You do not need a pool winterizing kit. Weird first sentence for this article, but it’s true. You really only need one chemical (algaecide) to properly winterize a swimming pool. You need some other stuff to protect your pool from harsh winter conditions, but only one chemical to add when closing.
There are many different algaecides, and many of them are useless (super diluted) or cause staining (loaded with metals). There is also a lot of marketing talk describing them. Some are said to be good with salt systems, others for use with black algae, some with green or yellow algae, while others are said to be good for pools filled with well water.
So which do you use to winterize your pool? And how much should you use??? No matter whether your pool is inground or above ground, is cement or gunite, has a liner or is made out of fiberglass, whether you have a salt system or well water all you need to close your pool is a good Polyquat 60 algaecide.
If you have an inground pool, put the whole quart in. If you have a large above ground (18 x 33 oval, 27 round, 30 round etc…) use the whole quart. If you have a small above ground pool, use half a quart. That’s it! Get it cheap in a few days from Amazon Pool Winterizing Algaecide
This article assumes you have been balancing your pool water all year long. It is imperative that people with Gunite / Cement pools have calcium balanced. Pool plaster, and grout contain calcium that you’re pool water will steal if calcium is low, causing tile to fall off and hollow spots in plaster. If calcium is high, it will stain your pool and cause scale.
The one other item I have begun using this year is called a Winterpill. It is loaded with algaecide and clarifier. It slowly distributes chems all winter. This is my first year using them in every pool. I opened a few pools that used them, and was amazed at how clear they were, so I am experimenting with putting them in all the pools I close this year.
AquaPill WinterPill Pool Winterizer Pill, Small, up to 15,000 Gallons
AquaPill WinterPill Pool Winterizer Pill, Large, up to 30,000 Gallons
For more articles about pool care and maintenance, please check out our blog.
