As summer closes and gives way to fall and winter, many swimming pool owners consider closing their pools for the off-season. Some believe that closing the pool for the colder months is unnecessary. But the truth is that closing your pool can maximize your off-season benefits, and such benefits go beyond the surface.
As the colder season approaches, you may want to “winterize” your pool. Winterizing’s chief purpose is to keep the swimming pool clean and protect it from damage due to colder weather. Closing your watery paradise with durable and reliable swimming pool covers in Alamo is one of the essential—and best—steps to keep your pool intact from freezing weather.
The benefits of closing your pool for the off-season
Closing your swimming pool during the off-season, especially with a quality pool cover, has several benefits:
- Protection from debris: A pool cover keeps leaves, twigs, dirt, and other debris out of the pool, making spring cleaning more effortless.
- Water conservation: By covering your pool, you reduce evaporation, which helps maintain the water level and saves on water costs when it’s time to reopen the pool.
- Chemical balance: A cover helps maintain the chemical balance of the pool water by reducing the amount of sunlight (that can promote algae growth) and keeping out contaminants.
- Energy savings: If you have a heated pool, a cover can help retain heat, reducing energy costs associated with reheating the water in the spring.
- Safety: A quality pool cover, especially one designed for safety, can prevent accidental drownings by acting as a barrier to children and pets.
- Damage prevention: Covers protect the pool’s surface and equipment from harsh winter weather, reducing wear and tear.
- Algae prevention: A cover limits sunlight and contaminants, preventing algae growth and keeping the pool water clean. It makes opening the pool easier when the swimming season comes.
- Cost savings: Reducing the need for extensive cleaning and chemical adjustments in the spring can save money on maintenance and supplies.
Using a high-quality pool cover ensures these benefits are maximized, providing better protection and longevity for your pool.
Steps and tips to close your swimming pool for the off-season
Winterizing your pool – or closing it for the winter season – is crucial to protect it from damage during the cold months. Here are the steps to properly winterize your pool:
1. Clean the pool
- Skim and brush: Use a skimmer to remove debris from the pool. Brush the pool walls and floor to remove dirt and algae.
- Vacuum: Thoroughly vacuum the pool to ensure it’s as clean as possible.
2. Balance the water chemistry
- Test the water: Use a pool test kit to check the pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness.
- Adjust levels: Adjust pH to 7.2-7.6, alkalinity to 80-120 ppm, and calcium hardness to 180-220 ppm.
3. Shock the pool
- Add chlorine: Shock the pool with a chlorine shock treatment to kill any remaining bacteria and algae. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct amount.
4. Add algaecide
- Prevent algae growth: Add a winter algaecide to prevent algae from growing over the winter months. Follow the instructions on the algaecide container.
5. Lower the water level
- Drain water: Lower the water level to about 4-6 inches below the skimmer if you have a mesh cover. If you have a solid cover, lower it about 1-2 inches below the skimmer.
6. Drain pool equipment
- Pump and filter: Drain the water from the pump, filter, heater, and other pool equipment. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for draining each piece of equipment.
- Blow-out lines: Use an air compressor to blow out the water from the pool’s plumbing lines. Plug the lines with winterizing plugs to prevent water from getting back in.
7. Add pool antifreeze (if needed)
- In Lines: If you live in an area with freezing temperatures, add pool antifreeze to the lines to prevent any remaining water from freezing and causing damage.
8. Install the pool cover
- Cover the pool: Install a quality pool cover to keep debris out and protect the pool from the elements. Ensure it is in good condition and fits securely.
9. Store pool accessories
- Remove and store: Remove and store pool ladders, skimmer baskets, pool toys, and any other accessories. Store them in a dry place to prevent damage.
10. Final check
- Inspect: Do a final inspection to ensure everything is correctly secured and winterized.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your pool will be well-protected during the winter months and ready for use again when the warmer weather returns.
Think of buying and installing quality pool covers as an investment
Why settle for an inferior swimming pool cover if you’re not sure it will be durable and reliable enough to keep your pool clean and provide safety for your family?
If you want a pool cover that can maximize your off-season benefits and more, look no further than Pool Covers, Inc. We offer a wide range of high-quality swimming pool and safety spa covers for your needs in any season.
Manual pool covers
Our manual covers are economical and provide the optimum protection for your pool and your family’s safety. They are available in two types:
- Manual fasteners or snap-down pool covers are ideal for pools of all shapes, sizes, and types (such as multi-level pools).
- Track manual pool covers feature a low-profile track mounted to both sides of the deck. They are ideal for small to mid-size pools. You can even upgrade it to an automatic pool cover.
Electric and hydraulic automatic pool covers
For additional convenience, you may want to choose our state-of-the-art Infinity 4000™ electric and hydraulic automatic pool covers. They are the latest in automatic pool cover technology. The Infinity 4000 has the following features:
- A key switch that is low-voltage and remote-located
- It has non-reversing auto-stops that are bi-directional
- It has different power options, including a flood-resistant drive motor with an electric option or hydraulic system.
Whether manual or automatic, Pool Covers, Inc.’s superior pool covers will be a fantastic pool safety addition to your household. They offer many benefits to pool owners, no matter the season. Our swimming pool covers in Alamo provide exceptional service by keeping the pool clean and providing safety for everyone. For questions and inquiries, call us at 707-864-6674, email us at customerservice@poolcoversinc.com, or message us via our contact form.
