The different teams at SwimSafe have been busy the past few months winterizing clients’ pools. What exactly does that mean? It is a critical process that helps to lower the possibility of damage to the pool and freshwater plumbing systems as we approach the freezing temperatures. Winterizing a pool is a preventive action that SwimSafe offers to all managed pools.

Winterizing is a two-step process. The first phase is all about closing your facility down for the summer and preparing it for the harsher weather we will soon be having. We will put any available pool safety covers on and clear the pool deck of any movable furniture to prevent any weather damage. Before we put the covers on for the winter, we perform a final chemistry check on the pool. This ensures that there are sufficient levels of calcium and chlorine in the pool, the alkalinity is in range, and that algaecide has been added. We will turn off any water services we can, and again break down what we can and let water drain out. This involves sinks, water heaters, showers, bathrooms, and the actual pool plumbing systems. 

Phase two is clearing any remaining water in the pool systems by use of either a blower or a larger, heavier-duty air compressor. Blowers are often used on the baby pools, while the compressors are reserved for larger pools and freshwater plumbing. Antifreeze is then flushed through the system to further prevent any freezing damage. Skimmers and return jets are plugged to prevent water from entering back into the system as drained pools will fill up with rainwater and meltwater from the snow. SwimSafe performs monthly checks to ensure the pool pumps and motors are in good working order, the facilities are still clean, and your pools’ chemistry is still in range. At the end of the day, winterization is all about ensuring the safety and operability of your facilities over the winter months. 

VIDEO PROVIDED BY JAKE GRACE

The attached video demonstrates how SwimSafe staff would blow a baby pool. In this segment, an air compressor is being used to clear a baby pool plumbing system of the remaining water.

With careful consideration and in accordance with the “Opening up America Guidelines” from The White House, SwimSafe has developed a plan to safely open pool facilities for the summer of 2020. This plan has been influenced and guided by state and local government authorities, the World Health Organization, the Center for Disease Control, medical and safety experts at StarGuard Elite, and consultation with aquatics programs throughout the country. We are confident that this plan provides the necessary framework and guidelines to safely open pools. 

Changes in version 2.0 of the plan include:

• Designated hours for at-risk and elderly patrons
• Adjust pool hours to provide adequate time for cleaning
• New CDC signage for aquatic facilities
• Updated capacity planning
• No-touch interaction for screening and daily log
• No-touch trash cans
• Elimination of towel service
• Recommendations for single guard pools
• Recommendations for non-lifeguarded pools

It is important to note that this plan has been developed with every effort to provide accurate and reliable information. The plan, however, is not intended to be a turn-key solution, but rather, it should be reviewed and customized to meet the individual needs of each pool facility with guidance from state and local governing bodies.

The detailed plan can be found here.

This is a living document that will be updated as new information and guidance become available. As new updates are available they will be posted on this page.