Thanks to several components working together in the background, swimming pools can stay warm, clean and healthy. Pool owners should learn how a pool works in order to maintain their pool.
If not properly adjusted, your pool can become a test tube for algae to grow during the cold winter months. You don’t want to take off your cover to reveal a green pool in the spring, right?
Adjust your pH to 7.2-7.8 to prevent stains, scaling and algae growth.
Then, shock the pool.
Run the filter for 24 to 48 hours to clear debris.
Step 2: Clean and Vacuum Thoroughly
Another important part of closing your pool is cleaning and vacuuming it thoroughly. The cleaner your pool is before you close it, the easier time you will have opening it next spring.
Step 3: Lower the Water Level
The majority of pools fare better in cold temperatures when they are filled only partially with water, as water expands when it freezes. It is typically advised to drain below the skimmer.
Step 4: Shut Off All Equipment
Especially if you live in an area that faces frequent winter snow, it is incredibly important to protect equipment like your filter, pump and heater from the elements. All water must be removed from the equipment to prevent freezing damage. Blow out your lines to remove the water and close valves to prevent any water from re-entering the line.
Step 5: Turn Off Power
Now that your equipment has been put away for the off-season, you can turn off all power being run to the pool.
Step 6: Store Accessories
From slides to diving boards and everything in-between, it is important to get your favorite accessories out of the elements as the weather gets cold.
Remove and safely store pool ladders, slides, diving boards and any other accessories your in-ground pool may have.
Step 7: Cover Pool
Once all the above steps are complete, it’s time to put your pool cover on. A quality cover will not only keep leaves and airborne dirt out of your pool, but it will also resist water, weather and pool chemicals from seeping in our out of the pool.
Cover pool securely and fill water bags halfway.
The edge of the cover should be sealed so that wind does not get under it.
Optional: Hire a Pool Professional
From time to time unexpected maintenance may be necessary, small or otherwise, but with the right help your pool can be swim ready in no time. Consider contacting a pool professional to ensure a healthy and easy pool-opening experience.
Begin your pool’s downtime by reducing the amount of time your filter runs
Keep pH between 7.2-7.8 and free available chlorine between 1.0 and 3.0 parts per million (use tester).
Follow pool equipment manufacturer’s instructions for proper care of equipment during this time.
Step 2: Clean Skimmer Weekly
If you will not be putting a cover on your pool during its downtime, your skimmer will be working hard to keep dirt and debris from collecting in your pool.
Be sure to clean your skimmer weekly to maintain optimal performance.
Vacuum pool as needed.
Step 3: Cover Pool
Tired of dealing with leaves and dirt? Covering your pool will keep this debris out, revealing crystal clear water when you are ready to swim more regularly again.
Before covering, perform a shock treatment so that no algae growth occurs beneath the pool cover.