How To Close Your Pool For The Winter

By Author: Lucy Carter
Total Articles: 102
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One of the key steps homeowners must take to protect their property from winter damage is to close their swimming pools properly and cover them with quality swimming pool covers. The effort this requires at summer's end is well worth it come spring, guaranteeing a smoother pool opening and preventing freeze damage. The ideal time to close a pool is generally the end of September or the beginning of October, before the leaves begin to fall. Follow these steps to properly close your pool for the winter:

1. Clean the pool

Thoroughly brush, skim and vacuum your pool to clear it of all debris and leave it clean and clear prior to closing. While you may be tempted to simply throw a cover over your pool and postpone the cleaning job until spring, don't. The debris causes staining and serves as food for algae, which will grow in your pool and turn it into a slimy green soup come spring.

2. Balance the chemicals

Test the pH of the pool water and add winterizing chemicals to it.

3. Drain and shut down all systems

Turn off all of the breakers, equipment and any other switches the pool may ...
... have, including time clocks and light switches. Make sure all of the water is drained from pumps, filters, heaters and chlorinators to prevent freeze damage. Pool lights should not be used during the winter because the heat of the lights against the freezing cold water can lead to cracked lenses.

4. Reduce the water level

The water level should be lowered to the bottom of the tile line but above all of your pool's underwater light fixtures.

5. Cover the pool

Before you cover your swimming pool, remove all handrails and ladders. Ensure the swimming pool cover is clean and that it seals the pool completely, leaving no gaps or holes that could let in leaves and other debris. If debris gets into your pool, algae will grow and turn the water green and cloudy. Tight-fitting swimming pool covers will keep your pool sparkling clean all throughout the cold months so that when it comes time to re-open your pool only minimal cleaning should be necessary.
Francesca Bailey is the manager of 1st Direct, leading providers of swimming pool pumps, parts, chemicals, and covers.