8 Tips for Winterizing your Pool
Did you know there are more than 10 million swimming pools in the U.S. – and just a fraction of those pools are located in the southernmost states? It’s true, and that means that just about this time of year, there are millions of people who find themselves suddenly faced with the prospect of getting those millions of pools ready for winter. If you’re among those millions, here’s a quick rundown of the steps you need to take to get your pool ready for its annual winter nap:
- Clean it out. Before anything else, you need to make sure your pool is free of leaves and other debris. Use a net to fish out the floating debris, then vacuum the bottom to remove sediment.
- Test your pH. If you don’t have a pool testing kit, now is the time to buy one. Make sure your water is adjusted to the proper levels of pH, calcium and chlorine content.
- Consider using a winterization kit. These kits increase the levels of algaecides and chlorine to help prepare your water for overwintering. Follow directions to the letter when adding chemicals to your pool to avoid damage, and don’t use floater devices to disperse them.
- Now drain it – just a little. Freezing temperatures cause water to expand. To prevent expansion-related damage, drain water to just below the skimmer. Never drain a pool completely – the freezing soil below or around your pool can heave and cause the pool to heave right along with it; keeping some water in the pool can help prevent heave.
- Take care of the pump. Disconnect the pump, and if your pool uses a heater, disconnect that too. Drain all water from the pump and remove the drain plugs. If you like, you can turn the pump on just for a few seconds – more than that, and you can damage the pump mechanics. Drain the heater and blow it out with a shop vac or, if you have one, a compressor. Remove the heater plugs and place them with the other plugs in the pump basket for safe keeping. Remove the skimmer baskets and return jet fittings and store them with the plugs.
- Now drain the pipes. Disconnect fittings at the pump and filter and make sure the pipes and drain lines are free of water. Use your shop vac or compressor. Clean the filter according to manufacturers’ instructions.
- Add a float. Place a flotation device in the center of your pool to prevent pressure buildup as freezing water expands.
- Keep it snug with a cover. Make sure your pool cover is strong enough to handle the winter snow load without ripping and to prevent animals from falling into the pool if they decide to walk across it. Repair any rips, or better still, replace the cover. Make sure to install it following the manufacturers’ guidelines.
You can find more tips at the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP) website. And remember: A little time spent preparing your pool for the winter means it will be ready that much sooner when the warm weather returns next spring.
Standby Generator Fall Maintenance and Winter Preparation
As a coastal state, New Jersey gets its share of fall hurricanes and winter storms. That’s why so many of the state’s residents rely on home generators to make sure they’re not left in the dark – and the cold – when fall and winter weather starts causing trouble.
Of course, owning a generator is just the first step in protecting against power outages. Once you have a standby generator, you have to be sure you take the necessary steps to keep it in good working order. If you haven’t prepared your standby generator for the upcoming cold weather season, here’s what you should do:
First, find out if your generator manufacturer offers a cold weather kit, or weatherization kit. These kits typically contain all the parts and accessories you need to help ensure your generator will be ready to handle the nastiest weather, including those autumn hurricanes and winter ice storms that just love to visit the Garden State. If your manufacturer doesn’t offer a kit or if you prefer to buy your items separately, here’s what you’ll need:
- Battery warmer: You can choose from a manual warmer that requires you to turn it on and off or a thermostatically-controlled warmer that turns itself on and off depending on the surrounding temperature. Obviously, thermostatically-controlled units are far more convenient, and they’ll work even when you’re not home.
- Oil warmer: Oil is the lifeblood of your standby generator, keeping parts lubricated so the entire engine works the way it’s supposed to. But in cold weather, oil can become thicker, resulting in increased levels of friction that can cause excessive wear and tear. An oil heater helps maintain oil at the proper heat and viscosity for optimal performance once the temperature plunges.
- Covers and other accessories: Covers don’t just provide an additional layer of insulation – they also keep out dust, debris and insects. Other possible accessories include frost prevention devices to keep ice from building up around your alternator and intake.
Finally, if you need to use your generator this fall or winter, you’re going to want to know how to operate it safely. The first source for tips for proper operation of any generator is the manufacturer’s manual. Be sure to read it over thoroughly and to follow all guidance regarding the safe operation of your home generator. Online, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Safety Council (NSC) and the American Red Cross all offer safety tips to help consumers avoid accidents when using their generators.
Not sure if your generator is ready to take on the cold? At Corbin Electric, we’re ready to provide you with everything you need – from accessories to tuneups – to get your generator ready for all Mother Nature has in store. Call us today at (732) 536-0444
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