Things to Consider While Closing a Pool

Have you ever wondered why properly closing your pool is essential? Closing swimming pool isn't just about covering it up and saying goodbye until the warmer days. It's a systematic process that ensures your pool remains in optimal condition, even when not in use.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the intricacies of pool closing and why each step is pivotal in preserving your pool's lifespan. Dive in to discover the 'how' and the 'why' behind every pool closing tips we share.

What is Pool Closing?

Pool closing, often interchangeably used with "winterizing," refers to preparing your swimming pool for the colder months. But what does it genuinely entail? At its core, pool closing is a strategic procedure designed to protect the pool's structure and water quality during non-use, especially during freezing conditions.

The benefits of a proper pool closing are manifold. For starters, it offers substantial cost savings. By ensuring your pool is correctly closed, you can prevent potential damage that might lead to expensive repairs in the future.

This process safeguards the pool, reducing the risk of complications like cracked lines or algae growth. Finally, when spring rolls around, a well-executed pool closing makes the reopening process smoother and more straightforward, allowing you to jump back into those refreshing waters with minimal fuss.

Pool Closing Tips

Closing swimming pool is much more than merely placing a cover over it and hoping for the best. It's a careful process that ensures your prized pool remains undamaged during the off-season, particularly the frosty winter months.

Whether you're a seasoned pool owner or a newcomer to the scene, understanding the complexicity of this process is crucial. Every aspect requires attention to detail, from the pool's water chemistry to its physical structure.

Start the Process One Week Before

A well-timed approach can make a world of difference when it comes to pool closing. Initiating the closing process a week in advance isn't just a suggestion—it's a strategy rooted in ensuring optimal outcomes. So, why is this week-long head start so essential?

Firstly, planning provides a cushion, allowing you to address any unexpected challenges that may crop up without the pressure of a ticking clock.

Whether it's balancing chemicals, performing maintenance checks, or ensuring equipment is in prime condition, a proactive approach ensures you aren't cutting corners.

Starting early helps you observe and understand your pool's unique requirements, ensuring the water and equipment are in their best state before closing. This one-week buffer also offers enough time to gather necessary supplies, ensuring no last-minute rushes to the store.

Checking Your Pool's Water Chemistry

Water, the very essence of your pool, requires extra care and attention, especially when gearing up for the closing process.

Balanced water chemistry isn't just for swimmer comfort; it's the frontline defense against many pool-related issues, from algae blooms to corroded equipment. When preparing to close your pool, achieving the right pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness balance becomes pivotal.

This balance ensures that your pool water remains crystal clear, free from microbial invaders throughout its dormant phase.

Certain chemicals for closing a swimming pool, like algaecides and shock treatments, eliminate any lingering bacteria or algae, making it less likely for a bloom to surprise you come spring.

What happens if we sidestep this all-important step? Neglecting proper water chemistry can lead to extensive damage. Unbalanced water can corrode pool equipment, stain surfaces, and create a breeding ground for algae and bacteria.

By the time you realize there's an issue, you might be looking at costly repairs and extensive cleaning. So, as you work on your pool closing journey, give your water chemistry the attention it deserves; it's the foundation upon which a successful closing process is built.

Determining the Right Depth

One critical yet often overlooked step in the pool closing process is adjusting the water level. While it might seem inconsequential, the depth of your pool water during the off-season is more crucial than many realize.

So, what's the ideal depth? Generally, water should be lowered below the skimmer and return jet lines for in-ground pools, typically 4-6 inches below. For above-ground pools, a reduction of 1-2 feet is recommended. But why is this adjustment necessary?

Firstly, reducing the water level safeguards your pool from potential damage caused by water expansion during freezing temperatures. Water, when frozen, expands. If your pool is filled to the brim, this expansion can put undue pressure on its walls and liner, risking cracks or other damages.

Lowering the water level ensures that pool closing equipment, such as skimmer plugs and return jet covers, can be installed without water interference.

It also decreases the volume of water that needs treatment, making the chemical balancing process more efficient and cost-effective.

While it might seem like a small detail, ensuring the right water depth is a pivotal step in ensuring the longevity and safety of your pool during its hibernation period.

Close Your Pool When the Weather is Right

Choosing the right moment to close your pool for the season isn't just about marking a date on the calendar; it's about tuning into nature's cues. The weather plays an instrumental role in determining the best time for closing your pool, and getting this right can spare you a world of complications later on.

Aim to close your pool before temperatures consistently drop to freezing points but after the scorching days of summer have subsided.

Closing the pool when it's too warm can make it a haven for algae growth, while waiting too long can risk the water freezing in your equipment, leading to potential damage.

Backwash Your Pool Filter

A pool filter acts much like the lungs of your swimming pool, tirelessly working to keep your water clear and contaminants at bay. As you prepare for the closing process, giving your filter the thorough cleanse it deserves becomes paramount.

