In this article, we’ll explore the critical reasons why you should take pool closing seriously, discuss common mistakes, and offer a detailed step-by-step guide on how to properly close your pool. You’ll also learn how tools like the Sutro Pool Monitor can help streamline the entire process, ensuring your pool stays protected and ready for the next swim season.
The Importance of Proper Pool Closing
1. Preventing Algae and Bacterial Growth
One of the primary reasons for properly closing your pool is to prevent algae and bacterial growth. When you don’t take the time to balance your water, clean your pool, and add the necessary winter chemicals, you’re essentially leaving an open invitation for algae and bacteria to grow. Even a small imbalance in your pool’s chemistry can lead to a green, murky mess by the time you open it in the spring.
Algae can also stain your pool’s surface, clog your filtration system, and make the opening process significantly more labor-intensive. By correctly closing your pool, you’ll eliminate the ideal conditions for algae to thrive and save yourself from having to perform a deep clean next season.
2. Protecting Pool Equipment
Your pool is more than just water—there’s a complex system of equipment working behind the scenes to keep it safe, clean, and enjoyable. This includes pumps, filters, heaters, and pipes. If you don’t take the necessary precautions when closing your pool, such as draining water from the equipment and ensuring no residual water remains in the lines, freezing temperatures can cause significant damage.
Pipes and equipment that freeze and crack are not only expensive to replace but can also delay the opening of your pool. Properly winterizing your equipment ensures that everything remains in good working order and helps you avoid unnecessary repair costs in the spring.
3. Preventing Structural Damage
Beyond just the equipment, the structure of your pool can suffer if you don’t close it properly. When water freezes, it expands. If the water level in your pool is not adjusted correctly, the pressure from ice can cause cracks in the walls or floor, damage the liner, or even lead to structural failures.
Ensuring that your water level is properly adjusted, using a winter cover, and taking steps to prevent ice buildup are essential for protecting your pool’s structure during the off-season.
4. Saving Time and Money
Many pool owners skip essential steps during the closing process, thinking they can address any issues in the spring. However, a poorly closed pool can result in more labor, higher chemical costs, and potentially expensive repairs. By taking the time to properly close your pool now, you’ll save time and money when it’s time to open it again.
Chemicals needed to clear up algae or replace damaged equipment are often more costly than the products required for a proper winterization. Moreover, the extra time spent on fixing preventable issues can cut into your precious summer days, delaying the enjoyment of your pool.
5. Maintaining Water Quality for a Smooth Opening
Closing your pool is about setting it up for success when the weather warms up again. By balancing your water chemistry, adding winterizing chemicals, and keeping the pool covered, you’re preserving water quality for a smooth opening. Starting off with balanced water makes it easier to get the pool swim-ready and reduces the risk of dealing with cloudy or algae-infested water in the spring.
6. Safety Concerns
Leaving your pool uncovered or improperly secured can be a safety hazard, especially if you have children, pets, or wildlife in the area. A solid pool cover not only keeps debris out but also prevents accidental falls. Installing a secure winter cover and checking for any weak spots will help ensure that your pool remains safe even when it’s not in use.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Closing Your Pool
Despite the clear benefits of closing your pool properly, many pool owners still make a few common mistakes. Avoiding these pitfalls will help you ensure that your pool stays in top shape throughout the off-season.
1. Not Testing and Balancing Water Chemistry
Before closing your pool, it’s crucial to test and balance your water. Unbalanced water can lead to staining, scale buildup, and corrosion. Many pool owners skip this step, thinking it’s unnecessary since the pool won’t be in use. However, balancing your pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness is vital to prevent damage to your pool’s surface and equipment.
2. Skipping the Cleaning Process
A thorough cleaning is essential before you close your pool. Debris, leaves, and other organic material left in the pool can decompose over the winter, creating a breeding ground for algae and bacteria. Vacuum, brush the walls, and skim the surface to ensure your pool is spotless before adding winterizing chemicals.
3. Forgetting to Lower the Water Level
Leaving the water level too high can lead to overflowing, and in freezing conditions, it can cause severe damage to your pool’s structure. Make sure to lower the water level to just below the skimmer, or follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific pool type.
4. Improperly Draining Pool Equipment
If water is left in your pump, filter, heater, or pipes, it can freeze and expand, causing cracks and significant damage. Drain all equipment according to the manufacturer’s instructions and blow out any remaining water in the lines to ensure nothing is left behind.
5. Neglecting to Use a Quality Pool Cover
A pool cover is your pool’s first line of defense against debris, algae, and bacteria. Skimping on a good cover or failing to secure it properly can lead to damage, safety hazards, and an increase in maintenance. Choose a high-quality, fitted cover, and make sure it’s securely fastened to protect your pool throughout the winter.
6. Not Checking On Your Pool Periodically
Once the pool is closed, it’s easy to forget about it until spring. However, periodic checks are essential. Look for signs of cover damage, water pooling on the cover, or debris accumulation. Addressing minor issues early will prevent them from becoming bigger problems later.
How Sutro Can Help With Pool Closing
The Sutro Pool Monitor is a great tool for making the pool closing process easier and more accurate. Sutro continuously monitors your pool’s water chemistry, providing real-time data that can help you ensure your pool is properly balanced before closing. With Sutro, you can check the pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels, making it easy to get your water chemistry just right.
Even after your pool is closed, you can keep an eye on your water chemistry through the winter. Sutro sends notifications to your smartphone, alerting you to any changes that might require attention. This means no more guessing or wondering if your pool’s water is holding steady during the off-season.
Step-by-Step Guide to Closing Your Pool Properly
1. Test and Balance Water Chemistry
- Check your pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness.
- Adjust as necessary to get levels in the ideal range.
- Skim the surface, vacuum the floor, and brush the walls.
- Remove any debris and make sure the pool is spotless.
- Follow manufacturer recommendations for lowering the water.
- Typically, water should be just below the skimmer.
- Add a winter algaecide and chlorine shock to prevent algae growth.
- Use a stain and scale preventer to protect the pool’s surfaces.
- Drain pumps, filters, and heaters.
- Store removable parts like ladders, skimmer baskets, and fittings.
- Use a high-quality, securely fitted cover.
- Check the cover regularly for damage or water buildup.
- Use Sutro to monitor your water chemistry throughout the off-season.
- Address any changes to prevent issues before reopening.
Closing your pool properly is a critical step that ensures a smooth and hassle-free opening in the spring. It protects your investment, maintains water quality, and prevents costly repairs. Taking the time to follow the right procedures, balance your water, and safeguard your equipment will pay off in the long run. With the help of the Sutro Pool Monitor, pool closing becomes a more precise and manageable task, so you can enjoy peace of mind during the off-season.