To Close or not to Close Your Pool? That is the Question

The annual ritual of closing pools for winter begins as the leaves begin to turn color and the temperatures start to drop. Leslie’s Pool Supplies has National Pool Closing Day, which falls on the third weekend in September. This gives pool owners a definitive answer about when to close their pool.

While those in milder climates might wonder why anyone would want to close their pool, when they can continue to enjoy it all year round, the decision in colder areas is based on safety and practicality. You’re not the only one who is unsure about closing your pool. We’re here to help answer this question that many pool owners ask.

This article contains the following topics:

1. 
   Why Close Your Pool
   
2. 
   Pool Owner in Sunbelt States
   
3. 
   Pros and Cons of Closing your Pool
   
4. 
   What do most experts recommend?
   
5. 
   Can My own swimming pool be closed?
   
6. 
   Tips for Closing your Pool
   

Why close your pool?

Winterizing pools is important in areas with harsh winters to protect plumbing and pool equipment from freezing temperature. Water expands when it freezes. This can cause expensive damage. In colder climates, pool owners drain their plumbing, add antifreeze and winterize equipment in order to avoid freezing problems.

The water temperature will drop in the fall and it is less conducive for swimming. Pool owners may use fewer chemicals to maintain the water quality. Stamped water, without maintenance or circulation, can be a breeding place for bacteria and algae. Winterizing your pool can help prevent these problems, and make it easier to open in the spring.

Closing the pool in the winter reduces the maintenance needed during the colder seasons. Closing the pool will allow owners to put off cleaning, chemical balance, and skimming until spring. This is a good option for people who don’t want to spend as much time maintaining their pool.

Frozen pool surfaces are a safety risk in areas that experience harsh winters. Closed and covered pools reduce the risk of slips, falls or injuries caused by icy pool surfaces.

Pool Ownership in Sunbelt States

Pool owners who live in the sunbelt often have more favorable weather all year round. Sunbelt states are known for mild winters, with little risk of temperatures freezing. Many pool owners can continue to enjoy their pools in these areas without having to winterize them.

These pool owners view their pools in these states as major investments. They maximize their return on investment by keeping their pools operational all year round. In sunbelt areas, a well-maintained pool that is operational year-round can add value to a property. It enhances its appeal and provides additional recreational options.

A pool is an excellent lifestyle choice in states with a favorable climate. The pool is a great way to entertain, relax and exercise in any season.

How to weigh the pros and cons of closing your pool

The Pros and Cons of Closing Your Pool	The Cons of Closing Your Pool
This product protects against freezing temperatures and prevents damage to equipment and plumbing.	This includes the initial cost of purchasing winterizing materials, and possibly hiring a professional.
Save time by reducing maintenance during colder months.	Winter swimming and pool activities are restricted.
It prevents the growth and spread of bacteria and algae, making it easy to open the pool again in the spring.	If the water is not maintained properly during closure, it could lead to a chemistry imbalance upon reopening.
Removes safety hazards from pool decks that are icy in regions with harsh winters.	The investment value of a pool may not be maximized in milder climates.
Protecting pool equipment from winter weather will extend its lifespan.	Remove and store pool equipment and accessories covers.
Insurance may be required in areas with freezing temperatures.	Loss of recreational and social space temporarily for friends and family.

Close or keep your pool open in the winter depends on the local climate and your personal preferences. Also, consider the advantages and disadvantages you value most.

What do most experts recommend?

When it comes to closing a swimming pool, most pool experts will base their advice on factors such as the climate in the region, the pool type, and maintenance preferences.

Inground Pools:

Cold Climate Areas: Experts recommend that inground pools be closed when the temperatures are below freezing. In these areas, winterizing an inground swimming pool involves draining its plumbing system, adding antifreeze and covering it to protect it against the elements.

Climates with a Moderate Climate: Experts may recommend that in regions where winters are milder, an inground swimming pool can be kept open all year round, since the risk of it freezing is reduced. To prevent equipment damage and algae growth, it is important to maintain the pool and ensure that water circulates.

Above Ground Pools:

Cold climate regions: Above-ground pools in cold climates are more vulnerable to damage and freezing due to their exposed side. experts recommend that above-ground pools be closed in regions with freezing temperatures. drain the pool and remove water from plumbing and equipment. Then cover it with a winter cover.

Climates with Mild Winters: Some above-ground pool owners choose to maintain their pools in regions with milder winters. They must, however, monitor the water chemistry to ensure that the pool is properly circulated and avoid problems during the winter.

The Differences Between Closing Above Ground Pools and Inground Pools Above Ground Pools:

1. Differences in Structure: Inground Pools are built into a solid foundation and have a more substantial structure. Above-ground pools are usually freestanding, and their sides are exposed. This makes them more susceptible to damage and freezing.
2. Winterization complexity: Due to the integrated plumbing and equipment, inground pools require more complex winterization procedures. Winterization procedures for above ground pools are usually simpler.
3. Cost Winterizing an inground swimming pool is more expensive than above ground pools, even if you hire professionals.
4. Year Round Use: In milder climes, inground swimming pools will likely remain open year round due to their durability. Above-ground pools may need to be closed for the winter.
5. Maintenance It is important to maintain the water chemistry during winter, since above-ground pools are more susceptible to freezing.