Over time, the filter accumulates debris, dirt, and other microscopic contaminants. A clean filter ensures efficient water circulation and guarantees that the pool water remains as clean as possible during the off-season.

Neglecting this step can result in cloudy water and lead to algae blooms and bacterial growth.

Backwashing is a straightforward yet effective method to cleanse your filter. Here's a simplified breakdown:

1. Turn Off the Pump: Always ensure the pool pump is off before adjusting.
2. Adjust the Valve: Set your filter valve to the "backwash" position.
3. Turn On the Pump: This allows water to flow in reverse, effectively removing the trapped debris in the filter.
4. Observe the Sight Glass: There's typically a sight glass on the filter valve. The backwashing process is complete once the water inside appears clear (usually after a few minutes).
5. Turn Off the Pump and Reset the Valve: Switch off the pump and set the valve back to its original position.

By ensuring your pool filter is pristine, you're taking a proactive step to maintain the health of your pool water throughout its resting phase. Remember, a clean filter now means fewer complications when it's time to dive back in.

Drain Pool Lines and Add Pool Antifreeze

When considering pool closing, we often focus on the visible – the pool's surface, water quality, and covers. However, the lifelines running underneath and around our pool the plumbing lines, require equal, if not more, attention during the closing process.

Water left in pool lines is a lurking danger. As temperatures plummet, any residual water can freeze. This frozen water expands, and the pressure can cause great damage on your pool's plumbing system, potentially leading to cracks or even burst lines. There are costly repairs and a delayed pool opening when summer rolls around.

Enter pool antifreeze. Unlike the antifreeze used in vehicles, pool antifreeze is propylene glycol-based and non-toxic, ensuring safety for both the pool and the environment. Its primary role is to prevent any remaining water in the lines from freezing and expanding.

Install a Safety Cover or Winter Cover

Ensuring their protection and safety is paramount when it comes to closing pools. Safety covers and winter covers serve the wide purpose of shielding your pool, understanding their unique attributes is crucial in deciding which is best for your needs.

Safety Covers:

These are typically more robust and provide a tight fit over your pool, anchored firmly to the deck. Made of mesh or solid material, safety covers prevent debris and contaminants from entering the pool and offer a robust barrier against accidental falls, making them a preferred choice for households with children or pets.

The mesh variety allows rainwater to seep through without letting debris in, while the solid type blocks everything out, necessitating a pump to remove accumulated water.

Winter Covers:

These are designed primarily to shield the pool from debris, leaves, and the elements during its inactive months. They are usually held in place with water bags or weights and float atop the water, unlike the taut finish of safety covers.

While they offer a degree of protection, they may not be as durable or effective in preventing accidental falls.

Both covers play a pivotal role in pool protection. By preventing debris and contaminants from entering, they ensure the water remains as clean as possible, reducing the cleaning efforts needed upon reopening.

Moreover, they act as a physical barrier against harsh weather conditions, ensuring the pool's structural integrity.

In a nutshell, whether you opt for a safety or a winter cover, ensuring your pool is adequately shielded during the off-season is a non-negotiable step in the pool closing process. It's an investment in safety, cleanliness, and peace of mind.

Conclusion

Closing a pool is more than just a seasonal task—it's an art that requires precision, knowledge, and timely action. From understanding the complexicity of water chemistry to the significance of protective covers, each step plays a pivotal role in ensuring your pool remains in prime condition during its dormant phase.

By being proactive and informed, you protect your investment and set the stage for an effortless and joyful reopening when the sun shines bright again.

As you embark on this pool-closing journey, remember that the efforts you invest now will pay dividends in the form of a sparkling, hassle-free pool in the coming season. Dive into the process carefully; your pool will undoubtedly thank you later.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the ideal time to close my pool?

It's best to close your pool before temperatures consistently hit freezing but after the peak of summer. The exact timing can vary based on your region's climate.

Why do I need to balance my pool's water chemistry before closing?

Balanced water chemistry prevents algae growth, corrosion of pool equipment, and staining. It ensures that your pool remains in optimal condition during the off-season.

Can I use automotive antifreeze for my pool?

No. It's essential to use pool-specific, non-toxic antifreeze, which is propylene glycol-based and safe for both the pool and the environment.

Is a safety cover better than a winter cover?

Safety covers are more robust and prevent accidental falls, making them ideal for homes with children or pets. Winter covers primarily protect against debris. Your choice depends on your safety and protection priorities.

What happens if I don't lower my pool's water level?

Not lowering the water can risk damage during freezing temperatures, as expanding ice can pressure the pool walls and equipment.

How often should I backwash my pool filter?

While this can vary based on pool usage and the filter type, it's typically recommended to backwash when the pressure gauge reads 8-10 psi over the starting pressure or at least once a month. Always backwash before closing your pool.

Can I reopen my pool if I've closed it but the weather becomes warm again?

Technically, yes, but frequent closing and opening can be strenuous on the pool and its components. Monitoring weather forecasts closely and choosing a definitive closing time is best.