Everyone knows how to treat the water, whether it is regular water tests or shocking it weekly, but sometimes we overlook the other factors of owning a pool, like the maintaining of the equipment. Let us look at a pool as a body, in fact we call it a body of water, if this is so, then the equipment we use to run our pools would be considered the organs of that body. To keep a pool healthy we need to consider more than the weekly vitamin dose (aka) chemicals we add to the water but also the remedies to keep the equipment well maintained and functioning properly. Since this is pool closing season I will offer some winterizing tips for your pool’s equipment.

The pump is the heart of your pool, pumping the water throughout the system to ensure proper circulation. Make sure it is drained properly before storing or leaving it for the winter. To maintain the pump, you should lube the o-rings twice a season so they remain supple or the pump will draw air and not circulate the water as efficiently. If you store the pump outside or in a pool shed another good idea is to fill the pump half way with anti-freeze to protect the o-rings and other internals.

Filters the kidneys of the pool, are the scrubbers of the water, removing debris and contaminates that affect the water balance. The filter has many o-rings in the multi-valve head and I am not suggesting you rip it apart to lube the entire multi-valve head. What you should do is cover the entire filter with a heavy duty garbage bag or tarp if you have it outside exposed to the winter elements. Sand filters should be flushed with a cleaner, and cartridges should be soaked with a cleaner before storing.

Heater and Solar panels are the hypothalamus gland, of the pool, keeping the water nice and warm on those cold swimming nights. Heaters should have been blown when the lines where done and the plugs removed for draining. Read your manufactures recommendations regarding the removal of the heater tray as it can be difficult to reinstall and not necessary. Solar panels must be blown and depending on the type some have to be stored inside for the season. If the panels are rubber texture then blowing them is fine, but the hard plastic must be stored inside or cracks and breakage may occur.

Chlorinators and Salt systems, the immune system of the pool daily add sanitizer to the water, making it swimmer safe. These two items are sometimes ignored but they too have to be cleaned and stored properly. Chlorinators have to taken off the line and rinsed thoroughly because of the concentrated levels of chlorine that sit in it all swim season. Lube the o-rings as well to ensure no leakage will occur the following season. Salt cells need to be cleaned in a solution to break down any calcification or build up. The o-rings on the unions should also be lubed.

If we take the time and care for our equipment once a year, just as we would see the doctor, it will ensure our pool runs efficiently and smoothly all season long, allowing you to just relax and enjoy your pool.