Can I close my own swimming pool?

It’s not a question of can you close your swimming pool but rather should you? This depends largely on your experience level, your comfort with pool maintenance and the complexity of your system.

Close Your Pool by Yourself:

Benefits:

Cost savings: Closing a pool by yourself will save you money when compared with hiring a professional. You won’t incur labor costs.

Learning experience: Closing the pool is a great way to learn about your pool’s system.

Control You can customize the process to meet your needs.

Considerations:

Time and effort: Closing your pool can take a lot of time and physical effort. This is especially true if it’s an inground swimming pool with complicated equipment.

Knowledge Required: To close a pool properly, you must be familiar with the pool system, chemicals and climate of your area. Inexperience may lead to mistakes which can damage your pool.

Materials and Equipment: You will need to purchase winterization supplies, equipment covers and other materials. This can increase the initial cost.

Professional Pool Service Technician:

Benefits:

Expertise The majority of professional pool service technicians have been trained and are experienced in closing pools. They are familiar with the intricacies and complexities of the different pool systems, so they can make sure the process is carried out correctly.

Save time: By hiring a professional, you can focus on your other priorities.

Peace Of Mind: Professionals ensure that your pool is winterized properly, reducing costly repairs in spring.

Considerations:

Cost: Professional swimming pool closure services are expensive and can vary depending on the location of your pool, as well as its complexity.

Lack Of Control: When you do it yourself, you may have less control of the process and materials used.

DIY Pool Closure Resources:

Swim School: Swim university offers an abundance of articles, videos and resources about pool maintenance and winterization.

Trouble Free Pool : Trouble Free Pool is a community forum where pool owners can share their tips and advice about various aspects of pool ownership including winterization.

Important Tips For Closing Your Pool

Remember these tips if you decide to close your pool to avoid costly repairs or maintenance in the future.

Step One: Remove Debris

Prepare your pool to close:

1. Brush and Skim: Use the leaf rake to remove larger debris from water. With a pool brush mounted on a telescoping rod, scrub the walls and floor of the pool. Pay attention to all corners and crevices.
2. Vacuum the pool: After brushing it, vacuum it manually to remove any debris or sediment that has settled.

Step 2: Test and balance water chemistry

To avoid problems during winter, it is important to maintain proper water chemistry. Follow these guidelines.

1. Check the pH, Alkalinity and Calcium Hardness. Test and adjust your pool’s pH, Total Alkalinity and Calcium Hardness if needed. It is important to balance these parameters prior to closing the pool. This will help prevent any chemistry issues over the winter.
2. Add Algae remover and shock your pool: Consider adding an alga-removing agent and shocking your swimming pool to keep the water clean and clear in the off-season.
3. Circulate Water: Run the pool circulation system for 8 hours or more after adding chemicals.

Step 3 – Turn off equipment and lower the water level

Follow these steps to protect your pool equipment.

1. Turn off Equipment: Before draining the water, turn off all pool equipment including filters, heaters and pumps.
2. Lower the Water Level: Use an submersible pump in order to lower the level. It is recommended that you lower the water level at least two inches below the lowest line of return or, depending on the type of pool, use a blowout to lower the water level 4-6 inches beneath the skimmer.
3. Caution: Fiberglass and Vinyl Swimming Pools: Do not drain too much water from a fiberglass or a vinyl swimming pool. Consult the instructions of the manufacturer for winterization.

Step 4: Drain Plumbing and Drain Equipment

Take these precautions to prevent freezing damage to your plumbing and equipment.

1. Drain Equipment and Clean it: Remove the drain plugs and store them inside the pump basket. Store equipment inside or under cover if possible.
2. Drain Plumbing Lines – Use the blower to remove water from the plumbing lines and plug in any returns with winter plugs. As a precaution, add pool antifreeze into the plumbing system.
3. Skimmer protection: Use a Gizzmo or Skimguard to protect your skimmer from freeze expansion.

Installing a Winter Cover

Last but not least, you will need to cover your pool for the winter.

1. Prepare Pool: Remove ladders, hoses and other items around and in the pool.
2. Inspect the Cover and Secure it: Make sure your winter cover, safety cover, or wall bag fits correctly and is free of holes or damage. Use water bags to secure inground pool covers. For above-ground pools, use an air cushion with wall bags. If you are using a safety covering, make sure to check the anchors and straps.

Follow these steps to close your pool, protect it from damage during the winter, and ensure a smooth reopening of the pool when swimming season returns.

It is ultimately up to you to decide whether to close or not your pool. You can save money if you are confident enough to do the job yourself. If you are inexperienced, and want to protect your investment with peace of mind, hiring a professional technician is the best option.

Featured Photo Credit: AQUAMAT

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