Now that pool season’s coming to an end; it’s time to get your pool ready for closing. Your head may be swimming at the thought of preparing your pool for winter, but don’t worry — we’ve got you covered. Here’s what you need to do to ensure that your pool’s ready for the cooler months ahead.
Pool Closing Checklist
Inspect Your Cover
After being stored for several months, it’s a good idea to start out by checking your winter pool cover. Look for cracks, tears, and other damage that could keep your cover from properly protecting your pool over the colder months.
Alternatively, you can invest in an automatic pool cover to make your life easier, and we can install it for you.
Take Out the Toys
If you still have any pool toys or floats in the water, be sure to remove them before starting the closing process.
Gather Your Supplies
The next step in closing your pool is to ensure you have all the supplies on hand that you’re going to need. Check for winterizing chemicals, skimmer and jet plugs, and other equipment you’ll need to clean the pool.
Give It a Thorough Cleaning
You won’t be using your pool for several months, so you want to make sure it’s extra clean before you shut it down. Skim the water, as you would during pool season and then clean the bottom with your pool vacuum.
Stabilize Your Pool Water
The first thing you should do is check the chemistry of your pool water about five days before you plan to close your pool. Test your water to ensure that the pH, alkalinity, and hardness are at the proper levels. The pH should be between 7.2-7.6, the alkalinity between 80-120 ppm, and the hardness between 18-220 ppm.
If you need help, we also do free pool testing to ensure that your pool’s ready for closing.
Shock Your Pool
After testing, you should shock your pool to ensure that the water is completely free of contaminants. You don’t want to leave anything in there that could grow under the cover over the next few months.
Use an Algaecide
Next, add an algaecide. This will kill any remaining algae and prevent more from forming. Keep in mind that your chlorine levels need to be at around 1-3 ppm before adding the algaecide to prevent the chlorine from rendering it useless.
Clean the Filter
You’ll want your filter to be nice and clean before shutting everything down. Different types of filters need different care. Ask the professionals about the best method for cleaning your filter and give it a thorough cleanse before closing out the season.
Blow Out the Plumbing
Your pool’s plumbing needs to be free of water before it gets cold outside to avoid damage to the pipes. To get rid of any moisture you’ll need to use an air compressor or a shop vac. Be sure to do your research before taking on this step, or contact the professionals to ensure that no damage occurs.
Clean Up
It’s time to get ready for covering. Make sure to clean up around the pool. Apart from your water, there shouldn’t be anything extra left in the pool that can mess with the pool chemistry. Make sure you remove any ladders, hoses, and pumps before giving them a quick rinse and storing them away.
Pool Closing Checklist — Check!
Now that you know exactly what to do when closing your pool, you’ll be able to get your pool all ready for a smooth opening next season. If you need any help with closing your pool, contact us. We can have it done for you in no time!
