Closing your pool for the fall and winter seasons is a large undertaking, but if you prepare in advance and stay organized it can be simpler than you think!
Closing your pool for the fall and winter seasons is a large undertaking, but if you prepare in advance and stay organized it can be simpler than you think! Here are some of the basics that you need to know to properly close your pool for the cooler months.
Prepare to Shut Down Your Pool
The right chemical balance is necessary to make sure that your pool water isn’t too corrosive or full of calcium deposits. Always begin the pool closing process with water balance tests. Use a normal water chemistry test designed for pools. The pH should be between 7.2-7.4 and the total alkalinity should be 80-125 ppm for plaster pools. The water hardness should be 175-225 ppm and the chlorine softener should be at least 30 ppm. Finally, the free chlorine reading should be 1.0-4.0 ppm. Before you do anything else, you should make sure that these water chemistry levels are in check.
To adjust the pH higher, add pH increaser. To make it lower, add pH decreaser. Do the same with calcium hardness increaser if the calcium level is low. If the level is too high, drain portion of the water in the pool and refill it with water at a lower level. If the alkalinity is too low, add in total alkalinity increaser. If the alkalinity is too high, use the same pH decreaser you would use above.
Clean and Store
Next, you should clean and store the pool equipment that you use in your pool. Things like ladders, diving boards, and any other toys or accessories should be cleaned and put away. Next, take the time to clean the pool walls and floor with a pool brush. Remove any debris or trash from the pool with a skimmer.
Take Care of the Filtration System
Your pool’s filtration system should also be cleaned before the off months. Cartridge filters should be replaced or cleaned if they are still in good condition. Backwash the sand filters using the instructions from the manufacturer. Do the same thing for the diatomaceous earth filters and ensure that everything is clean and ready for the long cooler months ahead.
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