It’s time to close the pool after the summer season. However, it’s important to remember to close it carefully to protect the pool from the elements and keep it running smoothly for the upcoming season.
Getting rid of algae and ensuring that the water in your pool is clean and clear are some of the steps to properly close it. Doing so will make the process of opening it much easier.
List of Chemicals I Need
- Chlorine
- Pool Shock
- Soda Ash
- Baking Soda
- Muriatic Acid
- Winter Algaecide
- Pool Antifreeze
- Stain and Scale Prevention
Which chemicals do I need to close an inground pool?
Before you add chemicals to your pool, make sure to check the water's condition. This can be done by using a home test kit or by taking a sample to a local pool store.
Pool chemical levels should be at these desired levels:
- pH should be between 7.2 – 7.4
- Total Alkalinity should range between 80-120 ppm
- Calcium Hardness should range between 200-400 ppm
- Free chlorine should range between 1.5-2.5 ppm
After testing your pool's water, add chlorine or other chemicals to get the desired level. It's also important to remove debris and leaves to remove any buildup.
When your pool chemistry is balanced, it’s time to shock it. A pool cover is the easiest way to do this since it will protect the water from the sun and prevent the pool from getting too hot.
Other pool closing chemicals include optional chemicals for your specific water needs:
- If you use a copper algaecide or have high-metal content in your tap water, a stain preventer can keep the copper from staining your pool.
- Pool enzymes are a helpful add-in if you have a mesh cover that allows rain and pollutants into your pool.
- Add a winter algaecide to prevent your water from turning green over the winter.
Which chemicals do I need to close an above ground pool?
You will need the same chemicals to close an inground pool. However, these chemicals have varying effects and should be used in batches. When testing and balancing the chemicals, make sure to keep in mind the different pH levels needed to close an inground pool.
- Use a non-chlorine pool shock in above ground vinyl pools or plaster pools. The vinyl or plaster can corrode from harsh chlorine pool shock.
- Before you cover your pool, remove the ladders and rails so that the cover fits securely.
Which chemicals do I need to close a saltwater pool?
Like any other pool, you want to test the chemicals in your pool and its chemistry before closing it. Also, adjust the salt levels.
Use the same chemicals as you would for an inground pool. Just add the same steps to winterize your pool.
One additional step to saltwater pool maintenance is draining and cleaning your salt water generator.
When I need close my pool for the season
Although it’s possible to set the pool up for the season, most people tend to wait until the fall to shut it down. The temperature of the water can also predict when the pool will close. When temperatures dip below 65 degrees, you should close your pool. This will keep the algae from growing.
After doing these steps, you can enjoy a long break from pool maintenance. You can even go on a walk around the pool and enjoy its beauty without having to regularly check its water quality. Before you open the pool, pull the cover back to check the water and see if it has chemical levels. If it does, add more algaecide.
This post was originally published on Swimming Pool
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