Just like all good things, summer too must come to an end. And with it, the time comes to close your beloved pool for the season. Fear not, pool owners! While Seasonal Pool Closing can seem daunting, with the right know-how, it can be a breeze. Let’s dive into the essential steps to wrap up your pool for the year.
Seasonal Pool Closing: The End of a Splashy 2023
Closing your pool for the season doesn’t have to be a sad affair. Instead, think of it as tucking your pool in after a long, fun-filled summer. With proper seasonal pool closing, you’re not just bidding goodbye to summer; you’re also setting the stage for an effortless pool opening next season.
Why Seasonal Pool Closing is a Must
Skimming the surface of your pool to remove debris, such as leaves and insects, is essential to maintaining water clarity and preventing damage to your pool’s filtration system. Be sure to skim your pool daily, especially during peak season. Additionally, clean your pool’s strainer baskets and filters regularly to keep the circulation system working efficiently.
Proper Pool Chemistry
Many pool owners wonder why they can’t just leave their pool as is when the season ends. The answer is simple: protection. Seasonal pool closing protects your pool from harsh weather, maintains water chemistry, and prevents expensive damage.
Timing is Everything: When to Close Your Pool
When it comes to closing a pool, the timing can be crucial. Although there’s no hard and fast rule about the exact moment to close it down, there are a few factors to keep in mind.
One important guideline to follow is to wait until the water temperature consistently stays below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. This can vary depending on your location and climate, so be sure to keep an eye on local weather conditions.
Additionally, it’s important to ensure that the pool is clean and free of debris before closing it for the season. This can help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and other contaminants that can build up over time.
By taking these factors into consideration and properly preparing your pool for closing, you can help ensure that it’s ready to go when it’s time to reopen it next season.
Step-by-Step Guide to Seasonal Pool Closing
- Balance the Water Chemistry: About a week before you plan to close the pool, adjust your water to the recommended levels of pH, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness.
- Clean the Pool: Thoroughly vacuum the pool and brush the sides to remove any debris or algae. This will make opening the pool next season easier.
- Lower the Water Level: Lower the water level in your pool to help prevent damage from freezing and thawing cycles. The exact amount you should lower the water will depend on the type of pool cover you use, but typically it’s about 4-6 inches below the skimmer for mesh covers, and 1-3 inches below the skimmer for solid covers.
- Drain all Equipment: Drain water from your pool pump, heater, filter, and any other equipment according to the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent damage from freezing.
- Add Winterizing Chemicals: Use a winterizing chemical kit or individually add chlorine, algaecide, and shock to your pool. These chemicals help keep the water clear during the winter months.
- Cover the Pool: Install a winter pool cover to protect your pool from debris and algae growth. The cover should be securely fastened and tight across the pool.
- Inflate and Install Air Pillows: These are used to keep a solid ice sheet from forming across the surface of your pool. They also help to manage the expansion of water as it freezes which could potentially damage your pool walls.
- Remove and Store Accessories: Ladders, toys, skimmer baskets, wall fittings, etc., should all be removed, cleaned, dried, and stored in a safe location.
- Store Chemicals Safely: Be sure to store any leftover chemicals in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children. Always store chemicals according to their specific instructions.
Remember that the exact steps may vary depending on your specific pool and equipment, so it’s always a good idea to consult your pool’s manual or a pool professional if you’re unsure. Also, please note that pool closing practices can differ greatly between warmer and colder climates. It’s always a good idea to seek advice from a local pool professional to understand the best practices for your specific location.
Hiring Professionals vs. DIY: Making the Right Choice
There are multiple ways to tackle the task of seasonal pool closing – you can either make it a DIY job or hire professionals to do the job for you. If you are someone who prefers a hands-on approach to home maintenance tasks, you might feel comfortable doing it yourself, provided you have the available time. However, if you lead a busy life with little time to spare, it might be a better option to hire professionals to ensure the job is done right and quickly. Of course, your decision also depends on your budget as, usually, hiring professionals might be a bit more expensive than doing it yourself.
FAQs about Seasonal Pool Closing
Depending on the size and complexity of your pool, seasonal pool closing can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day.
Not closing your pool can lead to damage like cracked pipes and equipment due to freezing temperatures. It also makes your pool a breeding ground for algae.
It depends on your comfort level and expertise. While you can close your pool yourself with the right tools and knowledge, hiring professionals can ensure a thorough and proper closing.
Before closing, you should adjust your pool water’s pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness levels. You should also shock your pool and add an algaecide.
Essential tools include a pool cover, water testing kit, pool antifreeze, pool closing chemicals, and plugs for skimmers and returns.
Seasonal pool closing is typically a yearly task, done at the end of the swimming season, typically in late fall.
Seasonal pool closing may mark the end of your summer pool story, but it is a crucial part of it. By closing your pool correctly, not only are you safeguarding your investment, but you are also preparing the way for an easy pool opening next summer! In fact, taking the time to lower the water level, remove debris, and clean the filters prevents bacteria from growing over the winter, saving you time and money in the long run. So, just before the season changes, make sure to close your pool effectively, and rest assured that you’ll enjoy a crystal-clear pool in the summer!
Contact Professional Pools Pittsburgh today for all your pool maintenance needs!
