How to Protect Your Pump, Filter, and Heater This Winter

Summer has officially come to an end, which means that pool season has also come to an end. Now that you won’t be using your pool as often anymore, it is essential to winterize and conduct pool closing procedures. Closing your pool will ensure that your pool remains clean and sanitary while not in use. Effective pool closing is also crucial to protect your essential pool elements, such as your pump, filter, and water heater. Each component has its own unique set of winterization procedures that need to be followed for maintenance purposes. If you’ve recently conducted an inground pool installation and this is your first time closing a pool, do not worry. This blog will provide the perfect guide to protecting your pool elements before winter arrives. If you're struggling with closing your pool, contact Seaway Pools & Hot Tubs for a pool service! You can even visit our GTA pool supply store for advice! Contact us today.

Importance of Effective Pool Closing Before Winter

Closing your pool before winter arrives is crucial to protecting your pump, filter, and pool heater. 

Harsh cold weather and ice can have a negative effect on your pool and its elements, making pool closing crucial. Many pool elements contain water, and when the weather cools down, the water can freeze in your pool, pump, filter, and heater. Ice expansion inside of these elements can create excess pressure, which can cause them to crack. Residual ice and water can also cause corrosion to any metal items. When you don’t prepare your pool for winter, you can face expensive repairs, which makes winterizing a more cost-effective solution. 

Pool closing also enhances safety during the winter months. A significant buildup of ice from a pool filled with water can be extremely dangerous if someone were to fall or slip. Your water can also get dirty, resulting in a large buildup of algae and bacteria. This can be a major issue when you reopen your pool the following spring. 

How to Protect Your Pool 

Pool Pump

Your pool pump helps circulate filtered water throughout the pool, making it one of the most important pieces of pool equipment. In order to protect it for the winter, you should:

• Drain the Pump: You’ll need to turn off and remove the pump from its power source. Then, you can locate the drain plugs on the device and open them to let out any excess water. It is essential that you tilt the pump in order to ensure that there is absolutely no water left inside.
• Clean the Inside: Remove any buildup, leaves, or dirt from the pump’s strainer basket. Once you’ve removed any visible debris, rinse the pump with fresh water.
• Inspect: Before putting your pool pump away for the season, you should inspect it for any damage, cracking, or corrosion. Doing so will give you more time to address any issues before reopening your pool next season.
• Antifreeze: If you live in an area with harsh winters, consider adding pool-safe antifreeze to the pump’s plumbing lines to prevent freezing.
• Protect: You should store your pump in a warm, dry area to prevent any freezing.

Filter

Your pool filter is what catches any loose items or debris to keep your pool water clean. In order to protect it for the winter, you should:

• Clean: Ensure that you clean out your filter very thoroughly before closing your pool. You should remove the drain plug at the bottom of the filter to ensure all water is released. This is crucial to preventing freeze damage.
• Inspect: It is best to inspect the filter for cracks or signs of wear. This will give you time to replace or fix any damage.
• Protect: If you are choosing to leave your filter outdoors, cover it with a protective tarp or winter cover to keep it safe from the harsh winter elements. However, you should consider storing the filter indoors to provide additional protection against harsh weather.
• Drain: Check the plumbing lines leading to and from the filter, ensuring they are also drained and protected from freezing.

Water Heater

Your water heater is what heater your pool water. It does so by sucking in water from one pipe, heating it, and releasing it through a different pipe. In order to protect it for the winter, you should:

• Clean: Clean your pool heater by removing any debris in and around it.
• Inspect: Similarly to your filter and pump, you should inspect the burner inside the heater for rust or corrosion and ensure that everything appears to be in good condition.
• Drain: Locate the drain valve on the heater and open it to let out any water. Allow all of the water to escape completely to prevent freeze damage.
• Protect: Use a weather-proof cover to protect the heater from snow, ice, and cold temperatures. If possible, you should move your heater inside to protect it from freeze damage. 

Safeguard Your Pool Elements Before Winter Arrives

Given the nature of Canadian weather, it is evident that most people will not be able to use their pools for the rest of the year. Our harsh winters make it especially important that you conduct proper pool closing procedures. As soon as your pool is not in use anymore, you should prepare and protect your pool’s pump, filter, and heater. Adequate preparation will ensure that your pool’s elements remain safe against corrosion, bacteria, and freeze damage. If you are unsure about how to close your pool after inground pool installation, contact Seaway Pools & Hot Tubs. We can help you close and protect your pool before winter arrives. Call us or visit our pool supply store today!

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