended ranges, add:
1 quart per 10,000 gallons of a quality metal remover or sequestrant.
07
Winterizing Your Pool
COVER YOUR POOL (OPTIONAL)
Maintain proper Free Chlorine levels, reduce pump circulation time as appropriate, and periodically test and balance your pool water.
Continue regular maintenance:
Empty skimmer baskets often.
Brush the pool.
Vacuum when necessary.
Clean the filter as needed.
Keep organic debris to a minimum.
ABOVE-GROUND POOLS:
Remove any steps or ladders. Clean them thoroughly and leave them out of the pool throughout winter.
EQUIPMENT:
Make sure pumps and filters are in good operating condition.
Winterizing Your Pool in La Vernia Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated!
Properly winterizing your pool in Texas is one of the best ways to protect your investment and avoid costly surprises when warmer weather returns. A little extra attention to pool water chemistry, winter pool maintenance, and algae prevention now can make all the difference come spring.
At La Vernia Pool & Spa, we’re here to help pool owners throughout La Vernia, Wilson County, and surrounding South Texas communities keep their pools clean, clear, and healthy year-round. Stop by for free professional pool water testing and personalized recommendations to get your pool winter-ready.