When is the Best Time to Close a Pool?
After a long summer of swimming and enjoying time by the pool, you may be wondering when is the optimal time to close your pool for the winter months. Choosing the right time and taking the steps needed to properly close your pool will help prevent costly problems and ensure an easier opening in the spring.
As a general rule, it’s best to close your pool as late in the season as possible. If the weather is too warm when you start the closing process, the chemicals you add to keep the water clean throughout the winter may be consumed too quickly. This could lead to algae growth and staining, making it more difficult to get your pool clean and ready to use in the spring. To avoid these issues, the ideal time to close the pool is when the water temperature consistently drops below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the point at which algae and microorganisms will become dormant. For Aqua Pool customers, this generally happens in October.
When the time comes to close your pool, there are several crucial steps to take in order to prevent costly damage to the structure and equipment. For example, you’ll need to:
- Thoroughly clean the pool using a brush and vacuum to remove algae spores and debris.
- Test the water to help you determine the proper quantities of chemicals to add. At Aqua Pool, we are pleased to offer free testing if you bring a water sample to our East Windsor location. We use specialized software that measures chemical levels more accurately than store-bought test strips, helping you get a clear idea of what needs to be done to prepare your pool for closing.
- Blow out the plumbing lines. One of the most important steps you can take when closing your pool is to remove all water from the lines, filter, and pump in order to prevent fracturing when temperatures drop below freezing. It’s recommended that you have this done by a professional, as attempting it without the requisite skill could cause expensive damage to the pool plumbing.
These are just a few of the steps that should be taken when closing your pool for the winter. At Aqua Pool, our trained and licensed professionals can help you confirm the ideal time to close your pool and perform all the maintenance tasks needed to ensure that the pool will stay clean, healthy, and free of damage until you’re ready to open it again in the spring. Our pool closing services are very popular, so we encourage you to call us NOW at 860-623-9886 to book an appointment!
