How to Properly Close Your Pool for Winter

 

As summer winds down, closing your pool properly is just as important as opening it in the spring. National Pool Closing Day, observed on the third Saturday of September, is a great reminder to prepare your pool for winter.

Proper winterization helps protect your pool from algae, staining, scaling, freeze damage, and costly repairs. Taking the right steps before temperatures drop can make opening your pool next season easier, cleaner, and less expensive.

Why Proper Pool Closing Matters

Leaving your pool improperly winterized can lead to unwanted problems, including:

• Algae and bacteria growth
• Staining and scaling on pool surfaces
• Damage to pumps, filters, heaters, and other equipment
• Frozen or cracked plumbing
• Structural damage caused by freezing temperatures

A little preparation now can help prevent significant cleanup and repair costs later.

Six Steps to Properly Close Your Pool

1. Clean the Pool -Start by removing leaves, dirt, and other debris with a skimmer or leaf rake. Brush the walls, steps, and floor to loosen dirt and disrupt developing algae, then vacuum the pool thoroughly. A clean pool gives your winterizing chemicals a better chance to work effectively throughout the off-season.

2. Balance the Water and Add Winterizing Chemicals - Before closing, test and balance your pool's pH, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness. Properly balanced water helps protect your pool surfaces and equipment throughout the winter. Once balanced, shock the pool and add an appropriate algaecide or winterizing treatment. Allow the water to circulate for several hours so the chemicals are distributed evenly before moving on to the next step.

3. Lower the Water Level -Turn off your pool equipment before lowering the water level. The appropriate level depends on your pool type and winterization method. For fiberglass and vinyl pools, avoid draining too much and always follow your pool builder's or manufacturer's recommendations. Lowering the water appropriately helps protect the pool from freeze-related damage and overflow during the winter.

4. Winterize the Equipment and Plumbing -Freezing water can expand and cause serious damage to pool equipment and plumbing. Drain water from pumps, filters, heaters, cleaners, and other equipment according to the manufacturer's instructions. Also, clear pool plumbing of water and properly plug it to help prevent freeze damage. Additional winterizing products, such as pool antifreeze, may provide extra protection when used according to label directions.

5. Give Your Pool a Final Inspection -Before closing your pool for the season, take a few minutes to inspect the pool surface and surrounding areas for cracks, chips, loose coping, damaged tile, or signs of plaster deterioration. Catching small issues now can prevent them from becoming larger, more costly problems when you open the pool next season.

If you notice damage or your pool is showing signs of wear, Pound Pool Plastering can help. From pool plaster repairs and resurfacing to coping and tile repairs, our team can help restore your pool and get it ready for another season of enjoyment.

6. Install a Winter Pool Cover -Finish the process by installing a properly fitted winter or safety cover. Remove ladders, hoses, and other items from the pool area, then inspect the cover for damage before installation. Make sure the cover is securely fastened and designed for your specific pool type. A properly installed cover helps keep out leaves and debris while providing an additional layer of protection throughout the winter.

Don’t let small pool repairs turn into bigger problems. Contact Pound Pool Plastering to schedule an inspection or learn more about our pool repair and renovation services.

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Pound Pool Plastering services residential and commercial pools in applying a wide variety of pool plaster finishes and complete renovations. We offer Diamond Brite, Sunstone, Hydrazzo, and Marcite – and a great selection of tile choices and coping stones. Owner Dale Pound personally oversees each pool project to ensure the highest quality is delivered. Call or email us for a free estimate.

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.