Close it down

It happens every year; the temperature is dropping and everyone pretty well agrees swimming season is over.  Say farewell to relaxing poolside. No more pool parties until next season.  It’s time to winterize the pool.

I get asked all the time how people can reduce the cost of winterizing their pool. My answer is: Be prepared.  Here are a few things to keep in mind when getting ready for winter.

First, leave all winterizing materials out where your pool professional can get to them. I know I don’t want to pay for additional items I already have. Always have covers pumped off; we need to be able to access the pool. Most professionals refuse to run an automatic pool cover if it carries too much weight.  It can break ropes or damage the cover mechanism.

Make sure the water chemistry is properly balanced.  Severe water chemistry imbalances can take a few days to adjust properly. Adjusting the water chemistry can be expensive. Having balanced pool water reduces the chance of opening up a cloudy or green pool. An imbalanced pool can cause a mess or worse damage the vinyl liner and the cover.

Water temperature is also a key factor when winterizing a pool. Ideally you want the pool water to be below 65 degrees (Fahrenheit). Algae can’t grow in temperatures below 65 degrees.  So it’s a good idea to winterize after the pool level drops and a good idea to open a pool before the pool temperature gets above 65 degrees. This will greatly reduce the risk of an algae bloom outbreak.

If you have a tie-down winter safety cover it’s a good idea to remove all patio furniture, flower pots, and other items close to the pool.  This way they won't have a chance to blow or fall over onto the cover. While the pool covers are strong and many manufacturers advertise their strength and durability, they aren't really made to hold your stuff.  Besides, you'll want to make sure to give yourself plenty of room for installing and removing the cover.

As a side note, please put up all pets that have a tendency to run through gates or that are vicious and mean.   Nothing is more distracting than trying to keep Spot happy while trying to put on a pool cover or perform other maintenance duties.

Whether it’s an automatic safety cover or a winter safety cover; once the cover is in place, don't let leafs accumulate on top. It will start to stink over time when the sun comes out and the leaves start to decay.  Not to mention the dead leaves will stain your cover.  Not something you want to deal with later so take the time while raking the yard to sweep off the cover. Use a leaf blower to clear away dried up leaves.   

Some customers like to open their automatic covers in the middle of winter. However, it’s a bad idea when the temperature is below freezing. The cover rides on the water and rolls up on a circular drum. It will freeze the cover fabric together and the cover will be stuck open until the weather thaws.

Got an Outback Pool? Save money and winterize the pool yourself! Winterizing an Outback Pool is easy because of the way they are built.  We'll be happy to show you how.