U.S. Inspect Home Inspection:

Advisory Report

October, 2003

Fall Maintenance: Pool and Sprinkler Winterization

It’s that time of year again folks; shorter days, cooler nights, and the always exciting football on Sundays. It can only mean one thing: summer is over and winter is quickly approaching. This also means a little more work around the house: specifically pool and sprinkler winterization. This month’s maintenance article will address basic pool and sprinkler winterization methods for climates where some freezing will occur. If you live in a climate where deep freezing or no freezing is the norm, consult a local professional for recommendations.

Pool Winterization

There are a number stops for proper pool winterization.

Balance the Chemistry and Superchlorinate - Balancing the chemistry in your pool before closing it will help to prevent damage from etching or scaling. Normal superchlorination is around 10 parts per million (ppm) for a plaster pool. When closing for the season you should take it up to around 30 ppm for a plaster pool and 10 ppm for a vinyl or plastic pool. This will help to prevent algae growth and staining. Add algaecide to inhibit algae growth and a chelating agent to prevent metals from staining the surface. Chemicals should be given time to circulate before shutting the system down.
Clean the Pool - Dirt and debris can cause staining. Brushing, vacuuming and skimming the pool prior to closing is always a good idea to prevent staining.
Shutdown the System - Turn the equipment off at the breaker. Turn off any switches associated with the pool, e.g. time clocks, light switches, etc. It is best not to use pool lights in the winter. Hot lights and freezing water can cause the lens to crack.
Lower the Water Level - The water level should be lowered to at least 18 inches below the tile. Pools should not be left completely drained because hydrostatic pressure can cause anything from cracks to the entire pool popping out of the ground. Some professionals may remove the lights, but it is more common to leave the lights installed and make sure that the water level is above them.
Clear the Lines - It is very important that as much water be taken from the lines as possible. Shallow lines, such as the skimmer, return, and vacuum, can be blown out with compressed air or a shop vacuum. Once cleared, the return and vacuum lines can then be plugged with a tapered rubber plug. In the case of the skimmers, it is best to buy a skimmer plug. These plugs resemble a bottle that is placed up side down in the skimmer plugging the pipe. They also absorb some of the pressure from ice, preventing cracking of the plastic. Main drains are usually deep enough that freezing will not occur in most areas. If you are in an area where deep freezing may occur, contact a professional to clear the lines.
Clearing the System - Remove all plugs and fixtures (flow meters, injection fittings, etc.) in order to drain and air out the lines. Pull the plug on the filter and, if possible, open the top of the filter to allow it to dry. If the system is outdoors you will need to close the filter (except for the plug) after it has had time to dry. Remove the filter element if applicable. Remove any equipment that may be damaged by exposure, especially the motor. If a heater is involved shut it down, turn off the gas, and remove the plugs. After the heater is drained, removing and storing the heat exchanger and burner tray is also recommended.
Cover the Pool - Remove and store ladders, handrails and diving boards. Put a cover on the pool. Even the use of an inexpensive vinyl sheet cover is much better than using no cover at all.
Secure the Perimeter - Closing access to your pool will prevent accidents and limit your liability.
Antifreeze - Add antifreeze to any areas of your pools system that may freeze from standing or accumulated water. DO NOT use automotive antifreeze. Obtain antifreeze from your local pool store or use antifreeze that is designed for Boat/RV plumbing applications.

Finally, keep everything that you have pulled from the pool together so nothing ends up missing in the Spring. Pool winterizing kits that contain instructions, chemicals and antifreeze can make things much easier, and can be obtained from your local pool store.

Sprinkler Winterization

Sprinkler Winterization is much more simple, but nonetheless important. Sprinkler systems can also cost several thousand dollars to replace. By taking care of your sprinkler system in the fall, springtime start up will be a much more pleasant experience, with few or no repair costs.

There are a few basic steps for shutting down your sprinkler systems.

Close the main shut-off valve to your system.
Fill the lines with compressed air to expel any excess water. Do not exceed 50 PSI of air pressure in any system, this could result in damaged equipment.
Open all system drain valves to eliminate any remaining water.
Wrap your above-ground valves and backflow devices with insulating material for the winter.
Finally, don’t forget to shut off the automatic controller.

If you are new to pool or sprinkler maintenance, consider hiring a professional for your first year. Ask them to show you what they have done so that you can do it in the future.

Click here for additional information on pools, spas and hot tubs.

Contributed by Brian Lynch
Relocation Account Specialist
U.S. Inspect, LLC

and

Brian McCannell
Network Services Specialist
U.S. Inspect, LLC