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Closing Your Pool for the Season - Part 1
September 23, 2020
Closing Your Pool for the Season - Part 1
Summer is passing by, and this is a season that gives us maximum pool-time. Sunbathing, swimming, barbequing, and a lot more, the summer season gives us many opportunities to enjoy time with family and friends. As summer draws to an end, it is time to close your pool. Perhaps, closing the pool for the season seems like a massive pain in the bottom.
But let us warn you, opening the pool next season will be even worse if you don’t take care of the matter today. By closing the pool properly, you’ll be spending less resources to maintain it in the long run. Also, you won’t need loads of chemicals to turn that water swimmable next time. If you follow the right procedure, you might even increase the pool surface and equipment life.
Closing Your Pool for the Season
When closing your pool for the season, you need to cover it because if you leave it uncovered, you will have serious work ahead in the spring. Winterizing your pool reduces the risk of damage due to cold weather and debris that accumulates during the winter months.
Start Cleaning
Cleaning your swimming pool is important before you close it. Make sure to scrub and clean pool walls and floor thoroughly. Remove any floating debris, algae, and leaves. The brush you use for cleaning your swimming pool walls, and floor depends on the type of pool surface you have. For instance, if you have a plaster or concrete pool, use a stiff or wire pool brush. Vacuum your pool surface to remove debris and algae loosened while brushing. Don’t forget to clean under stairs and steps.
Test and Balance the Water Chemistry
When you are done with the pool cleaning, it is time now to test the pool water. You can do this with a test kit or take the water sample to a nearby pool store. They will do the pool water test and give you an accurate report. The Total Alkalinity level in your pool should vary between 80-120 ppm and pH level between 7.4-7.6. If these levels are too high, then other additives like chlorine cannot sanitize your pool properly.
Use Winterizing Chemicals
When you have checked the water chemistry and chlorine level in the pool, you can add winterizing chemicals. Here are some winterizing chemicals that you might need. Don’t worry. You might not need them all, depending on where you live and the type of water in your pool. Some of the winterizing chemicals you can use are metal sequestrant, pool enzymes, Winter Pill, and non-toxic pool antifreeze.
Shock Treatment Your Pool
When closing the pool, one critical component is the chlorine level. It helps in breaking down bacteria, prevents algae, and keeps your pool fresh and clean. Before you close your pool, giving shock treatment by hitting it with extra chlorine is a good idea. This shock treatment is not rocket science as you just need to bring your 10 PPM to 12 PPM and wait for a couple of days for the chlorine level to come down at its normal level that is 1.5 PPM - 3.5 PPM.
In the end
Covering your pool will protect it from foreign contaminants and rough weather. It will also help prevent any unwanted accidents. Closing your pool for the season will save you energy, time and money.
At Water & Pool Solutions, Inc., our experts ensure that you aren’t risking anyone’s well-being whenever they dive into the pool. We make it easy for you to enjoy your time poolside. For pool repairs and service—we do the best. So, call our pool experts at 334-264-2700 or contact us online and let us take over your pool troubles!
But let us warn you, opening the pool next season will be even worse if you don’t take care of the matter today. By closing the pool properly, you’ll be spending less resources to maintain it in the long run. Also, you won’t need loads of chemicals to turn that water swimmable next time. If you follow the right procedure, you might even increase the pool surface and equipment life.
Closing Your Pool for the Season
When closing your pool for the season, you need to cover it because if you leave it uncovered, you will have serious work ahead in the spring. Winterizing your pool reduces the risk of damage due to cold weather and debris that accumulates during the winter months.
Start Cleaning
Cleaning your swimming pool is important before you close it. Make sure to scrub and clean pool walls and floor thoroughly. Remove any floating debris, algae, and leaves. The brush you use for cleaning your swimming pool walls, and floor depends on the type of pool surface you have. For instance, if you have a plaster or concrete pool, use a stiff or wire pool brush. Vacuum your pool surface to remove debris and algae loosened while brushing. Don’t forget to clean under stairs and steps.
Test and Balance the Water Chemistry
When you are done with the pool cleaning, it is time now to test the pool water. You can do this with a test kit or take the water sample to a nearby pool store. They will do the pool water test and give you an accurate report. The Total Alkalinity level in your pool should vary between 80-120 ppm and pH level between 7.4-7.6. If these levels are too high, then other additives like chlorine cannot sanitize your pool properly.
Use Winterizing Chemicals
When you have checked the water chemistry and chlorine level in the pool, you can add winterizing chemicals. Here are some winterizing chemicals that you might need. Don’t worry. You might not need them all, depending on where you live and the type of water in your pool. Some of the winterizing chemicals you can use are metal sequestrant, pool enzymes, Winter Pill, and non-toxic pool antifreeze.
Shock Treatment Your Pool
When closing the pool, one critical component is the chlorine level. It helps in breaking down bacteria, prevents algae, and keeps your pool fresh and clean. Before you close your pool, giving shock treatment by hitting it with extra chlorine is a good idea. This shock treatment is not rocket science as you just need to bring your 10 PPM to 12 PPM and wait for a couple of days for the chlorine level to come down at its normal level that is 1.5 PPM - 3.5 PPM.
In the end
Covering your pool will protect it from foreign contaminants and rough weather. It will also help prevent any unwanted accidents. Closing your pool for the season will save you energy, time and money.
At Water & Pool Solutions, Inc., our experts ensure that you aren’t risking anyone’s well-being whenever they dive into the pool. We make it easy for you to enjoy your time poolside. For pool repairs and service—we do the best. So, call our pool experts at 334-264-2700 or contact us online and let us take over your pool troubles!
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