Swimming Pool Closing Checklist from Seaway

For swimming pool owners, closing down for the season isn’t a favourite time of year. Pool closing is key to optimum maintenance and will prevent potential problems and costly repairs.

When you follow a comprehensive Pool Closing Checklist, you’ll close down the pool properly, and everything will be preserved through the winter. You’ll be ready to go for the next season.

Because every pool is different, your Pool Closing Checklist may have some uniquely specific requirements – and often, the services of a professional pool company may be a good option.

Following a good Pool Closing Checklist is worth the time

While it’s sad to see another swimming season disappear, properly closing down the pool is well worth the time. It’s part of good maintenance program, and will ensure longer life for parts and components. Following a good Pool Closing Checklist also makes the demanding work go easier.

Balancing pool water

Before closing down your pool, the water chemistry should be balanced. It means testing the water for pH, alkalinity, and calcium – all should be within recommended target areas. If there’s any uncertainty, it’s a good idea to contact your pool service provider for additional advice.

Shocking with chlorine

Shocking the pool with chlorine at the end of the season is different than the typical shock when doing routine maintenance. This treatment should include at least 65% sodium hypochlorite (you could also use a “non-chlorine” product). Here again, your pool service provider could help.

Adding winter algaecide

To prevent algae from forming throughout the winter, an algaecide will kill existing algae and will prevent new algae from forming. This treatment should be applied well after the chlorine shock treatment. The algaecide product should be used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.

Cleaning up the pool

A good Pool Closing Checklist always includes a “cleanup” component. To begin with, everything must be removed from the pool, including ladders, hoses, pumps, filters, and heaters. These items should all be cleanly rinsed, dried, and stored away (in a garage, shed, or even inside your home).

Brush-Vacuum-Skim

Brushing and vacuuming in and around the pool should be done on the day of the final shutdown. If there’s any leftover debris at the bottom of the pool, it should be removed. Essentially, the pool water should be completely debris-free, and anything that’s free-floating should be removed.

Lowering water level

As a rule, pool water does not have to be drained completely – it just has to be lowered (with a proper pump) below the skimmer. The eventual water level will depend on the pool cover. Here, it’s best to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, or contact your pool services provider.

Draining equipment

All pumps, heaters, filters, and chlorinators must be drained of any residual water before winter. If this equipment is stored in an uninsulated space, frozen water can quickly damage a piece of equipment. Ideally, these types of equipment should be stored in an area with no risk of freezing.

Removing the filter

The water filter should be removed, cleaned, and stored away in a dry place, preferable indoors. In the event that the water filter cannot be removed, it’s possible to use an air compressor or a Shop Vac to blow out any residual water. This is key in preventing any potential of freezing.

Winterizing plumbing

Any plumbing lines that carry water should be appropriately drained and dried. If this sounds laborious, it’s possible to add an “antifreeze” product that is specifically for swimming pools. For some pool owners, it may simply be better to call in a professional pool services company. 

Covering the pool

When the Pool Closing Checklist is completed, it’s time to put a cover over the swimming pool. The cover must fit snugly, without leaving any gaps or openings. This is also a good time to check the cover for any holes or tears. All things considered, your pool should be ready to go for spring.

Winter check over 

Even though a good pool cover will keep everything sealed and impenetrable, it’s a good idea to clear off leaves and debris during the fall, and remove accumulated snow and ice during winter. With any pool, a preventative approach ensures longer life for the pool and all the equipment.

Odds and ends

Even the “odds and ends” of pool closing are important – like shutting down the main power supply and anything electric. As well – cleaning and stashing all of that expensive pool furniture. And finally, it’s not a bad idea to check pool chemicals from time to time throughout the winter.

Working together with a pool services company

Following a comprehensive Pool Closing Checklist makes the annual task much easier to manage. 

While it’s very much a DIY endeavour, there’s nothing wrong with working with a professional pool services company. The benefits of working with professionals should not be undervalued.

Closing down your pool shouldn’t be a hassle. At Seaway Pools & Hot Tubs, our team of experts is ready to support pool owners with products and services to make things easier to manage. We also provide a complete pool closing service for both veteran pool owners and new pool owners.

For pool owners who find the closing process daunting (or simply don’t have time) Seaway Pools & Hot Tubs can do it all. We provide in-house pool professionals who are experienced with every type of pool. We have the equipment, tools, and supplies to get everything ready for next season.

The big benefit of working with Seaway Pools & Hot Tubs is that everything is managed from start to finish. We do it all – from protecting your equipment, to providing winterizing chemicals, to covering the pool. For many pool owners, the additional seasonal cost is well worthwhile.

Find out more about Seaway Pools & Hot Tubs by calling 905-294-8030, or visiting one of our two retail stores (Markham and Newmarket). For more information about our pools and hot tubs visit our company website at www.seawaypoolsntubs.com.