What is the Best Way to Close an Inground Pool?

Now that fall has officially arrived, that means that it is time to start closing your inground pool. When it comes to pool closing, you're going to want to be diligent in ensuring that your pool remains safe and clean while not in use. Your pool will be closed for multiple months after all. You’ll need to clean, balance, drain, winterize and cover your pool. This blog will discuss the exact process that you should follow in order to close your pool effectively this season. If you require pool closing equipment or pool covers, reach out to Seaway Pools & Hot Tubs. Our expert pool builders in the GTA can both install and close your pool. Contact us today to shop or book a pool service!

The Best Pool Closing Procedure

For safe and effective pool closing this fall season, follow the following steps.

1. Clean

Before winterizing your pool, you need to clean it out. Remove any excess dirt, debris or leaves from the pool by skimming the water. Also, ensure that your pool is free of any algae or buildup by scrubbing the walls and floor. If you have a pool cleaning robot, this would be a great time to use it. At this time, you should also remove any pool toys or accessories from your pool. Overall, you want the water to be as clean as possible. 

2. Balance the Water

Once your pool water is clean, you should balance the water with chemicals. Firstly, you should measure the pH of your pool water with a testing strip. The ideal pH of your pool is between 7 and 7.6, as this keeps the water neutral. Depending on the pH levels, adjust with the appropriate chemicals, such as IPG Plus if your water is too acidic and IPG Minus if your water is too alkaline. Once the water is balanced, add some chlorine to disinfect and clean the pool water. Keep the levels around 5-10 ppm. 

3. Drain

The next step to closing your pool is to drain it. While this may seem odd to first-time pool owners, you should not completely drain the pool when closing. This is because leaving some water inside acts like a barrier that protects the floor and walls of your pool from cracking and drying out in the harsh winter months. The liners remain in good shape when water is left in the pool. 

For an inground pool, it is recommended that you drain your pool so that the water levels are an inch below the skimmer. 

4. Winterize Your Equipment

• Pool Pump: To winterize your pool pump, turn off the power, remove the drain plugs, drain out all of the excess water, and use a vacuum to ensure that it is completely dry inside. This will prevent any freezing-related damage.
• Pool Heater: Turn off your pool heater and let it cool down if necessary. Then disconnect the water line and drain the heater. Ensure you blow out the lines to remove any excess water to prevent freezing and corrosion.
• Pool Filter: To winterize the filter, turn off the filter and clean and backwash it if needed.  Remove the drain plugs and drain out any excess water until completely dry. 

For your pool filter and heater, cover each of these items and leave them in a cool, dry place until they can be used next spring. This will keep them safe and prevent them from freezing or getting damaged. 

5. Winter Chemicals

Before covering your pool for the winter, it is a good idea to add some chemicals that will help prevent any damage over the next few months. Algaecide is a really good idea as it will prevent any algae from growing in your pool over the fall and winter. It may also be a good idea to add some scale remover to avoid any severe buildup while your pool is closed.

6. Pool Cover

The most crucial step to take when closing your inground pool is to cover it. Pool covers are essential when closing your pool in the GTA. It will ensure that no foreign items can enter your pool in the fall and winter seasons, keeping your pool clean. For inground pools, choose a pool cover that is the appropriate size for your pool. You should pick something bigger than the area of your pool. Once you lay your cover over the pool, secure it with water bags on each corner. 

Make Closing Your Inground Pool Easy with Seaway

Overall, it is so important that you effectively close your inground pool before the colder months arrive. Pool closing will help keep your pool safe, clean, and protected against the harsh fall and winter weather. You’ll need to ensure that you clean, balance, drain, and winterize your pool before putting on your pool cover. If you are not confident in your pool closing skills, contact the pool builders at Seaway Pools & Hot Tubs. Our experts provide pool closing and winterization services to ensure your pool remains safe while it's not in use.

Contact us today to book a service!

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