Few homeowner chores so clearly indicate the end of summer as closing the swimming pool. Doing it properly will protect your investment from cold-weather damage and spare you from a long list of maintenance headaches next spring. It also functions to protect your pool equipment from damage caused by freezing.
Here’s how to properly close your pool to save maintenance headaches next year.
Chemistry Homework
You must balance the chemicals in your swimming pool one more time about a week before you plan to stop using the pool. Add a phosphate remover and use your water treatments to get a pH between 7.2 and 7.6, the alkalinity between 80 and 120 parts per million (ppm) and the calcium hardness between 180 and 200 ppm.
Add a super chlorinating powder (shock) that’s designed for pool closings, even if your water is clear. The shock should contain at least 65 percent sodium hypochlorite. Check the directions on the packaging but, generally, a one-pound bag is appropriate for 10,000 gallons of water. Mix it in a large bucket with some pool water and pour it into the pool with the filter running.
Wait until the chlorine level returns to a range between 1 and 3 ppm (it takes a few days), and then add an algaecide as a further measure against the growth of algae over the winter. Choose an algaecide designed for pool closings and follow the instructions on the packaging.
Buying a pool closing kit that includes all the chemicals you might need to stabilize the water chemistry of your pool, might be less expensive than buying everything separately.
Clean It
If mold or other grime has built up, scrub the sides of your pool and vacuum it with the idea of making it even cleaner than usual. Use a handheld skimmer to remove any debris. If your pool has a sand filter, you’ll need to backwash it to prevent the growth of algae. If you use a removable filter, take it out and clean it thoroughly.
Lower the Water Level
For an inground pool, run the filter or use a siphon pump to lower the water level down below the skimmer door.
Protect Equipment
Residual water can freeze inside your pool equipment and water lines. To avoid cold weather damage, they must be as dry as possible. You may need to blow out the lines with a shop vac or, more conveniently, head off ice-related problems with swimming pool antifreeze.
Store ladders, diving boards and other removable equipment in a clean, dry place and stretch your pool cover into position. If the cover stays in place throughout the worst of the winter months, your pool water should be mostly clear when you open it again next season.