Close your pool right!
Common Pool Closing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
As pool season winds down and the cool fall air sets in, it’s time to prepare your pool for the long winter ahead. While closing your pool might seem straightforward, many pool owners make small, common mistakes that can lead to significant (and expensive) damage come spring. Properly closing your pool is critical to keeping it in good condition throughout the colder months and ensuring an easy, hassle-free opening next season.
To help you avoid costly repairs and headaches, here are some of the most common pool-closing mistakes, along with expert tips on how to avoid them.
Mistake 1: Improperly Balancing Pool Water
One of the most crucial steps in pool closing is making sure the water chemistry is properly balanced. Many pool owners forget this step or think it’s not important since the pool won’t be in use during the winter. However, unbalanced water can lead to corrosion, scaling, and algae growth even when the pool is covered.
How to Avoid It:
- Check and balance the pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness levels before closing the pool. Head to your local pool store and follow their recommendations for the finish of your pool.
- Add a winterizing chemical kit (including algaecide and shock) to keep the water clear and algae-free during the off-season.
Mistake 2: Not Cleaning the Pool Thoroughly
Leaving dirt, leaves, and debris in the pool before closing it can result in algae blooms, stains, and poor water quality when you reopen it in the spring. It’s tempting to think that the cover will keep the pool clean, but debris left behind can create problems under the cover.
How to Avoid It:
- Skim the surface, vacuum the pool, and brush the walls and floor thoroughly to remove any debris or buildup.
- Clean the pool filter to ensure it’s free of debris and contaminants before shutting it down for the winter.
Mistake 3: Draining the Pool Too Much (or Not Enough)
Draining the pool is often misunderstood, with some owners thinking they need to completely drain it for the winter. On the flip side, others don’t lower the water level enough, putting their pool at risk for freezing damage.
How to Avoid It:
- Inground Pools: Lower the water level to about 4–6 inches below the skimmer or tile line. This helps prevent water from entering the skimmer and plumbing lines, which can freeze and crack.
- Above Ground Pools: Drain the water just below the skimmer or use a skimmer cover plate to block water from entering the skimmer and lines. Avoid draining the pool completely as the liner can shrink or become damaged.
Mistake 4: Forgetting to Drain and Blow Out Pool Equipment and Plumbing Lines
One of the most expensive mistakes a pool owner can make is failing to drain the plumbing lines and equipment properly. If water is left in the pipes, pump, filter, or heater, it can freeze and expand, causing cracks, leaks, and serious damage.
How to Avoid It:
- Blow out the plumbing lines using an air compressor to remove any water trapped in the lines. Once the lines are cleared, plug them with winterizing plugs.
- Drain the pump, filter, heater, and any other equipment to ensure there’s no water left inside. Be sure to follow manufacturer instructions for winterizing each piece of equipment.
- For added protection, use non-toxic pool antifreeze in the plumbing lines to prevent any leftover water from freezing.
Mistake 5: Neglecting to Use the Right Pool Cover
Not all pool covers are created equal, and using the wrong type of cover (or failing to secure it properly) can leave your pool vulnerable to debris, algae, and even structural damage.
How to Avoid It:
- Invest in a high-quality pool cover that is appropriate for your pool type. For inground pools, a safety cover (mesh or solid) provides both protection and peace of mind by preventing accidents.
- For above-ground pools, a winter cover can help keep out debris and protect the water quality.
- Secure the cover tightly using water tubes, cover clips, or weights to ensure it stays in place throughout the winter, especially during heavy wind or snow.
Mistake 6: Ignoring Pool Equipment Maintenance
Some pool owners think closing the pool means they don’t have to worry about equipment until next season. However, failing to clean and store your pool equipment properly can lead to wear and tear or prevent it from working when you reopen the pool.
How to Avoid It:
- Thoroughly clean your pool equipment (such as pool vacuums, brushes, and skimmers) before storing them for winter. Remove any debris or buildup that can cause corrosion or damage.
- Store small equipment indoors or in a dry place to prevent exposure to harsh winter weather.
- If you use a pool heater, make sure to drain the heater and disconnect gas lines if necessary to prevent damage during the off-season.
Mistake 7: Forgetting About the Pool Until Spring
Just because your pool is closed doesn’t mean it can be ignored all winter. Heavy snow, wind, and freezing temperatures can damage your cover or pool equipment, leading to an unpleasant surprise when it’s time to reopen the pool.
How to Avoid It:
- Check the pool cover periodically throughout the winter to ensure it’s still secure and free of debris. Remove any heavy snow or water from the cover using a cover pump or broom to prevent sagging or tears.
- Inspect your pool area for any signs of damage, such as loose tiles or cracks, that may need repair before reopening the pool.
Final Thoughts
Closing your pool properly takes time, but it’s well worth the effort to protect your pool investment and ensure a hassle-free opening in the spring. By avoiding these common mistakes and following proper winterization steps, you can save yourself time, money, and frustration next season.
If you’re unsure about any part of the process, or you’d prefer to leave the job to the professionals, contact us today for expert pool closing services. We’ll ensure your pool is properly winterized and protected, giving you peace of mind all winter long!
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Questions & Answers – Winterizing Your Pool
Q1: What chemicals do I need to winterize my pool?
Q2: How low should I lower the water in my pool for winter?
The water level will depend on the type of pool and cover you have. A solid cover ingroundpool should be lowered below the tile line in a concrete pool or at regular level in a liner pool. Pools with a mesh cover should be drained 16-18 inches to allow for rain and snow to refill the pool. In an Above Ground pool the water level will depend on the closure systems used on the skimmer and return.
Q3: Do I need to cover my pool?
There are a few reasons why it is important to cover your pool. One reason is safety. A safety cover will protect the pool as well as anyone who may be around the pool during the winter months. A cover will also keep leaves and debris out of the pool, making spring cleanup a breeze.
Questions? Comments?
If you have any questions or comments, please contact us at 908.454.2559
or by e-mail at info@cannonballpoolsnj.com . We will be happy to assist you in finding the most appropriate and affordable plan to suit your needs.