How a pool is closed up for the season is just as important as prepping it for the summer months. The cold months can wreak havoc on a pool if it is not properly winterized. Water can freeze, damaging pipes and equipment. Here are the steps to take to close your pool the right way if you live in the New York area.
When to Close your Pool
Closing a pool too early can make algae grow. We suggest waiting to close your pool until the water temperature is consistently below 65 degrees. That typically happens in mid to late September.
Start Winterizing One Week Before Closing Your Pool
One week before you close your pool, we suggest that you add a phosphate remover. This helps keep algae out and prevents algae blooms. We also recommend shocking the pool a few days before you close it. Shocking kills bacteria that might linger in your pool during the winter.
Make sure to allow your pool pump to run for a full cycle before backwashing.
Drain Water to Proper Level
Drain the water in the pool so that it’s 4-6 inches below the skimmer for vinyl-lined or tile line for plaster pools.
Brush and Vacuum To Remove Debris
Clean your pool before closing is to prevent algae and make your spring opening easier.
Thoroughly brush the sides and floor, skim the surface and clean out the skimmer and pump baskets after vacuuming the pool.
Adjust Pool Chemicals as Needed
Before closing, test your pool water. We always suggest total alkalinity between 80-120 ppm and pH level between 7.4-7.6
Drain Pool Lines
Draining pool lines helps prevents the costly repairs that come from burst pipes. Drain the pool pump, pool filter, pool heater, and any other pool equipment you may have. Filter Cartridges should be removed from the pool filter and thoroughly cleaned. Blow the remaining air out of the pump and filter.
Install an Air Pillow if You Have an Above Ground Pool
Make sure to inflate an air pillow and place it in the center of the pool.
Install a Safety Cover Over your In-Ground Pool
It’s important to protect your pool and your family with a good pool cover. Make sure that it is tightly sealed across your pool. A mesh winter cover protects your pool from debris, but allows water to filter through.
If you live in the Rockland County, Orange County, Bergen County area, CV can take care of the entire Pool Closing process for you. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
