Love spending summer days in the pool with friends and family? Then you want it in great shape when the season comes round again. Closing your pool properly at the end of the season, whether for winter or a long trip, is what makes that happen. Here is the step-by-step process our pool closing service team at Clear Tec Pools follows.
The 4 Steps of Closing a Pool
Closing a pool comes down to four essential steps. Follow them in order for the best results.
1. Balance the Water
About a week before closing, get the water chemistry right. Aim for a pH between 7.2 and 7.8, total alkalinity between 80 and 120 ppm, and calcium hardness between 200 and 400 ppm for plaster pools (150 to 250 ppm for vinyl).
Next, shock the pool following the directions on the package. Winter algaecide helps keep the water clear while the pool is closed, but it only works properly when chlorine is between 1 and 3 ppm. Never add shock and algaecide at the same time: shock first, wait until chlorine drops back to 1 to 3 ppm, then add the algaecide.
2. Clean the Pool
Nobody wants to open the cover in spring and find a dirty pool. Everything left in the water now will be waiting for you then, so clean thoroughly before you close.
Brush the walls, steps and waterline, then vacuum the floor to remove dirt, leaves and algae. Areas that stay damp and shaded are where algae usually starts.
If the pool is very dirty or has algae, set your multiport filter valve to Waste while you vacuum. The debris goes straight out through the backwash line instead of clogging the filter.
3. Lower the Water and Protect the Equipment
Do not drain the pool. An in-ground pool should never be emptied for winter, because an empty pool can crack or even lift out of the ground. Instead, lower the water only as far as your cover needs: about 12 to 18 inches below the skimmer for a mesh cover, and 3 to 6 inches below the tile for a solid floating cover. Some covers need no lowering at all, so check the cover’s instructions.
Water left in the pump, filter, heater and chlorinator can freeze and crack them, so open the drain plugs and let each one drain completely. Blow out the plumbing lines with a shop vac or air compressor, from the skimmer back to the pool, and plug them. If the lines cannot be blown out, add pool antifreeze following the manufacturer’s directions. Clean cartridges or DE grids with a hose and let them dry before storing. Remove ladders, rails and skimmer baskets and store them, and keep cleaner hoses loosely coiled so they do not crack.
4. Lubricate and Cover
Fall is the right time to lubricate the O-rings on the pump lid and filter valve so they do not dry out over winter. Put the heater and pump drain plugs in the pump basket so you can find them in spring.
The last step is covering the pool with a cover that fits properly. Mesh safety covers are the most popular because rain drains through them. If you use a solid cover, keep a cover pump handy to remove rainwater that collects on top. Above-ground pools use a cable and winch to hold the cover tight. Not sure which cover to choose? See our guide to types of pool covers.
Final Thoughts
Closing a pool properly takes care at every step, and a mistake can mean a costly repair in spring. That is why many owners leave it to professionals. Clear Tec Pools closes and winterizes pools across Hoschton and nearby cities, and our team holds the Certified Pool Operator (CPO) designation. Plenty of Georgia pools also stay open all winter with weekly service; we are happy to help you decide which suits your pool.
Need help with your pool in Hoschton or nearby? Call Clear Tec Pools at 678-679-0165 or book online.