We’re getting close to that time of year! With Memorial Day over and the kids going back to school, summer will be over before we all know it. Don’t despair–there is still plenty of time for fun-packed pool days and backyard BBQs! However, it’s wise to begin thinking about how you plan on closing your pool.
While the task of closing up a pool may seem daunting and ask the question of “Didn’t we just open this?!” It is a chore that needs to be done to ensure your pool remains functional and all other working components are working well together.
Here in New Jersey, folks commonly close their pools a few weeks after Memorial Day–so sometime in September. Want to avoid the entire headache of closing your pool? As your local Tenafly, NJ pool experts, Island Pool and Spa can help make closing your pool a breeze–just give us a call and we can schedule an appointment to handle the entire closing of your pool.
Closing a pool differs depending on the type of climate you live in–and colder weather areas have a different closing process than warmer climates. Being in the Northeast, we will focus on the colder climate closing process, which is outlined below:
Colder climates
Colder climates always yield a shorter swim season, especially in New Jersey. Unlike warmer climates, cooler climates require a few more steps due to temperatures reaching below freezing and other additional considerations.
1) Pool Chemicals: Add shock treatment to the pool and keep pH levels ranging in the mid 7.0 level. The combination of shock treatment and pH balancing will prevent any algae and bacteria growth while the pool is not being used. After chemicals are in place, it is best practice to keep the filter running at full speed for about two days to mix the chemicals and filter out any remaining debris below the water surface.
2) Skim for any surface level debris and vacuum the remaining debris from the pool bottom. This eliminates the risk of bacteria growth due to decaying leaves and other plant material that tends to get in the pool.
3) Most pools do not require draining the pool entirely, as draining the pool completely can cause the foundation to crack, so leaving half the water in is usually the best practice, although it’s best to check with your local pool experts.
4) Turn off all equipment for the pool such as the filter, pump, or heater. Unlike warm climates, the season in which the pool remains off is longer, so there is no need to keep any equipment running at half speed.
5) Store all electrical equipment for the pool as well as miscellaneous objects such as diving boards, ladders, and pool toys in a safe place where they won’t get damaged.
6) Cover the pool after giving one last run through for remaining debris.
Mild climates
More temperate climates have a longer swim season and rarely require the pool to be completely decommissioned. While New Jersey does not fall under the category of mild climate, for educational purposes, it’s important to know the processes from both climates to ensure your pool stays clean and functional during the few weeks in which your mild weather is still a bit too chilly for a dip in the pool.
1) All chemicals in the pool need to be reduced at this time. This means reducing your chlorine input in half, keeping pH levels in the mid 7.0 range to ensure you are not wasting chemicals during a time in which they are not needed.
2) Run-time for your pool equipment can be decreased, meaning the filter and any other pieces such as a heater can be cut in half, if not more. This will save energy because your electricity will not be used as much but also keeps the equipment running better for longer because it is not being run at full speed during a time in the season in which the pool is barely being used.
3) Covering the pool is the easiest way to keep debris from accumulating and adding to a large-scale clean up when you want to use the pool again. It’s extremely important to shock treat any pool before covering for the season–even if the cool season only lasts a few weeks.
Let’s be honest, as a pool owner, taking the time out of your day to close your pool isn’t the most fun task of pool ownership. New Jersey rarely offers a long pool season, so the pool set-up and take-down seems a lot quicker than other areas of the country. Following these steps will allow your pool and equipment to last longer and run smoother, making the pool not only a great investment for your family but allowing it to be a much for relaxing addition to your property as well.