If you’re a pool owner, closing your pool for winter can seem like a large undertaking. You may not know where to start if it’s your first time. You may have even heard it takes a lot of work, but with a little planning, you’ll be able to close your pool in no time.
Tip 1: Take Inventory
The first step to closing your pool is to take inventory of all your pool supplies. You may be thinking about the chemicals you need, but you also need to consider pool toys like squirt guns and pool noodles. Having a safe place to store these items over winter will make sure they don’t get damaged due to harsh weather.
Tip 2: Gather Supplies
To close a swimming pool, you’ll need pool test strips for pH, chlorine, and calcium. You’ll also need tools to remove any metal ladders or railing in your pool. You will also need a pool cover. Finally, you’ll need a pool winterizing kit and a pool skimmer, brush, and vacuum.
Tip 3: Test Your Pool
Before going out to buy chemicals, test your pool’s pH, chlorine, and calcium levels. This way, you’ll be able to know exactly what you need from the store. Then, you won’t need to spend money on useless chemicals.
Tip 4: Give Yourself Time
Closing a pool for winter can take some amount of time. It’s
important to give yourself at least a week before closing your pool. This will
allow any added chemicals to circulate through your pump and ensure all of your
water is treated.
Tip 5: Begin Cleaning
Skim the debris out of your pool and scrub the walls with a pool brush. After you finish, run your pool vacuum for a day.
Tip 6: Invest in a Winterizing Kit
If you want to avoid purchasing many different chemicals, you can opt for a pool winterizing kit. Most kits come with all the necessary chemicals and testing strips to properly close a pool. They may even save you a bit of money too!
Tip 7: Disassemble Your Pool
Now, it’s time to remove anything from your pool. This includes metal ladders and railing. If you leave them in untreated water for a long time, there’s the possibility they will corrode. Plus, you need to get them out of the way for the pool cover.
Tip 8: Final Cleaning
It’s recommended that you clean your pool a second time right before closing it. Taking this step will prevent algae growth during the winter. It will also make opening your pool back up much easier.
Tip 9: Invest in an Algaecide
It may seem strange, but algae can grow in cold water. You may want to invest in an algaecide or shock product before finally closing your pool. You can even use both together if you want to make sure your pool is safe.
Tip 10: Invest in a Good Pool Cover
Once you’re ready to close your pool for good, you’ll need to cover it. It’s recommended to pay the larger upfront cost for a quality pool cover. Cheaper ones can rip right in the middle of winter, and no one wants to deal with that. Better quality covers will also last for more seasons than a cheaper one.
Ready to winterize your pool? Schedule the professionals at Prestigious Pools today or call us at 806-322-3155