When Should I Close My Pool For the Summer?
It seems that the summer dream of kicking back and relaxing by the poolside is coming to a close. The weather is getting cooler, and in less than a month, we might even have a snow storm. But what does that mean for your pool? How long should you keep it open, and at what point in time should you close it? Read on to learn more.
Temperature Drops
When the daily temperature is consistently in the low 60’s it is time to close your pool. This normally happens in mid-October, but depending on the year, it might happen earlier or later. The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts that it will be cooler in September and October than normal this year.
Don’t Close Too Soon
Closing a pool is all about proper timing. If you close too soon, your winterizing chemicals won’t last the season. The warmer the weather, the faster the chemicals will be consumed, and if you close too early, you might have algae growth or other problems come spring.
Plan Ahead
Properly closing your pool takes about a week, as you need to ensure that your pool’s chemicals are balanced for at least three days before closing. Your chemical levels should be: pH: 7.2-7.6, chlorine, 1-3 ppm, alkalinity: 80-120 ppm, and calcium hardness: 175-250 ppm during that time. You also will need to drain your pool to the appropriate level, shut off equipment, secure your pool cover, etc. These things take time. Set aside a full day to make sure that your pool is taken care of.
Can You Keep Your Pool Open Year Round?
It is possible to keep your pool open year round if you would like. However, it is a difficult process. You need to make sure that you have the right heater and invest in a quality cover to keep the heat inside. It is important to note that it is quite expensive to keep a pool open all winter, and if your heater breaks for any reason, it may ruin your pool. Read our previous post to learn more about how to keep your pool open in the winter.
Need Help Closing Your Pool?
If you have any questions or concerns about closing your pool, don’t hesitate to contact us. We can help advise you on proper closing techniques, or we can schedule a pool closing and take care of it for you.
