A Guest Post Joel Peters
Section 1: Introduction
Getting in your pool is one of the best moments of summer. It is more fun when you uncover your pool and find it clear and well maintained. It is very disgusting to uncover your pool and find it all swampy and green. This is why it is important to ensure that your underground pool is well covered to avoid this disappointment. Whether you choose to do it yourself or hire a professional to close the pool, it is important to ensure the job is done the right way. Most pools get damaged during the closing process and hence there is a need to ensure that the right steps are followed. This article will, therefore, highlight the reasons why you need to close your underground pool as well as the steps involved in closing it.
Section 2: Basics
Why should you close an inground pool?
If you ever see debris in your swimming pool during the summer, then the situation is likely to get worse as winter approaches. It is even worse if your pool is surrounded by trees as leaves and other debris gets to settle at the bottom of the pool. This causes rot in the pool that leaves murk and a disgusting swampy pool. The cleaning process of such a pool is usually a long and expensive one. Moreover, some of the pool’s accessories and parts get damaged during the process. It is, therefore, a good idea to close your underground pool to avoid these extra expenses.
Another reason why you should close your pool is that it takes a lot of time and chemicals to get the water back to its pristine and clear state. The hassle of purchasing these chemicals and hiring a professional to do the job makes it difficult to enjoy the pool when you need it.
Section 3: Tips to improve
Tips before closing your pool
- Close your pool before it gets to 30˚F at night
- Clean the filter
- Winterize the heater
- Clean the saltwater generator
- Do not add shock directly to the pool
- Follow the correct procedures for winterizing a pool
Section 4: Correcting common problems
Common mistakes when closing an inground pool
Most pool owners make mistakes while closing their underground pools. While some of these mistakes are small, some of them are costly and time-consuming. Pool owners need to understand these mistakes before starting the cleaning process. Besides that, it is easier to learn from mistakes done by others as they help you avoid similar situations in the future. Some of the common mistakes that pool owners commit include; using wrong automatic pool cleaners, forgetting to brush before covering the pool and adding chlorine during the day. Additionally, it is common to see pool owners ignoring calcium hardness, not cleaning the filter and backwashing the filter too much. Lastly, most people forget to turn off electrical devices in the pool as well as winterizing the heater.
Section 5: Analysis of best practices in the industry
Closing an underground pool does not need to be a daunting task. With the right set of tools and supplies, one can follow the procedures required to ensure their pool is well protected. It is important to note that climate plays a very important role in closing your pool. Understanding whether the climate is warm or cold during the off-season helps pick the right supplies for closing your pool. Below are the steps to follow to close an underground pool.
5.1 Clean the pool
This is the first step before you close your pool. Using a pool brush and a telescoping pole, ensure you scrub the pool’s walls and floors. Reach to every nook to ensure the pool completely clean. Next, vacuum all the debris you scrubbed off the walls and floor of the pool. Ensure you use algae brush to clean any symptoms of algae and manually vacuum the debris.
5.2 Test the water
This is a very essential step in ensuring that your pool is well maintained. Using a testing kit, you can test the water for alkalinity and PH levels before proceeding to the next step. Alternatively, take a sample to a professional and have them test for you for accurate results. You should note that the chlorine levels must be below 5 parts per million to avoid destroying other chemical additives you will add later.
5.3 Add winterizing chemicals
Once the chlorine is well balanced, add a non-chlorine shock followed by the other chemicals. Some of the chemicals to use for this step include; algaecide to prevent the growth of spores and algae, and metal sequestrate to suspend any metals in the water. Other chemicals include the winter pill and pool enzymes.
5.4 Shock the pool
Next, shock the pool according to the pool shock manufacturer’s instructions. It is important to shock the pool at night to avoid the sun reacting with the chlorine. Run the pump to evenly distribute the shocking ad test the water.
5.6 Backwash and Clean the Filter and Pump
For this step, ensure you focus on the cartridge filter and sand filter. Turn the valves and rinse the filters to ensure all debris is washed off. Allow the filters to dry and store them in a skimmer basket. Besides, drain water from the pump and pool heater to ensure no gunk is trapped in.
5.7 Blow the lines
Blow the lines if you live in a colder climate to avoid fractures caused by ice. For pools in warmer climates, use antifreeze or skip this step.
5.8 Remove pool accessories such as ladders and rails to avoid damage.
5.9 Install a winter cover
This is the final step in covering an underground pool. Thus, you can use a standard pool cover, a pool cover pump, and pool safety cover. Whichever option you choose, ensure you gently clean the covers of any leaves and snow. This also reduces the rate of damaging the covers.
Section 6: Conclusion
Covering an inground pool requires an individual to follow the correct steps to avoid future damages and costs to the pool owner. However, it is also a DIY job that needs a keen mind and all the needed supplies. It is essential to understand the common mistakes that pool owners make before proceeding to close the pool furthermore; having the necessary tips needed for this job ensures that it is done smoothly and at the right time. Lastly, while it may seem easy to cover an inground pool, some of the steps may not be all straightforward. Thus, do not be afraid to hire a professional to do a perfect job for you. Whichever choice you make, have a happy closing!
Want to Open Your Inground Pool? Check out Joel’s post on that as well.
Don't know what chemicals to add or when? Sutro will tell you!