10 Things to Do Before Closing Your Pool
We may be enjoying the last bits of summer, but the swimming season will come to an end before we know it. (Cue the tears. We don’t want it to end.)
We know that closing your pool isn’t the most fun task, but it doesn’t have to be difficult or stressful. Here are 10 things you can do right now to make closing your pool quick, easy, and stress-free when the time comes.
It may still be summer, but now is the time to stock up on your pool closing supplies — including winter pool covers, air pillows, and winterizing chemicals. Ordering early ensures that you have them on hand and aren’t dealing with shipping delays or out of stock items when you’re ready to close your pool.
If you’ve been thinking about a new liner or your current one is in rough shape, consider buying one now. It’s the best time of year to buy a pool liner. There’s always a big rush in the spring and summer, which means your preferred liner color or design may not be available during the busy season. If you order now, you’ll have one less thing to worry about or wait for when all you want to do is open your pool and dive in when it’s hot outside.
If you clean your pool now, you’ll have less work to do later. You don’t want any nasty surprises in a few months. Take the time to remove sticks, leaves, insects, and other debris. Scrub the pool walls and floor to prevent algae buildup and staining during the winter months. We recommend a professional cleaning at least once a year, so this could be a good time.
You may wonder why it’s important to check the water chemistry when you don’t plan on using your pool for the next few months, but good water chemistry is key to preventing major mold, algae, and other issues during the winter months. Test your pool water a week or so before closing.
1. Stock Up On Pool Supplies
It may still be summer, but now is the time to stock up on your pool closing supplies — including winter pool covers, air pillows, and winterizing chemicals. Ordering early ensures that you have them on hand and aren’t dealing with shipping delays or out of stock items when you’re ready to close your pool.
2. Buy a New Liner
If you’ve been thinking about a new liner or your current one is in rough shape, consider buying one now. It’s the best time of year to buy a pool liner. There’s always a big rush in the spring and summer, which means your preferred liner color or design may not be available during the busy season. If you order now, you’ll have one less thing to worry about or wait for when all you want to do is open your pool and dive in when it’s hot outside.
3. Clean Up Your Yard
Before you begin the process of closing your above ground pool, take a moment to clean up your yard. Trim back any overhanging branches or bushes that could shed leaves or debris into the pool cover over the winter. Clear away sticks, leaves, and other debris from around the pool area to prevent them from accumulating on the cover or around the pool base, which could lead to damage or make the opening process more cumbersome in the spring. Proper yard maintenance makes for smoother winterization and sets you up for an easier and quicker pool opening next season.4. Upgrade Your Storage
As you prepare to close your pool, it's essential to think about how and where you’ll store your pool equipment and accessories during the winter months. Winter storage and organization is key to protecting your pool gear. Get prepped before it’s time to close your pool. Invest in new tote bins if needed and take some time to organize your garage, shed, or basement where you keep your pool equipment and accessories. When everything is labeled, organized, and protected from the elements during the off-season, you’ll have a much easier reopening in the spring.5. Clean the Pool Thoroughly
If you clean your pool now, you’ll have less work to do later. You don’t want any nasty surprises in a few months. Take the time to remove sticks, leaves, insects, and other debris. Scrub the pool walls and floor to prevent algae buildup and staining during the winter months. We recommend a professional cleaning at least once a year, so this could be a good time.
6. Balance the Water Chemistry
You may wonder why it’s important to check the water chemistry when you don’t plan on using your pool for the next few months, but good water chemistry is key to preventing major mold, algae, and other issues during the winter months. Test your pool water a week or so before closing.
- pH Levels: 7.2 and 7.6
- Alkalinity: 80-120 ppm
- Calcium Hardness: 200-400 ppm
- Chlorine Levels: 10-12 ppm. This helps prevent algae growth during the off-season.
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