Now Is the Time to Start Thinking About How to Close Your Pool for the Changing Season Ahead. Get Some Tips From Our Pros!

Can you believe the summer is already over? It’s time to start thinking about closing your pool before the temperatures begin to drop and winter arrives. Do you need to close it just because it’s Labor Day? In short, no. Knowing when to close a pool is almost as important as knowing how to close it, and it should not be based on an arbitrary date like a holiday. Here, we’ll give you some tips on when to close your pool as well as the correct way to do it when you decide it’s time.

• Be careful not to close your pool too early. Doing so can put too much pressure on the chemicals you use to protect it over the winter. Because chemicals are used more quickly in hotter temperatures, closing your pool when the temperatures are still in the 70s and 80s can mean that you won’t have enough chemicals to last until spring. Your pool will be more susceptible to algae growth and staining, and you may have to wait to enjoy it in the spring until you’ve drained and cleaned it.
• Closing it too late is not a good idea, either. If you wait too long, you can risk a dip into freezing temperatures, which can do serious damage to pool components. What’s more, it’s no fun to close a pool when it’s already cold outside. Even if you hate to see the summer go, it’s best to close the pool before November so that you don’t run the risk of cold weather.
• A few different factors should influence your decision to close your pool. First and foremost, consider the weather. You’ll want to close your pool when the temperature of the water is staying consistently below 60 degrees. This will decrease the probability of algae growth and help your pool’s overall chemistry. Consider, too, the leaves falling into your pool. As fall progresses, it gets increasingly harder to keep the pool free of leaves and debris, so closing the pool before the trees begin to lose their leaves is smart. You’ll also want to be realistic about whether or not the pool is actually being used. With the kids back in school, your family is probably not getting very much use out of the pool, which makes it easier to close.
• Make sure you know the correct way to close the pool. Have your water tested by a professional so you’ll know exactly which chemicals you need to use? It’s recommended that you add shock to the pool at least twice during the off-season, typically around Thanksgiving and again at Easter. This will help make it easier to open the pool in the spring.
• Winterizing your pool will prevent the equipment and piping from freezing. Some pool owners consider emptying the pool in the winter, but that is not a good idea. Doing so can cause the pool to move out of place, with no water to weight it and keep it in the ground. If you live in an area where temperatures often dip below freezing, drain the pool 4 to 6 inches below the skimmer. Make sure pumps, heaters, and plumbing lines are free of standing water and secure your pool with a good cover. You might also want to consider a leaf cover on top of your heavier pool cover, because that will allow you to remove the leaves and debris easily in spring.

If you need help with more advice on closing your pool, reach out to the professionals at Aaron Pools. Established in 1972, this family-owned-and-operated business has a dedicated, award-winning team with over 400 years of combined experience. We love to help improve the quality time that families spend together at home, and that’s why we’ve installed more than 2,000 swimming pools and hot tubs, from Cape Cod to Connecticut. For the best possible service from our highly experienced installation team, call 508-689-5042 or contact us today.