The nights where the temperature starts to drop and there is a chill in the air are near, which means it’s almost fall. With the arrival of Fall, unfortunately it means that many homeowners will be closing their pool until next summer. When it comes to closing your pool for winter, it’s important to do it accurately to protect your pool and ensure another fun-filled year of swimming. If your pool is not closed properly for winter, it can be susceptible to winter storm damage, ice damage, or structural damage. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when closing your pool for the winter season.
- You should start closing your pool for winter when the temperature is regularly below 65 degrees Fahrenheit each night. This is typically in September-October for northern New York areas.
- Before you close your pool, do one last deep cleaning including vacuuming, skimming, and scraping the walls of any debris out of the pool.
- To protect your pool from the harsh winter months, you need to balance the water before closing it.
- Purchase and add specific winterizing chemicals to your pool to help keep it algae-free and protect it against the winter elements.
- Shock your pool one last time before closing it. This will help to remove contaminants, algae, and increase chlorine. After shocking, make sure to circulate the water for at least four hours to disperse it evenly throughout the pool.
- Disconnect any filters from the pool, drain and clean them, then store them indoors for the winter.
- Remove any pool accessories and store them inside as well. This includes floats, stairs, ladder. Mats, skimmers, lights, etc.
- Lower your pool’s water level to avoid the danger of freezing.
- Purchase the correct sized cover for your pool and make sure it is secure with clips, a cable, or combination. If you are worried about wind damage, you can also purchase a winter cover seal as well.
- Throughout the winter, make sure to remove any debris or built-up snow from the top of the cover to eliminate tearing, holes, or damage to the cover or pool structure.