Lambton Shores Pool Closing Service

Fall Pool Care: What to Do & When 

When the average outdoor temperature reaches 15 degrees, it is time to close your pool for the off-season. Many pool owners decide to take the traditional route and shut water systems down following the September long weekend but this isn’t always the ideal time. Closing too early can mean missing out on the last warm days of spring while closing too late can mean freezing temperatures and unexpected damage. 

Sub-zero temperatures make plastic brittle and can cause water to freeze. When frozen, water will see up to 9% expansion and while that number might not seem high, it is enough to cause pipes to burst. There is never a good time for a pipe to burst but winter is particularly terrible. A proper closing service prevents freezing, reduces the risk of algae growth and eliminates the risk of drowned lawns and flooded basements. In order to get the best results for pool closings Puddle technicians break the process down into multiple steps. 

Step 1: When dealing with an inground pool the first step to any pool closing is to drop the water level so it falls a few inches below the skimmer line. This will prevent water from flowing into vulnerable places like internal water systems. Winterizing the drain plug is another way to prevent water from seeping inside. Flushing return lines is a great way to get water out. Dropping water levels means having to drain the water from your pool which can end horriblly if performed improperly so this is always best left to the experts. 

Step 2: Debris should be removed before closings. This means skimming out floating items, emptying skimmer baskets and using manual vacuums to suck up unwanted debris from even the hardest to reach areas. If not removed, these items will rot and break apart making them difficult to remove and can encourage algae growth. 

Step 3: Maintaining water chemistry is a top priority during the swim season but often takes a backseat when the weather gets cold. When heading into the fall season it is important to apply a series of winter chemicals. A seasonal chemical program is designed to prevent freezing and reduces the risk of algae growth. This means that when you want to open your pool in spring, it will be a quicker, easier process.