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November 16, 2017

Three Things to Remember to Do When You Close Your Pool


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As winter approaches, it’s essential to properly close your pool to protect it during the offseason. Taking the necessary steps for offseason pool care will ensure that your pool stays in good condition and is ready for use when the warmer months return. Winter pool maintenance is crucial in preventing damage caused by freezing temperatures and harsh weather conditions.

Thoroughly Cleaning the Pool

Before closing your pool for winter, it’s crucial to thoroughly clean it to minimize the work when you open it again. By following a few essential steps, you can ensure that your pool remains in its best condition throughout the offseason.

  1. Remove Algae and Debris: Start by removing any remaining algae and debris that may have accumulated during the pool season. Use a pool skimmer or net to skim the surface and remove leaves, bugs, and other visible debris. You can also brush the pool walls and floors to dislodge any algae or grime. This process will help prevent further growth and make it easier to clean the pool come spring.
  2. Clean the Drain: Leaves and other debris can easily clog the pool drain, causing potential damage. Take the time to remove any leaves that may have settled at the bottom of the drain. This simple step will help prevent blockages and ensure proper water flow during the winter months.
  3. Vacuum and Test the Water: Once you have removed the debris, use a pool vacuum to clean the pool thoroughly. This will help eliminate any remaining dirt or particles that may be lingering. Additionally, test the water chemistry and make any necessary adjustments to ensure the pool water is well balanced before closing it.

By thoroughly cleaning your pool before winter, you are setting a solid foundation for a hassle-free opening when the swimming season returns. With a clean pool, you can enjoy a crystal-clear swimming experience and spend less time on maintenance tasks come spring.

Empty rectangular public pool, water glistening, set against a backdrop of grass and trees.

Protecting Your Pool from the Elements

As winter approaches, it’s important to take steps to protect your pool from the harsh elements and ensure its longevity. Applying a swimming pool coating before winter is an effective way to safeguard your pool from freezing temperatures and other weather conditions that could cause damage.

Why Use a Pool Coating?

A pool coating not only helps seal your pool but also provides surface protection, keeping it vibrant and looking new. It acts as a barrier against the elements, preventing water from seeping into the pool and causing potential cracks or structural damage. By investing in a pool coating now, you’ll be ensuring that your pool is ready to use when the next swimming season begins.

Benefits of Winter Pool Surface Protection

  • Prevents Freezing: The pool coating creates a protective layer that keeps the water from freezing, safeguarding your pool’s plumbing system.
  • Minimizes Damage: Harsh winter conditions can cause cracks and other forms of damage to the pool’s surface. A pool coating helps minimize this risk.
  • Improves Longevity: By protecting your pool from the elements, a coating helps extend its lifespan, reducing the need for frequent repairs or resurfacing.

Winter is a challenging time for pools, but with the right precautions, you can ensure that it survives the offseason unscathed. Applying a pool coating is a proactive and cost-effective measure that offers long-term protection, helping you enjoy a well-maintained pool for years to come.

Installing Freeze Plugs and Winterizing

To protect your pool from freezing temperatures and potential damage during winter, it is crucial to install freeze plugs on key areas such as skimmers, returns, and cleaner lines. Freeze plugs act as a barrier, preventing water from entering these lines and reducing the risk of freezing and cracks.

Proper winterizing of the pool’s plumbing system is essential for maintaining its integrity and avoiding costly repairs in the future. By taking these steps, you can ensure that your pool remains in optimal condition during the offseason.

When winterizing your pool, don’t overlook the importance of protecting skimmers and return lines. By installing freeze plugs, you create a safeguard against freezing water, preserving the overall functionality and lifespan of your pool.

By implementing these measures to protect and winterize your pool, you will be well-prepared to enjoy it when the warmer months return. Taking the time now to install freeze plugs and winterize your pool will pay off in the long run, keeping your pool in excellent shape for years to come.

Key Takeaways:

  • Closing your pool for winter is necessary to protect it during the offseason.
  • Thoroughly clean the pool to remove algae, debris, and leaves before closing it.
  • Applying a swimming pool coating helps seal and protect the pool’s surface during winter. Get strong and durable coatings from ecoFINISH®
  • Use freeze plugs on skimmers, returns, and cleaner lines to prevent freezing and potential damage to the pool’s plumbing system.
  • Proper winterization of the pool ensures its longevity and minimizes costly repairs in the future.