Water Level and chemical levels in the winter

[JerseyMike37]

New in-ground pool (Gunite with waterline tile) finished in September, used for a couple months and closed in cold NJ.....I believe they dropped the water level when they closed it...I have a mesh winter cover and now it is up in the tile area so I am dropping it down. I have a couple of questions:

1. what level should the water be at (I read the closing pool FAQ and it suggests 1" above step but my top step is right at the bottom of the tile so do I go below that step and below the tile or above that step and in the tile line?

2. what do you do about pool chemistry in the winter (winterizing company just dumped in a gallon of acid and I had the chemical levels close to perfect when they closed it in November. now the pH is up and chlorine is gone, do I bring the pH back down and add chlorine or wait until opening?

 

[Texas Splash]

1 - Ideally low enough below the tile to compensate for seasonal accumulations. Don't get too focused on the step rule. That could vary based on your construction,

2 - Nothing now. Chemistry should've been adjusted at closing. Just leave it until spring. Open as early as you can.

@ajw22 may have more tips from your area.

 

[ajw22]

1. Go below the step. You don’t want the water to be even with a step or ledge where the ice can freeze on the surface and damage the plaster.

2. Do nothing with the chemistry. You don’t have an accurate read on the chemistry without the pump running and water circulating. pH naturally rises with cold water and offsets the CSI decrease.

Spring is a few weeks away and you are probably out of the winter freezing danger zone.

 

[JerseyMike37]

awesome, thanks for the tips

 

[Newdude]

.I have a mesh winter cover

And roughly 3 ft of off season rain each year. You will need to drain what falls and its up to you if you want to do 2 inches 18 times, a foot 3 times, etc.