Many pool owners find the fall an ideal time to close the pool. Closing a swimming pool is both cost-effective and eco-friendly. In addition to protecting against ice damage, this minimizes the amount of time spent maintaining the pool over the winter.

Closing a swimming pool before the season ends is better than maintaining it through the off-season. You’ve invested a lot of money in your backyard pool; you need to take care of it to save money in the long run. Even though it seems like a big job, closing a swimming pool isn’t that hard.

Here are some important steps to closing a swimming pool:

Clean your pool

Cleaning a swimming pool thoroughly will ensure its safety for the cold months, even if it already looks clean. With a good scrub, you can reveal any hidden algae spores. This means that the probability of a bloom decreases dramatically as water temperatures increase above 8 degrees Celsius. Give the filter a good backwash to get rid of any leftover debris.

Lowering the pool water level

Water expands when frozen. The pool’s framework may weaken as a result of the added pressure. This highlights the significance of reducing the water level. There are many factors to consider when determining how low to set it. The size, shape, and material of the pool’s cover, as well as the overall construction, all have a role to play in closing a swimming pool. In the event of severe snowfall, for instance, some coverings can float over the pool water.

Balance the pool water

As always, ensure the water balance is right by conducting tests. When pool levels are off, algae and rust can develop. The pool finish could be damaged if you allow the chlorine level to become too high. Adding winterization chemicals will give you peace of mind.

Ensure if you require a metal sequestrant

You can find heavy metals in some water supplies. If this settles, it may discolor the water due to its reaction with oxygen. Metal sequestrants added to water help to eliminate sedimentation. This makes floors and other surfaces safe to use.

Plant room draining

Remember to turn off and drain all filters, heaters, pumps, and heat pumps, as well as the rest of the pipework and plant room. To guarantee that the plant room doesn’t have water, it is best to remove all plugs and dismantle the pipes. All of these parts will break in the winter if they contain water. This is because the ice will expand and crack the components.

Installing a cover

The purpose of a winter cover is to keep debris out of the water and to maintain a consistent chemistry in the water. They come in a wide variety, and all of them have their perks. It’s also much less likely that an animal will fall in and get stuck if the pool is covered properly for the winter.

Here are some benefits of closing a swimming pool

It’s a good way to ensure the safety of your loved ones.

Putting a cover on the pool is a necessary step in the closing process. Despite the common misconception that pool covers are nothing more than canvas, most are extremely durable and can withstand the significant weight. Your kids or pets won’t risk falling in and getting hurt.

Your pool gear will be safe from damage.

Pool equipment can add up to nearly as much as the cost of the pool itself. Properly closing a swimming pool prevents frozen pipes and other equipment damage while it sits idle.

Opening the pool is a breeze

Since closing a swimming pool maintains hygienic conditions, you won’t need to do anything to get it ready for swimming again.

Maintains the purity of the water supply.

The most obvious advantage of closing a swimming pool for the winter is that it helps clean the water. Once the pool service professionals empty the pool of trash and disinfect it with chemicals, you can cover it without further contamination concerns. In addition, you won’t need to maintain the pool every day for a good number of weeks.

Tips for closing a swimming pool:

• Turn off the water and drain the pipes for the winter (sprinklers, waterfalls, and fountains).
• Saltwater generators should be turned off (and cleaned) often.
• Cover the swimming pool
• A properly maintained filtration pump and pool heater will make opening the pool in the spring a breeze.
• Clean the pool filter
• Clean your swimming pool before covering it.
• Close the pool before it gets too chilly (32 degrees)
• Don’t put off winterizing steps (it might cost you) 

Conclusion

It is important to close your pool correctly to prevent damage to it and your investment. Only try to figure out how to close a pool if you have experience doing so or doubt you’re doing it right. Instead, contact a pool service expert and let them handle it. If you plan on closing a swimming pool in the future, the best approach to ensuring you do it right is to observe and learn from the experts. Contact us today if you need the help of a pool closing professional.