6 Tips to Close Your Pool Successfully

Closing your pool involves more than simply installing a pool cover and walking away. The steps you take now determine how quickly and easily you can reopen your pool in the spring. Avoid expensive equipment repairs, hard-to-clean stains, and damaged winter covers with these six tips to close your pool successfully.

Don’t Close the Pool Too Early

In general, pool season runs from April through September. However, the temperature is more important than the date. If you close your pool too early during a particularly warm fall, algae could start growing. The winter chemicals you added will deplete quickly, leaving none for the rest of the season. Ideally, you should close your pool when the water temperature is consistently below 65 degrees, and the overnight air temperature is still above freezing.

Give Yourself Several Days to Close the Pool

Begin your preparation work by running the pump 24/7 for a few days to clean the water thoroughly. Next, test the water to make sure it’s properly balanced and sanitized. A few days later, shock the pool. Once the chlorine reaches the normal range of 1.0 to 3.0 ppm, add your winter chemicals. Working with a pool service expert removes the guesswork from this process.

Clean All Pool Equipment

Don’t postpone cleaning your pool filter, pump, heater, and other equipment until spring! Doing the job now prevents chemical corrosion and dirt buildup while the pool is out of commission. It also makes opening your pool in the spring that much easier.

Consider a Sequestering Agent

Algae blooms aren’t the only thing that can stain pool surfaces. If you have hard water, you may need to add a sequestering agent alongside your other winter chemicals to prevent scaling. Your pool service provider will be able to tell you whether you need this product.

Remove Debris, Standing Water & Snow from the Pool Cover

No matter what type of pool cover you use, keep it clear of debris as much as possible. Sweep or hose off leaves, twigs, and pine needles. Then, eliminate excess water with a shop vac, and remove snow with a roof rake. If you have a solid cover that doesn’t allow for water permeation, consider installing an automatic pool cover pump to prevent water from accumulating.

Check on Your Pool Occasionally

While weekly pool maintenance is no longer necessary, you should still keep an eye on your pool. The easiest option is to hire a pool maintenance company to check the water level, test and balance the chemicals, adjust the cover, and inspect the equipment. Two professional visits during the winter should suffice.

Millennium Pool Service proudly provides pool closing packages with customizable services to meet your needs. With over 35 years of experience servicing pools in the DC metro area, you can trust us to perform a job well done. For more information, or to request an estimate for pool closing services, please contact us at 703.939.5062 in Virginia or 301.591.3750 in Maryland.