Even though not everyone here in Florida experiences the beautiful fall colors displayed over much of the country, we tend to take notice of the change in season just the same. For instance, lots of homeowners close the pool during fall. The shorter days may not have much bearing, but if your pool doesn’t have a heater, the cooler water temperature is a good indicator that it’s time to throw in the towel for the season.
We’ve got a checklist for you to run through to make that process as easy as possible.
Pace yourself
It’s important to remember that you won’t be ready to start the process and close your pool all in one day. It’s actually a good idea to start about a week before your target date. The first step is to add a phosphate remover to the pool water. It eliminates algae’s primary food source and wards off algae blooms. Cooler water temperatures fight off those blooms too. It’s recommended that the water temperature be at or below 65 degrees.
A thorough cleaning
The last thing you want to see when uncovering your pool in the spring is green water. To help avoid it, a good cleaning is in order before you officially close the pool. Brush the sides and floor well to remove all dirt and debris. Vacuum your pool after that has been completed. The next step is to skim the surface of the water and, then, clean out the skimmer and pump strainer baskets.
Appropriate winter water levels
Florida rarely sees below-freezing temperatures and, if it happens, we certainly wouldn’t expect a stretch of them day after day. Since your pool isn’t in danger of freezing, it’s suggested that you leave all equipment, such as the pump, connected and your water level at the normal operating level throughout the winter.
Balance the chemistry
You want to ensure that the pool chemistry is within range. In fact, it’s one of the most important steps when closing the pool for the winter months. You can do this using an in-home test kit or, if you’d rather, take a sample of water to your local pool store. Most will check it for you at no cost.
The water should be in the following ranges:
- Total alkalinity: 80 to 120 ppm
- pH level: Between 7.4 and 7.6
- Calcium hardness: Between 200 and 400 ppm
You might want to investigate adding other winterizing chemicals such as stain and scale preventers.
Shock it
Shocking the water in your pool oxidizes any organic contaminants. The Free Available Chlorine helps you control any bacteria or algae spores lurking in the water. It’s recommended that you shock the pool a couple of days before actually closing it.
Your Free Available Chlorine needs to be between 2.0 and 4.0 ppm on the day you close the pool. If it isn’t, get it there prior to taking the next step.
Backwashing
After you balance all the chemicals, allow your pump to filter through an entire cycle. This usually takes between four to twelve hours depending on the size of the pool. Once it has been completed, you’re ready to backwash your pool filter. Of course, it isn’t required that you clean your pool filter, but it will be a lot easier to open the pool back up in the spring with that chore checked off the list.
If you have DE grids and filter cartridges, they need to be removed from the pool filter and thoroughly cleaned. Soaking the components in a solution of vinegar and a bit of water can help break down those stuck-on oil and calcium patches that build up over the summer.
Cover it up
Dependable pool covers help you protect your family, friends, and pets when they have been securely installed.
Safety covers
This type of pool cover provides the highest level of protection for your family and guards best against any unwanted guests accessing your pool and moving in over the winter. That’s due to the fact that the cover is securely anchored into the surrounding pool deck.
Winter covers
Winter covers don’t guard against people and pets falling into the water. That’s because they aren’t securely anchored around the edge of the pool. Instead, the cover is held in place using a series of water bags to weigh down the edges. If you’ve got pets or small children—or both, of course—and your pool is enclosed, locking the access door provides an added safety measure.
There are two types of winter covers available. Mesh winter covers keep debris from falling into the pool. Meanwhile, the cover acts as a filter as the water passes through the mesh but doesn’t allow excess water to accumulate on the cover. Solid winter covers guard against debris more efficiently, however, you may need to pump off the water build-up a few times between now and spring.
Monthly monitoring
Mark the calendar so you don’t forget to check your water chemistry once a month. Keeping the levels up where they need to be will help ensure you see sparkling blue water when the cover comes off again. The way time flies by, that day will be here before you know it!