Is the pool being closed correctly? This is a question that many homeowners who have an in-ground pool may wonder. A pool is a large investment that is worth the entertainment and luxury it provides, but if it is not closed properly, it can cause damaging results. By winterizing the pool at the right time, with preparations all in place, your pool will remain protected from the causes of nature and harsh weather conditions. Even if you have a valet service to close your pool for you, there are numerous steps you can take to ensure the process of your winterization goes smoothly. Perform the following guidelines to stay on the right track when closing up your backyard oasis for the season.
1. Close the Pool According to the Temperature
We recommend winterizing your pool not by the calendar, but by the climate. Every season is unpredictable, whether it’s an early spring, late summer or late winter. Homeowners who want to use their pool as much as possible, permitting the weather, can get more fun out of their paradise when opting to close it due to the outside temperature. If closed during milder weather, consider adding more algaecide and chlorine to ensure protection until it is opened again.
2. Don’t Leave Issues Unsolved Before Closing
We all become pressed for time, and in some cases it may seem beneficial to rush to close the pool and then attend to it when it has to be re-opened. However, if there are issues that need to be addressed, it is wise to have them assessed before you close the pool. The problems will only get bigger when it is opened in the spring, if left unattended. Algae left in the pool will be more costly to eradicate and untreated metals can cause unappealing stains that are hard to remove.
3. Keep All Pool Items in a Specific Place
Assign a designated area to store your pool equipment, tools, toys and plugs for the winter. This way, when you open the pool, you will know where everything is. Your valet service won’t have to go looking for all the misplaced items and you won’t have to worry about having to replace anything. One thing you can do is put all of the plugs in the skimmer basket during the process of closing the pool to pinpoint them easily later.
4. Keep the Equipment from Freezing
To stop your pool equipment from freezing, drain all the water from the pump, heater, filter and chlorinator. If you have hired a pool closing service, the technician will do this for you. If the lines aren’t blown out, you can add pool antifreeze into them to stop them from freezing up. Another useful tip is to run the pump routinely when the temperatures fall below 30 degrees to stop them from freezing.
5. Hire a Winterization Valet Service
Some homeowners make the mistake of thinking that once the pool is closed, it doesn’t need to be serviced until the spring, when it is time to open it again. This is very untrue. To keep the pool in top condition, it needs to be serviced during the winter, although not as much as in the summer. At Carlton Pools, we offer a valet service for concrete pools, shotcrete pools and many other types. Visit our Carlton Pools testimonials and Carlton Pools reviews to discover our commitment to customer service and satisfaction.