Although it feels as though Summer just got here Fall is right around the corner, and with that the cooler weather and sadly, the closings of our pools. We found this article that has great tips and tricks on everything to do with closing your pool for the season.
1. Do NOT Close Your Pool Too Early
Mid to late summer is the best time to close it…even early October if the pool is heated. Water needs to be consistently below 65 degrees to avoid algae growth and other problems.
Closing prematurely will only lead to more work and expense at pool opening in Spring. Enjoy your personal paradise as long as you can!
2. Everything Has a Place, Everything in its Place
Place all the plugs in the skimmer basket during your pool winterization maintenance. By doing this, you’ll know where they are when you need them next spring.
3. Don’t Shock and Add Algaecide on the Same Day
Algaecides will be destroyed by such high chlorine. Instead, shock the pool 4-7 days prior to closing the pool, then add algaecide before you cover the pool.
4. Close Your Pool According To Climate
I always say to close the pool according to temperature and not necessarily by the calendar. Our “seasonal” weather is not always so seasonal anymore and we can have late extended summers, late arriving winter temps and early springs. In some cases like this year the weather can be literally all over the map!
The days of doing one shot winter treatment, close the pool and forget it are gone in many areas. So, my biggest tip is in cases where there is an Indian summer or milder winter temps be sure to check on the pool and add additional chlorine and algaecide in the late fall early winter in order to ensure protection through to the spring opening
5. Treat Algae and Metal Problems Before Closing Your Pool
Ignoring either of these issues can cause frustrating problems in the Spring. Metals that aren’t treated and that are in the pool water for several months can result in ugly stains that might not be easy to remove. In fact, they might become permanent.
Algae will most likely go from bad to worse and will only be more costly to clean up. Cleaning up algae can also cut into valuable swimming time in Spring. Not to mention the outbreak of mosquitoes that can accompany green water.
Treat water issues before you close so you can rest easy all winter long.
6. Don’t Drain Your Pool Completely Before Putting on Your Safety Swimming Pool Cover
It is very important to maintain proper water levels all winter long to help support the weight of the cover and prevent excess wear. This is even more important during periods of heavy snow build up on top of the cover.
The water levels for mesh covers and solid covers usually vary slightly so check with your safety cover manufacturer for their exact recommendations based on the type of cover you have.
7. Get the Pool Water Prepared for the Off-Season (cold climate locations)
Covering the pool for the winter without properly “winterizing” your water can lead to an unpleasant spring pool opening the following season. It’s important to ensure your pool water will not be a breeding ground for algae, insects, bacteria, and other undesirables while covered up for 3 to 5 months. Here are a few tips that should lead to an easier spring pool opening the next season:
- Balance your water – make sure you have the proper chlorine, ph, and alkalinity levels about 3 to 7 days prior to closing.
- Shock the pool a couple days later.
- When chlorine levels are back down to normal be sure to add a winter algaecide and let it go through the pool system for at least 1 day of operating the pool system. A good winter algaecide to consider is Natural Chemistry’s Pool Magic plus PhosFree. It prevents algae growth as well as organic staining through the offseason. It’s also great to use at pool opening as well.
8. Don’t Be Afraid to Hire a Professional
A bit of expense now is worth a lot of expense later, especially if it’s your first year as a pool owner.
When your pool pro arrives, ask them questions, offer to help, use it as an ad hoc coaching opportunity. By being involved it will make reopening your pool easier, and you will be better prepared next year.
9. Drain All Your Equipment
Use drain plugs to drain water from your pump, filter, heater and chlorinator. All water must be drained or blown out so your equipment doesn’t freeze and crack.
After draining, D.E. filter grids and cartridge filters should be removed and cleaned thoroughly. If possible, store filter and pump indoors. If not, use a shop vacuum or compressor to blow out any water that may still be in the equipment.
10. Winterize Plumbing
If you have an in-ground pool, you should blow out the lines from the skimmer, through the equipment and back to the pool, then plug the lines at the pool using expansion plugs. If you don’t blow the lines, add swimming pool antifreeze into the lines following manufacturer’s package directions. If you have an above-ground pool, you usually just need to disconnect the hoses to and from the pump and filter and plug the wall outlets.
This article was originally published on Swim University. To finish this article, click here.