Fort Bend County Pool Closing Service

The Best Way to Close Your Pool for the Off-Season 

It doesn’t need to be freezing outside for pool closings to be a good idea. Anytime that your swim space isn’t going to be used for a long stretch, closing is a better option than dealing with the aftermath of contamination. This can be anything from an outdoor renovation project, going away on a long vacation or just choosing not to swim when temperatures are cold. 

Anytime that your pool isn’t being used, water chemistry is slowly becoming imbalanced, debris is building up, filters are struggling and algae growth is starting to spread. Anyone can pick up a pool closing kit from any pool supply store. Having an expert test, treat and prep swimming pools for closings ensure that you are in for a safer off-season, an easier opening in spring and stress-free pool care. In short, the best way to properly close your pool is to have an expert do it for you! 

The best way to protect pools from bad weather and disuse is to take a step-by-step approach. This year skip the trial and error and ask the experts to close your pool for the off-season. 

Step 1: Clean the Pool 

Just throwing on a pool cover isn’t enough to prevent water contamination and it can’t keep debris and unwanted items from reaching pool water. Setting the stage for a successful closing starts with a proper cleaning. This means getting rid of any sitting debris, removing residue from pool walls, and more. 

Step 2: Careful Debris Removal 

During the course of a cleaning there are always bits and pieces that get left behind. When a swimming pool is being used often and cleaned regularly this isn’t that big of a problem but when sitting idle it can be. Unwanted items floating along water surfaces or sunken to the bottom of the pool will fill skimmer baskets and leave permanent stains behind on vinyl liners. 

Step 3: Clear Equipment & Components 

If water is left inside plumbing lines or equipment it will develop bacteria over time. It doesn’t take long for water to become contaminated. Flushing lines is a great way to get rid of sitting water. 

Step 4: Drop Water Level 

The best way to keep water from seeping into vulnerable areas is to drop the water level in an inground pool so it falls a few inches below the skimmer line. It’s also a good idea to seal drain plugs so pool water isn’t able to sneak in. 

Step 5: Apply Winterizing Chemicals 

Winter chemicals aren’t just for cold weather climates. A specially developed combination of chemicals prevents algae growth and reduces the risk of contamination. You might be concerned with keeping chlorine levels balanced when a swimming pool is in use but it’s easy to forget when you aren’t using it. 

Step 6: Change Out Your Pool Cover 

During spring and summer a mesh pool cover can help to heat pool water and reduce utility bills. This completely changes when average outdoor temperatures begin to drop. If sunlight is allowed to reach pool water it will encourage algae growth and contamination. Instead, swap mesh versions out for solid winter covers that block sunlight or a safety cover that will accomplish the same thing without the tripping hazards. 

Winterizing your pool is a great step toward opening your pool quickly and efficiently. You don’t want to get stuck dealing with damage when you can just have an expert set the stage for a successful swim season instead.