Well, the summer was fun, but once the fall season hits, temperatures in a lot of places start becoming too cool to keep an outdoor pool open. When it comes time to close a pool, a number of steps must be taken to ensure the water and system will be safe during the winter season. Properly closing a pool also makes pool openings faster and easier. Here are some common tips that are recommended.
Pool Water Maintenance
First, pool chemical levels should be tested and adjusted if needed before closing the pool. One item that is highly recommended is a pool winterizing kit. Pool winterizing kits keep water clean and clear of algae during the winter season.
The water level should be lowered below skimmers and returns before pool closure. The last thing a pool owner wants is for the water to freeze; since water expands when it freezes, it can cause a lot of damage to a pool system. However, the pool should not be completely drained.
Air pillows are handy to help with the issue of ice. Air pillows are tough, vinyl pillows that are secured across the pool surface with rope. They absorb the pressure of water as it freezes and keep expanding ice from destroying pool walls. They also keep excess rain, snow, and leaves off of winter pool covers.
Winter pool covers are a necessity because they help prevent algae growth by blocking out sunlight and protect pool walls from the outdoors. In addition, covers keep children, animals, and debris from falling into the water. Pool covers are available for above ground and in-ground pools.
Other Winterizing Steps
The pool also should be thoroughly cleaned and vacuumed. Clean the sides, bottom, tiles, and water line area with surface cleaner. The filter, skimmer, and pump basket should be cleaned during this process. Drain plugs need to be removed from the pump, filter tank, and other pool equipment.
Water should be removed from plumbing lines and winter plugs containing o-rings should be installed. There are a variety of plugs available depending on pipe size. In addition, a “Gizzmo,” a plug and bottle device for a skimmer, should be used to prevent freezing water from causing damage to the skimmer.
Although pool closing steps sound tedious and the supplies list seems long, a pool is a valuable investment and must be well taken care of. Properly winterizing your pool will keep it from sustaining damage and make it very simple to reopen it when spring arrives and temperatures start to rise.
This post provided by Swimtown pools, a distributor of winter pool covers available at http://www.swimtownpools.com/winter-pool-covers-s/294.htm.