A Look Ahead: Pool Closings

By Marcus Sheridan

I know it is still early for most of us to even start thinking about closing our pool, but considering the next edition of 'The Wave' won't come out until the Nov/Dec. timeframe, it's probably a good idea that we cover(no pun intended) this topic now.

Every year I see quite a few mistakes that homeowners make when closing their pools. Although it's certainly not impossible to close your pool yourself, one does need to understand the basic steps to this important process. An improper pool closing can lead to major filter system and plumbing damage, potentially costing the homeowner thousands in unnecessary expenses. The following steps show the basics to a proper pool winterization.

1. Brush, shock, and sanitize the pool thoroughly. Add 10 ounces of Algicide 60 per 10,000 gallons of pool water. Add one bottle of metal remover/sequestering agent.
2. Vacuum any debris off the pool's bottom. This is especially important with any leaves, as they are responsible for most staining that can occur over the winter.
3. Allow pool chemicals to filter for 24 hours
4. Drain water down as necessary. (This is not needed on all pools)
5. Remove all plugs and water from pump and filter system. (This includes any heating element you may have, ie heat pump. Please put these plugs in such a place so as to not get lost over the winter. J )
6. Blow out pool's plumbing lines and plug all lines. This is best done with an air compressor and includes adding a "gizzmo" to the skimmer.
7. Remove any handrails or ladders.
8. Cover pool and secure down. For vinyl or tarp covers, remember to place a pump in the center of the cover so as to pump any rain water off.

This year our service department will close around 250 pools. Because closing a pool should actually be done over a two-day period, our service department only does steps 5-8 when performing a closing. Please Note: The homeowner is responsible for any brushing, vacuuming, chemical addition, etc, and this should ideally be done a day or two before we come out to close the pool. When a customer has our service department close their pool, they are not so much paying for time as they are an insurance policy. The policy states that if your pool has damage to it due to improper winterization, and we closed it, our company is then responsible for fixing the damage. The cost of this service on a typical pool $235, or $200 for those with automatic covers. I suggest calling a week or two in advance as to ensure our service department can make it out in a timely manner.