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Pool Closing Checklist: Everything You Need to Know

As summer fades and temperatures drop, it’s essential to prepare your pool for winter. Proper pool closing, also known as winterizing, helps protect your pool from damage caused by freezing temperatures, minimizes maintenance, and ensures a quicker, easier opening come spring. Whether you have an above-ground or inground pool, following these steps will confirm your pool stays protected through the colder months.

Pool Closing Checklist: Everything You Need to Know

Why Winterizing Your Pool Is Important?

Winterizing your pool protects it from freeze damage, preserves the water quality, and saves time and money when reopening. This process reduces the likelihood of expensive repairs and keeps your pool’s equipment and structure in good condition.

Preparing to Close Your Pool

Before beginning the pool closing process, gather the necessary supplies and check all equipment. This includes cleaning supplies, your pool cover, and any additional tools you may need. Verifying your maintenance equipment, like pumps and filters, are in good condition now will prevent unpleasant surprises when reopening your pool.

Pool Closing Checklist: Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Clean the Pool Thoroughly
  • Brush the pool walls and floor, then vacuum to remove all debris. Skim off any remaining leaves or dirt from the water’s surface.
  • Cleaning before winterizing reduces contaminants that can affect water quality over the winter and keeps algae at bay. Also, leaves, sticks, and acorns that lay at the bottom of the pool can slowly decay and cause staining.
  1. Balance the Water Chemistry
  • Begin by testing and balancing your pool’s pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness levels. Aim to keep pH between 7.2-7.6 (7.0-7.4 for an ionized pool), alkalinity between 80-120 ppm (60-80 for an ionized pool), and calcium hardness between 200-400 ppm.
  • Balanced water prevents scaling, corrosion, and damage to pool surfaces during winter.

Also read Why Keeping Your Pool Alkalinity Balanced is Crucial?

  1. Lower the Water Level
  • Depending on the type of pool and cover, lower the water level slightly. For above-ground pools, it’s best to lower the water below the skimmer. For inground pools, lower it about 4-6 inches below the skimmer.
  • Lowering the water helps prevent damage from ice expansion and ensures a better fit for your winter pool cover.
  1. Use a Copper Ionizer to Maintain Water Quality
  • Use a copper ionizer instead of traditional pool shock and chlorine. Copper ions act as a natural algaecide and bactericide, maintaining the pool’s water quality throughout winter without harsh chemicals. Cupric ions can generally remain active during the entire winter season if the pool is covered and not recirculated, unlike chlorine.
  • Our copper ionizers offer a sustainable, chlorine-free way to protect your pool, ensuring minimal algae and bacteria growth over the colder months.
  1. Drain Pool Equipment
  • Drain water from pumps, filters, heaters, and chlorinators. Use an air compressor if needed to blow out remaining water from the lines, especially for inground pools.
  • This step prevents freeze damage in pipes and equipment, which can lead to costly repairs.
  1. Add a Pool Cover
  • Choose a durable winter pool cover to keep out debris, prevent algae growth, and conserve heat. For added protection, opt for a safety cover if children or pets may come near the pool.
  • Make sure the cover fits securely and check it periodically throughout the winter to remove excess water or debris.

Additional Tips for winterizing your pool

  • Install a Pool Pillow (for Above-Ground Pools): Use an air pillow under the cover to prevent ice expansion, which can damage pool walls.
  • Check Your Equipment: Inspect pool equipment like ladders, diving boards, and rails, and store them safely indoors.
  • Regular Winter Checks: Occasionally check your pool cover and surrounding area to ensure everything is secure, especially after storms.

Conclusion

Closing your pool properly is essential to protect it from winter weather, prevent damage, and save time and effort come spring. Following this checklist for balancing water chemistry, cleaning, using a winter cover, and opting for copper ionization can ensure your pool remains in great condition all winter long. It also helps hassle-free opening next season.

For more tips and the best tools to help winterize your pool, contact us today!

FAQs

Q.) When is the best time to close my pool for winter?

Ans. The ideal time to close your pool is when the water temperature stays consistently below 65°F (18°C). Cooler water temperatures help prevent algae growth and other bacterial issues that can arise in warmer water.

Q.) Is it safe to close my pool without chlorine?

Ans. Yes, using a copper ionizer is a safe alternative to chlorine that prevents algae and bacterial growth naturally.

Q.) Should I drain my pool completely for winter?

Ans. Typically, no. Fully draining can damage the pool structure. Lowering the water level is sufficient for most pools.

Q.) How often should I check on my pool over winter?

Ans. It’s good to check on your pool cover every 4-6 weeks during winter to ensure it is secure and free from heavy snow or debris. If you use a copper ionizer, periodic checks can help ensure the system is functioning and preventing any algae growth.

 

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