Closing a pool for the winter is an important task to undertake every year as a pool owner. While closing a pool for the winter will make it safer, closing a pool also ensures the longevity of the pool by keeping it protected from the elements and clean throughout the winter.
It’s a common misconception that pools can’t grow algae during the winter, however, this is quite the contrary. Pools do still have the ability to grow algae during winter and cleaning your pool properly before closing it is key.
Let’s see how to clean your pool before closing it for the winter – the proper way!
CLEANING SUPPLIES AND OTHER NECESSITIES
The first action to take before cleaning your pool is to gather the necessary supplies before embarking on your endeavor. You may already have some pool supplies, so don’t fret about spending a tremendous amount of money to winter your pool.
What you probably already have is a leaf catcher, a pool wall scrubber, and a pool vacuum. In addition to these tools, you will need a pool cleaner and a pool cover.
Pool cleaner will help to protect against water buildup on the sides of your pool as well as fight algae growth. The pool cover is needed to keep your pool clean all winter long.
FIRST ACTION: CLEANING
Begin closing your pool down for winter by cleaning it. The best way to do this is to start by skimming the pool’s surface with your leaf catcher. Try to get everything out and make sure to check the filter for debris.
After you finish skimming the pool’s surface, start cleaning the sides of the pool by scrubbing them with the brush. Scrubbing the sides of your pool will knock loose the small amount of algae growth from the walls of the pool.
The last step of the cleaning process is to run your pool vacuum for a few hours.
SECOND ACTION: POOL TREATMENT
Now, you will need to treat your pool’s water so that it stays clean throughout the winter. Start by adjusting pH and chlorine to your pool’s optimal levels. Most pools should have a pH between 7.4 and 7.6.
Typically, a pool’s chlorine level is supposed to fall somewhere between 1 and 3 parts per million, and while closing a pool for the winter, it’s even more important to make sure it lies between these two numbers.
Higher chlorine levels destroy pool cleaners, rendering them useless. Use a pool cleaner once pH and chlorine levels are appropriate, which will help deter algae growth over long periods of pool dormancy.
THIRD ACTION: COVER THE POOL
Investing in a quality pool cover is expensive, however, the upfront cost of it will save you money in the long run. Cheaper pool covers tend to rip after a few uses so a quality one is a worthwhile investment.
Before covering your pool, remove any hardware that dips down into the pool such as ladders. These items will potentially rust and make it more difficult to open your pool back up.
VAN DORN POOLS & SPAS
If you want to get started closing your pool for winter, we can help you. Van Dorn Pools and Spas, located in Kingsville and Reisterstown, Maryland, and Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania, is here to help you clean your pool before you close your pool for winter.
Stop by and ask us any questions you have! We also have other tips on our blog so check it out too!