Compared to other places that get lots of snowfall, the weather in California is relatively mild. It’s not surprising that many people ask themselves the question: Do I have to winterize my pool in California? Well, there are several tips to bear in mind when it comes to winterizing your pool the California way.
Do I Have to Winterize My Pool in California
In this article, we’re going to discuss why it’s important to winterize your pool. we’ll also point out how to winterize your pool in California.
Why Winterize?
There are several reasons why swimming pools need to be winterized:
- Makes sure the swimming pool is in good condition when spring arrives.
- Saves money on maintenance, utility expenses and supplies.
- To prevent damage from the ice-cold temperatures. The last thing you want to do is spend money on damages such as burst pipes.
Winterization Steps
The basic steps to winterizing your pool include:
- Start by cleaning the pool and spa thoroughly, including getting rid of dirt and debris from skimmer baskets.
- Store all the pool equipment safely
- Make sure the water is balanced by checking the pH and adding appropriate chemicals. At this point, your pool can go without regular chemicals each week until the weather is warm again and you’re ready to jump into the pool
- Check all the pool equipment. Consider looking over all your equipment or make sure your pool service crew checks that everything is in good working condition.
- Clean the filter. This will go a long way in helping the filter to do its job and make sure the pool water is clean and ready for use come spring.
- Try to keep as much debris out of the pool by placing a cover across the service of the pool or spa. While some choose not to cover their pool during the winter, it’s effective at protecting your pool from the elements.
- Adding a freeze protector to your pool system is a great idea. This will help to detect when the temperature drops and get the equipment to start up so water can circulate. As a result, you won’t have to worry about the water freezing in the pipes as it will be moving through the system.
Be Cautious About Draining Your Pool in Winter-Time
If you live in California, draining your pool each winter is not advisable. During the rainy season, water can build up in the ground around the pool. This may seem like no cause for alarm but if the pool is empty, the laws of physics will kick in.
The water beneath the shell of your pool increases buoyancy, which leads to an upward hydrostatic force. Ultimately, the entire pool shell can be lifted out of the ground. And that’s the last thing you want to happen.
Bottom Line
With the tips mentioned above, you should be able to answer the question: do I have to winterize my pool in California? It also helps to continue servicing and checking on your pool throughout winter to ensure everything is in good working order. If you’re not sure how to go about the process on your own, it’s best to call a professional who can prepare your pool for the cold season. Once winter ends, be sure to clean the pool, and know how to keep the water cool during the summer.