As the weather cools and summer fun winds down, it’s time to start thinking about properly closing your swimming pool for the season. A thorough pool closing protects your investment and helps prevent time-consuming and costly care in the spring when it’s time to open back up. Skipping steps or making common mistakes can lead to a rough spring opening. Here are some top pool closing mistakes to avoid when shutting down this fall.
1. Skipping the Final Pool Water Test
Closing your pool with unbalanced water is a mistake pool owners sometimes make. While you won’t be swimming in the water for a while, balance still matters. If the pH, alkalinity, or calcium hardness levels are off, your water can cause scaling, corrosion, or staining during the off-season. Bring a water sample to your local “pool store near me”— Swimming Pool Services—for a professional pool water test before you close up.
2. Failing to Clean the Pool Thoroughly
Leaves, dirt, and other debris left behind can stain your liner and create a mess by spring. Use a pool vacuum or hire a professional pool service company like Swimming Pool Services to do a final thorough cleaning before shutting things down. Don’t forget to brush the walls and floor, and empty the skimmer and pump baskets.
3. Draining the Pool Too Low (or Not Enough)
Sometimes, new pool owners think draining the water completely is the best option. Not true. Inground pools are designed to be partially filled over winter to maintain structural stability. Draining too much or too little can cause issues. Always follow your builder’s recommendations for the proper water level.
4. Neglecting the Plumbing Lines
Failing to blow out and plug your pool lines can lead to frozen pipes and expensive damage. Water expands as it freezes, and cracked plumbing can be a big headache next spring. If you don’t feel confident in taking on the task yourself, a pool service professional can handle this part safely and efficiently.
5. Using a Damaged or Poor-Fitting Cover
Your pool cover is your first defense against debris, sunlight, and algae growth during the off-season. If your cover is torn or doesn’t fit correctly, it won’t do the job. Inspect your cover ahead of time and replace it if needed.
6. Closing Too Late—or Too Early
Timing matters when it comes to pool closing. Waiting until temperatures dip below freezing can lead to frozen pipes, cracked equipment, and extra cleanup from falling leaves. But closing too early can also create problems. If the water is still warm and you’ve already added winterizing chemicals and covered the pool, you risk algae growth beneath the cover during warmer fall days. A good rule of thumb is to begin the process when daytime temperatures consistently stay below 60°F. That’s late enough to avoid algae but early enough to protect your pool from cold-weather damage.
Let the Pros Handle It
Pool closing isn’t difficult, but it is detailed. If you’d rather skip the task altogether, Swimming Pool Services is here to help. Our expert team offers professional pool closing services, so you can rest easy all winter long.
Looking ahead to next spring? Our swimming pool opening services make getting your pool ready just as easy. Contact us today to learn more about seasonal maintenance, pool service cost, and how we can keep your backyard pool in top shape year-round.
