Labor Day weekend typically marks the “official” end to summer. As the temperatures start to drop and we think about pool winterization, now is a great time to stock up on pool products.

As the pool offseason approaches, it is time to shop for pool winterization products, along with goodies for next summer!

Pool Winterization Products

As the calendar flips to fall, now is a good time to purchase pool products. Regardless of when you close your pool, there are standard pool products that are needed for winterization.

1. Winter Pool Kit

In the greater New England area, we must winterize our swimming pools. During the winterization process, the pool water remains stagnant. The water is not circulated, filtered, or sanitized, which makes it ideal algae breeding ground.

 are designed to provide pool owners with a combination of chemicals that ensures a swift opening next pool year. Every winter pool kit contains products that reduce algae growth.

2. Pool Chemicals

Along the lines of a winter pool closing kit, there are winter pool chemicals that are needed to close your pool. Of course, a kit includes many of these chemicals, but maybe you already have some of the chemicals needed and only won't purchase what you don’t have yet. To help, here are some of the most useful.

Winter Pool Algaecides

Winter algaecide differs from summer algaecide because the formula is designed for cold temperatures.

Winter Pool Shock

Either chlorine or non-chlorine pool shock should be used before closing your pool. Keep in mind that the pool should be cleaned so the shock is not wasted on leaves or other debris in the pool. Also, check the water to ensure the pH and alkaline levels are balanced.

Winter Pool Enzymes

If your pool opens green or brown each spring, adding winter enzymes to the winter chemical list can help make the pool opening process more efficient. Namco carries Pool First Aid which is the enzyme that works to defeat pollutants, dust, pollen, algae, or other debris that enter the pool during the off-season. Enzymes reduce the contaminant levels, saving your winter pool chemicals to fight algae.

Stain Chemicals

Stain chemicals prevent mineral and metal staining. Before lowering the pool water and adding other winter chemicals, add stain chemicals so they can be circulated throughout the pool.

3. Pool Covers

Pool covers prevent snow, dirt, and other debris from getting into the pool during the offseason. Regardless of your pool size, there are pool covers that fit any shape or size pool. Plus, a proper pool cover makes the pool opening process much easier in the Spring!

There are a few things to consider when selecting a pool cover. For example, proper pool covers block sunlight, which prohibits UV rays from penetrating the pool. The UV rays reduce the effectiveness of the winter chemicals (which are stopping algae growth).

Plus, a pool cover should include sturdy, well-reinforced grommets to prevent the cover from blowing off in a winter storm.

4. Leaf Net

Along with Pool Covers, are Leaf Nets. These nets go over the winter cover and collect leave and debris that may fall on the cover. You should remove the net before the first snowfall of the year. Removing the majority of leaves from your winter cover before winter begins will make opening your pool much easier. If you have a lot of trees near your pool, we highly recommend using a Leaf Net.

Stock Up on Pool Products

The fall is a great time to purchase pool products for next season.

Why?

Purchasing required pool supplies in bulk and the offseason is a great way to save time and money. During the Fall and Winter, pool chemicals and supplies are often on sale. Stock up on chlorine and shock since you’ll be using these chemicals all summer.

As a reminder, here are some standard maintenance tasks that you will be carrying out during your pool season and the products required to complete them.

Maintain the Proper pH Level

 The pH level can be controlled by adding either a PH decrease (such as sodium bisulfate) or a PH increase (such as sodium carbonate ). The addition of PH decrease or increase will depend on whether the water is too acidic or too basic. Incorrect pH levels can lead to damage to pool and pool equipment. Incorrect pH levels can also affect the performance of sanitizers and algaecides. Low PH is a common cause of redness and burning of the eyes and rashes on the skin and high PH causes itchiness and dryness of the eyes and skin. High PH Cn also causes the water to "scale" and becomes milky and cloudy.

Maintain the Proper Chlorine Level

Chlorine is available in the granular, tablet, or liquid form and all the types work in the same manner. It is advisable to add chlorine compounds after the filtration process is completed to ensure an even distribution of chlorine in the water.

Routine Shock Treatment

Routine shocking (which should be done weekly), destroys the combined chlorine compounds (free chlorine is required, not combined). In addition to destroying germs, combined chlorine compounds may cause that unpleasant smell and skin-eye irritation.

For over 50 years NAMCO has been providing our customers with quality affordable outdoor and indoor home entertainment products, including pool products and winterization kits. Remember not to skimp on pool closing chemicals because this process helps the pool open process much easier!

 

To learn more about pool winterization and find great deals on pool products, stop by your nearest NAMCO store today!