BLOG CATEGORIES

Winterize Your Pool : Tips for the Off-Season

Winterize Your Pool : Tips for the Off-Season

Pool season may be coming to an end, but any property manager with a pool on their property knows that pool maintenance doesn’t stop just because it’s closed. Here are some manageable tips to maintain your pool this off season.

Find out how to improve safety and reduce costs at your property

Our best-in-class emergency phone + monitoring solutions provide peace of mind and are backed by decades of expertise

Learn More

2024 ELLIES WINNER
Best Supplier -
Communication System

Imagine the much anticipated moment — your property’s pool finally opening for business after a long, hard winter. While it may seem a little bit of an out of sight out of mind concept right now, that beautiful dream can only come true if you avoid the nightmares that come from faulty winterizing.

Download our free comprehensive guide on pool maintenance and safety >>

Here’s how to cover your pool (and all your bases):

Skim, brush and vacuum the pool. Give it a vigorous last cleaning before saying goodbye until next season.

Maintain your pH levels. pH levels (the level of acidic and alkaline products in liquid) will increase in colder weather, causing a chemical imbalance. Get proactive about equilibrium so that your pool won’t be prone to unsightly stains — simply test your pH levels at least once a week. The levels should read between 7.2 and 7.6. Use test strips made specifically for this purpose. If the level is too low, add pH increaser. If the level is too high, add pH decreaser.

Cut the chlorine. After your pH levels are balanced, reduce the frequency of adding chlorine. Because there is not as much sunlight (or people) in your winter water, the chlorine won’t be broken down as quickly, thus lasting longer.

Add pool antifreeze to your pipes. This keeps your pipes from freezing. If you are absolutely certain that all of the water has been blown out, then you may not need it, but it couldn’t hurt. Better safe than sorry! Remember, pool antifreeze is very different from automobile antifreeze — pool antifreeze is nontoxic. Check the label carefully, and don’t pour it directly into the pool water. It’s for your pipes only.

Turn off the pump and motor. You may be tempted to run them during the winter, even sporadically, but save your energy. Algae grows slower in the winter. Also, disconnect and clean the hoses that attach to the pump and filter, and remember to reattach them in the spring. Don’t give your apparatus a reason to short out during the winter months. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Drain all pumping, heating and filtering equipment. Make sure there is no water remaining that can freeze during the winter months.

Remove the pool “amenities.” Take out the diving board, skimmer baskets, removable ladders, inflatable rafts, and anything else associated with summer fun. Wash and then store everything in a dry place.

Don’t drain all the water. Simply lower the pool’s water level to accommodate the pool cover (between 1-6 inches below the skimmer opening).

Check for leaks. A pool without water can lead to structural damage. Seek out and fix all leaks, and keep a careful eye on the water level during the winter months.

Use algaecide and chemical floaters. These additives will help keep your pool water clean during the winter. These are often sold in kits. Check the labels for proper use.

Cover your pool tightly. A pool cover should do just that: cover! It should protect your pool from weather damage and debris. Read your cover’s directions for proper installation — the idea is to keep away the sunlight, which will cause algae to grow during the winter months.

Test your emergency pool phone regularly. Do this, not only so that you’ll be code compliant when the time comes, but also to keep your apartment as safe as possible and to provide access to help for your residents in the event of any emergency on property. You’d be surprised how much the pool emergency phone is used during winter months for other reasons.

By taking these necessary winterizing steps, providing a safe and clean pool for your residents will be a much more painless process when the time comes. For more pool management tips year round, check out our top 5 pool safety and maintenance resources. To learn more about how Kings III can increase pool and overall property safety, visit www.kingsiii.com.

Pool Maintenance and Safety

KEEP LEARNING

How Kings III Helps You Cut Costs Without Cutting Corners

Managing costs without sacrificing safety is a challenge every property team faces. This blog explores how Kings III’s all-inclusive emergency phone solution helps reduce hidden expenses, simplify operations, and ensure code compliance—all while delivering 24/7 emergency response and peace of mind. From eliminating outdated landline costs to streamlining support, see how you can protect your property and your bottom line.

Kings III Acquires LiftNet, Advancing Connected Safety & Remote Monitoring in Elevators and Escalators

Kings III Emergency Communications partners with Wurtec to enhance elevator video messaging systems, addressing new code requirements for two-way displays and video monitoring. The collaboration combines Kings III's emergency response expertise with Wurtec's industry solutions to provide streamlined, compliant elevator safety communications nationwide.

Is Your Pool’s Emergency Phone Compliant? Here’s How to Check (And What to Do If It Isn’t)

Is your pool’s emergency phone truly compliant and ready when it matters most? A reliable, code-compliant emergency phone is more than a regulatory requirement—it’s a critical lifeline that ensures immediate access to help during emergencies. This guide walks you through how to check compliance, properly test your phone, and take the right steps if it doesn’t meet current standards. Whether you're ensuring your current system is up to code or exploring a more dependable solution, we’ll help you navigate the process and safeguard both safety and liability.

8 Women Who Shaped the Future of Emergency Response & Dispatch

This Women’s History Month, Kings III is honoring the women who have paved the way in emergency response and dispatch. From breaking barriers in EMS to pioneering advancements in emergency communication, these trailblazers have helped shape the way lifesaving services operate today. See eight influential women whose contributions continue to impact the field and inspire future generations.

Honoring Black Pioneers: 7 Influential Figures in Emergency Communications & Response

This Black History Month, Kings III is honoring Black men and women who served as pioneers in the fields of emergency dispatch and emergency response. See 7 influential trailblazers who broke barriers, advanced life-saving technologies, and shaped the way emergency services operate today.

How Recent Spikes in Copper Theft Threaten Your Emergency Communication & What You Can Do About It

Rising copper theft is putting emergency communication systems at risk, leading to potential service outages. Without a reliable backup, property managers may face compliance issues and safety concerns. Learn more about the threat and how a cellular solution can help protect your property.

Is Your Hotel’s Emergency Communication System Up to Code?

Hotel emergency communication systems must meet strict safety and compliance standards, but are yours up to code? From elevator phones to pool and parking lot emergency call systems, we break down key requirements and how to ensure your property stays compliant.

Kings III & Wurtec Partner to Improve the Emergency Communication Market of Elevator Video Messaging Systems

Kings III Emergency Communications partners with Wurtec to enhance elevator video messaging systems, addressing new code requirements for two-way displays and video monitoring. The collaboration combines Kings III's emergency response expertise with Wurtec's industry solutions to provide streamlined, compliant elevator safety communications nationwide.

Updated Elevator Code: Who are my Authorized Personnel?

Confused about who qualifies as "authorized personnel" under the new ASME 17.1 elevator code? Learn why the same authorized staff must monitor all emergency communications—audio, video, and messaging—and why split monitoring solutions won't meet compliance requirements for your building's safety system.

Kings III makes it easy as a single point-of-contact for all your emergency response needs. With expertise in line connectivity, compliance codes, equipment maintenance and safety protocol, we offer the total package.