Top Tips for Closing Your Pool

As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, the end of swimming season has officially arrived. At this time of year, properly closing your pool is essential to protect it from damage during the colder months, as well as to ensure an easy reopening in the springtime. While closing and winterizing your pool might seem daunting, following the right steps will pave the way for a smooth and stress-free process. Here are some of our top pool-closing tips:

• Begin the process at the appropriate time. The optimal time to close your pool depends on the weather in your area—if it’s too warm outside when you start the closing process, algae may grow rampantly before springtime. On the other hand, if you wait too long, freezing temperatures could cause catastrophic damage. As a general rule, it’s time to close your pool when the water temperature is consistently below 60 degrees, because at this point, algae and microorganisms become dormant. We find that most Aqua Pool customers close their pools at some point in October.
• Balance the water chemistry. Before closing your pool, it’s important to test and balance the water chemistry. This will help prevent staining, scaling, and algae growth during the months when the pool is not in use. Key levels to check include: pH (ideal range is between 7.4 and 7.6); alkalinity (90-120 ppm); calcium hardness (200-500 ppm); and free chlorine (1-3 ppm). Once the levels are balanced, consider using a pool shock treatment to eliminate any remaining contaminants or bacteria, thereby ensuring that your pool stays as clean as possible throughout the winter. At our East Windsor, CT location, Aqua Pool & Patio is pleased to offer free water testing—just bring in a sample of your pool water, and our sophisticated computerized water testing system will issue a full report!
• Clean the pool and remove accessories. A clean pool is essential for winter closure. Begin by thoroughly cleaning the pool, vacuuming the bottom, and skimming debris from the surface. Don’t forget to brush the walls and floor to remove any stubborn dirt or algae. Additionally, remove any pool accessories such as ladders, diving boards, skimmer baskets, and toys, and store them in a dry, sheltered area to prevent damage from freezing temperatures. You’ll also want to detach any pool cleaners or vacuums and clean them before storage.
• Blow out and protect the plumbing lines. One of the most crucial steps in closing your pool is blowing out the plumbing lines to prevent water from freezing inside them. Frozen water can expand and cause pipes to crack, leading to expensive repairs when spring arrives. To do this, you’ll need to use an air compressor or shop vac to blow air through the pool’s pipes, forcing out any remaining water. Once the lines are clear, seal them using winter plugs to ensure that no water can enter. At Aqua Pool & Patio, we have the equipment and expertise needed to handle this step and keep your pool’s plumbing safe for the winter.
• Winterize the pool equipment. Properly winterize all pool equipment, including the pump, filter, and heater, by draining any water from these components and making sure they’re free of debris. If you have a sand filter, backwash it thoroughly and set the valve to “winter” mode. Cartridge filters should be removed, cleaned, and stored for the winter. If your pool has a heater, make sure to drain it and follow the manufacturer’s winterizing instructions to avoid damage from freezing.
• Lower the water level. In New England and other areas where freezing temperatures are common in the winter, it’s important to lower the pool’s water level before closing. This prevents the water from freezing and expanding in places that could cause damage to the pool structure or plumbing. Typically, lowering the water level 4-6 inches below the skimmer opening is recommended. However, be careful not to drain the pool completely, as this could damage the liner or structure.
• Use a quality pool cover. A durable, high-quality pool cover is essential for protecting your pool throughout the winter. All covers will help keep out leaves, debris, and dirt, while safety covers also preventing any animals, pets, or children from accidentally falling into the pool.

When facing the important task of closing and winterizing your swimming pool, one of the best ways to alleviate stress and ensure a seamless process is to invoke the help of a pool maintenance professional. At Aqua Pool & Patio, our expertly trained team has the knowledge, experience, and equipment needed to perform all the steps involved in properly closing your pool, ensuring that it will be clean and ready for you to enjoy in the springtime. Our pool closing services are in high demand, so call us at (860) 623-9886 as soon as possible to get on our schedule!