As the crisp Wisconsin air starts to set in, many pool owners in New Berlin, WI, are faced with the essential task of winterizing their pools. With winter around the corner, ensuring your pool is properly prepared can save you from costly repairs, freezing pipes, and unwanted headaches when it’s time to reopen next summer. At Loomis Pools, we specialize in pool winterizing services for Wisconsin homeowners, and in 2024, there are even more efficient methods and tools to get the job done right. So, what do you need to know to protect your pool this season?

Why Winterizing Your Pool in Wisconsin is Essential

Winterizing your pool is not just about keeping it clean over the winter months—it's about preventing freezing damage. In Wisconsin’s harsh winters, the temperatures often dip below freezing, posing a threat to the pool’s plumbing, filters, and structure. When water in the pipes freezes, it expands, which can crack pipes, damage the pool liner, and cause leaks.

For pool owners in New Berlin, WI, who don’t want to deal with expensive repairs come spring, taking the proper steps to winterize your pool is crucial. But 2024 has introduced some new technology and best practices that make winterizing easier and more effective.

Rising Repair Costs in 2024

With the economic shifts seen in 2024, repair costs have risen across the board for pool owners. The price of parts and labor, combined with supply chain slowdowns, has led to an increase in pool repair costs of around 15-20% compared to previous years. This makes winterizing more important than ever. By following the correct procedures now, you’ll save money by avoiding unnecessary repairs in the spring.

The Best Time to Start Winterizing Your Pool

Timing is everything when it comes to winterizing your pool in Wisconsin. You don’t want to close it too early or too late. In 2024, we’re seeing homeowners opt for mid-October to early November as the sweet spot for pool winterizing in WI. The water temperature should be consistently below 60°F but not yet freezing.

Why this matters: When the water temperature dips below 60°F, algae growth slows, which makes it easier to keep your pool clean over winter. If you wait too long, you risk having to deal with ice-cold water and the danger of pipes freezing before you're done.

2024 Pool Winterizing Checklist for Wisconsin Homeowners

Now that you understand the importance of winterizing, let's get into the specific steps you need to follow to ensure your pool stays in good shape over the winter.

1. Clean Your Pool Thoroughly

Before you even think about shutting down for the winter, give your pool a thorough cleaning. Skim off any leaves or debris, brush down the walls, and vacuum the bottom. In 2024, advanced robotic pool cleaners have become a game-changer for many Wisconsin homeowners, making this step quicker and more efficient. Brands like Dolphin and Polaris are leading the charge with smart cleaning technology that adjusts to your pool's unique shape and needs.

2. Balance the Water Chemistry

Once your pool is clean, balancing the water chemistry is crucial. The last thing you want is to open your pool in the spring to find out the water has turned green or murky. Here's a quick guide for balancing the chemicals:

• pH level: Keep it between 7.2 and 7.6.
• Alkalinity: Aim for 100 to 150 parts per million (ppm).
• Calcium hardness: It should be between 175 and 225 ppm.

Tip for 2024: Consider using chlorine-free pool shocks for a more eco-friendly solution. They are less harsh on your pool equipment and the environment, which is an increasing priority for homeowners in 2024, especially in Wisconsin where eco-conscious choices are on the rise.

3. Lower the Water Level

Lowering the water level is one of the most critical steps for winterizing your pool in WI. You’ll want to drain the pool until the water level is at least below the skimmer. In 2024, automatic pool cover pumps have made this process much easier, ensuring the water is efficiently removed without manual labor.

But here’s a word of caution: Make sure not to lower the water level too much, as leaving your pool walls exposed during freezing temperatures can cause structural damage.

4. Add Winterizing Chemicals

In New Berlin, WI, you can expect freezing temperatures that last for months. To prevent algae growth and bacteria build-up, add winterizing chemicals specifically designed for cold climates. These chemicals include:

• Algaecides
• Pool antifreeze
• Winter floaters

Winterizing chemicals are designed to last the entire offseason, so there’s no need to add anything else until spring. In 2024, manufacturers have introduced long-lasting, slow-release formulas that reduce the need for frequent monitoring.

5. Drain and Blow Out the Pool Lines

One of the most important tasks when winterizing your pool is ensuring that no water is left in the pool lines. If water is left in the pipes and it freezes, it could cause the pipes to burst. Use a high-powered air compressor to blow out all the lines, including the skimmer, return lines, and pool equipment like the pump and heater.

In 2024, pool owners are leaning more towards hiring professionals for this step. It’s not just about convenience—properly blowing out the lines is tricky and critical for avoiding expensive repairs in spring.

6. Cover the Pool

A high-quality pool cover is an absolute must for Wisconsin homeowners. By covering your pool, you’ll protect it from debris, snow, and ice. In 2024, the popularity of safety covers has surged, offering both pool protection and added safety for families. These covers are anchored into place and can hold the weight of several adults, which is an essential safety feature during the snowy season.

In addition to safety covers, solar covers are trending in 2024 for their energy-saving benefits. They help retain some warmth in the water, which can prevent ice buildup on the surface, especially during early winter months.

Don’t Forget About Your Hot Tub and Outdoor Features!

If you’ve invested in outdoor features like a hot tub, patio, or outdoor kitchen, it’s important to winterize these areas as well. Hot tubs, in particular, need proper care. At Loomis Pools, we recommend draining the water and adding a hot tub antifreeze solution to keep the pipes from freezing. For outdoor kitchens and patio areas, cover your furniture and appliances to protect them from snow and ice.

Many Wisconsin homeowners are now opting for outdoor kitchen enclosures to protect their investments. These enclosures not only offer protection from winter elements but also allow for year-round use with the help of outdoor heaters, which is a growing trend in 2024.

Bullet Point Breakdown of Pool Winterizing Essentials:

• Clean your pool thoroughly.
• Balance the water chemistry.
• Lower the water level.
• Add winterizing chemicals.
• Drain and blow out the pool lines.
• Cover the pool with a safety cover.
• Winterize hot tubs and outdoor kitchens.

What Happens If You Don’t Winterize Your Pool in Wisconsin?

Skipping the winterizing process can lead to major problems down the line. In the spring, you might be faced with frozen or burst pipes, broken equipment, algae-filled water, and extensive repairs. In 2024, the cost of pool repairs has risen, with some homeowners spending thousands to fix issues that could have been avoided with proper winterizing.

Example: In New Berlin, WI, a homeowner who skipped winterizing in 2023 found themselves facing a $4,000 repair bill after discovering that their pool pump had cracked due to frozen water. Avoid this costly mistake by following the winterizing steps outlined above.

Call Loomis Pools for Expert Pool Winterizing in New Berlin, WI

If you're a pool owner in New Berlin, WI, don’t leave your pool vulnerable to the harsh winter elements. Winterizing your pool doesn’t have to be a daunting task when you have experts to rely on. At Loomis Pools, we provide professional pool winterizing services, ensuring that your pool is properly prepared for Wisconsin's freezing temperatures. Our 2024 services now include eco-friendly winterizing solutions, cutting-edge equipment, and experienced professionals to give you peace of mind all winter long.

Contact us today to schedule your winterizing service and keep your pool in top condition for 2024!