With summer coming to a close, the kids will be back in school soon and summer’s ongoing pool party will be coming to an end. Soon you’ll be thinking about closing up the pool for the winter. Here’s how to close your pool for the season.
Timing
The ideal time to close your pool is when daytime temperatures begin to range in the low 70’s to 60’s. This usually happens around mid-October. When the water temperature is lower, there is less demand for chlorine, so it will last longer over the winter. Winterizing chemicals last about four months so it’s best to close the pool in the fall to prevent seeing algae when you take the cover off next spring.
Inspect Structure and Equipment
Check the pool structure and all equipment to make sure they are in good working order. Replace any broken equipment and repair any structural defects to prevent further damage over the winter.
Adjust Chemical Levels
Make sure the water is chemically balanced and adjust levels, as needed about three to seven days before you close the pool. Imbalanced water can corrode surfaces and cause scale build-up.
Add Winterizing Chemicals
Before adding granular winterizing chemicals to the pool, make sure they are totally dissolved in a bucket of water. Undissolved chemical granules can settle on the pool floor and stain the liner. Allow chemicals to circulate in the pool so they are evenly distributed.
Adjust Water Level
Drain the pump and drop the water level down 12 to 18 inches below the return lines. This will allow water in the plumbing lines to drain back into the pool. After that, plug the jet and skimmer holes to prevent water from getting in, freezing, and causing the pipes to crack.
Turn Off Equipment and Timers
If a pump runs without proper water flow, it can be damaged. With the water level drained, it’s important to make sure timers are disabled so that the pump doesn’t start.
Put on Pool Cover
Proper installation of the pool cover is essential. The edges should be sealed tight so that the wind can’t get under the cover and let debris and leaves get into the pool.
Store Chemicals Properly
Pool chemicals should be tightly sealed in their original containers, stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area and kept away from flammable products like paint, fertilizer and gas. Ensure that they are locked away from children and pets.
Prevent Access
Because a swimming pool is less likely to be supervised during the winter, it’s important to ensure that children and pets are safe by preventing access to the pool. Ensure that gates in the fence surrounding the pool are pad-locked and make sure that there is nothing beside the fence that would allow a child to climb over the fence.
Off-Season Care
Rain and snow can cause the water level in the pool to rise or put pressure on the cover. A pool cover pump can be used to drain off excess water so that the cover doesn’t stretch. Remove anything that could damage the cover, such as fallen twigs or heavy debris.
A couple of quick inspections in the late fall and early spring should be made to ensure that the winterizing chemicals are still working.