Vaughan Pool Closing

When the leaves begin to change Londoners are busy bundling up and weather-proofing properties but swimming pools are often neglected. Ontario is known for frigid winters and that means serious risk to outdoor pools. Sub-zero temperatures and frozen water can cause structural damage and a whole lot of headaches, but our team of Puddle technicians are here to help. Vaughan pool closing services protect pools from the cold weather, prolong the lifespan of components and make openings easier in spring. 

Fall pool care means more than putting on a winter cover and hoping for the best. An improper closing will lead to water contamination, as well as unexpected damage. Closing too early means inviting algae growth, along with missing out on the last days of the swim season, while waiting too long to close can result in unexpected damage. Instead of relying on a set date for your pool closing, work with an expert to create a closing schedule and multi-step approach that suits the unique needs of your swim space. 

The Best Way to Close Your Pool 

Closing a pool for the off-season is not a simple process. It might seem easy to swap mesh covers out for a solid one and throw in a shock treatment but this isn’t enough to get great results. Getting the best results for your water system means taking a multi-step approach that treats the visible aspects of your pool, as well as the internal systems that keep it running. 

Thorough Cleaning: Leaving debris inside a pool system is a recipe for disaster. Floating items will rot and break apart. Smaller pieces are more difficult to remove and will clog up skimmer baskets and pool filters. Heavy items sink to the bottom of the pool and if left to sit, will cause permanent staining. When going into a new season, it is a good idea to scrub away residue, vacuum up debris and remove potential contaminants. 

Water Treatments: At the height of the swim season, chlorine levels are a top priority for pool owners but a seasonal change is more demanding than basic sanitizer levels. Winter chemicals help to prevent algae from forming and spreading, as well as reduces the risk of freezing. It takes prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures for pool basins to freeze but for those areas with less water, it happens much quicker than you’d expect. Dropping the water level in an inground pool keeps water out of return lines and internal systems where it can freeze and cause damage. Winterizing drain plugs also prevents water from seeping into vulnerable areas. In an above ground pool installing an air bag can help to reduce the risk of freezing, when combined with a specialized treatment program. 

Check Pool Equipment: Freezing temperatures make plastic brittle and can quickly lead to cracks and breakage. By removing detachable components to be dried and stored for winter, you can prevent costly damage. Flushing return lines removes sitting water and can prevent damage caused by expansion. Frozen water expands by up to 9%, which might not sound like a lot but it is enough to cause plumbing lines to burst. A changing of the seasons is a good time to check up on your filtration system as well. Cartridge filters should be removed, cleaned and replaced every 3-4 months and sand filters should be emptied and replaced with new sand every 3-5 years. 

Just like anything, there is a right way and a wrong way to drop the water level in your pool. Improperly draining water can result in drowned lawns or even flooded structures. While draining your pool seems like a good idea (particularly if it is already dirty), nothing could be worse for swimming pools with vinyl liners. It is always better to consult an expert before draining pool water. 

Puddle Pool Services: Expert Pool Closings Across Vaughan 

A proper pool closing doesn’t just help your swim space in the moment, it helps to keep your water systems running smoothly all year long. Traditionally, pools are closed down after the September long weekend but this isn’t always the optimal time. Instead of sticking to a sketchy schedule, wait until the average outdoor temperature reaches 15 degrees to shut down for the off-season. 

Each member of the Puddle team is local to the Vaughan area, so we understand exactly what your water system needs and when. In addition to being highly trained and experienced, Puddle technicians are fully insured to protect pools and surrounding areas. Our Puddle crews offer efficient and affordable seasonal treatments, routine pool cleaning, inspections, pool leak detection and service calls to keep your swimming pool in great shape, no matter the time of year.