Pool Closing Tips and Tricks
Unfortunately, with the cooling temperatures, it’s time once again to close your pool for the year. You know how important it is to close your pool correctly, or you will end up with an algae infested lake by the end of the winter. Read on for essential tips and tricks to help you safely close our pool this year.
- Begin winterizing your pool one week before actually closing. Once you begin the winterizing process, do not allow anyone to swim in the water as it will be full of chemicals.
- Balance your chemicals as follows: pH: 7.2 – 7.6; Alkalinity: 80 – 120 ppm; Chlorine between 1 and 3 ppm; and Calcium Hardness: 180 – 220 ppm.
- Remember to lower the water level so that it is 4-6” below the tile or skimmer level.
- When the water in the pool freezes, it will expand, so it is imperative that you lower the water to the appropriate levels to prevent damage.
- Don’t forget to clean your pool! Anything left inside the pool will become a nightmare next spring. Take your pool skimmer and remove any leaves or other debris. Vacuum the bottom of your pool to remove any dirt that may have collected.
- Don’t do a chlorine shock and add algaecide in the same day. The chlorine will destroy the algaecide. Instead, shock the pool one week in advance and once chlorine levels return to normal, add the algaecide.
- Continue to maintain water chemicals throughout the winter. Check them every month to see if they are where they should be.
- Treat any problems with metal or algae before you close the pool. Failing to do so will make the problem worse and possibly permanent come spring.
- Drain your equipment so that it won’t freeze or crack in the cold.
- Clean your pool toys and put them away for the season. Deflate any inflatables for easy storage. Also remove any pool accessories such as ladders, diving boards, etc.
- Inspect your pool cover to make sure that there are no rips or tears. If you find any, make sure that you patch them immediately, or purchase a new cover if necessary.
- There is no shame in bringing in a professional. If for any reason you do not understand how to properly close your pool, or if you don’t have the time, don’t hesitate to contact us! We can help you properly close your pool so that you will have less problems in the spring, as well as less stress today.
