As summer draws to an end, we have to bid goodbye to our loyal friend, the pool.
You can opt to close your pool yourself or hire a professional. They're both valid options.
If you choose to DIY, though, be careful! Many pools across the country get damaged because they were improperly closed and winterized -- read our guide to proper winterizing here.
River Pools specializes in fiberglass pools, and we educate on all three pool types through our blog articles and videos. We know pools. And we're here to help you take the best possible care of the backyard oasis you've worked so hard on.
As a general rule, you should close your pool before it gets below 30°F (-1°C) at night.
For most of us, that means pool season is late May through early September. If you have more swim time than that, I'm jealous. Invite me over.
Lots of trees around your pool? Those leaves will make a huge mess when they fall. We recommend closing your pool before they do.
Got a robot pool cleaner? It's doing its best, but you'll probably need to put it away early. Check the manufacturer's instructions for its temperature limits—running your auto vac at lower temps may damage its motor.
Steps to a proper pool closing:
If you don't want to do all of that yourself, call up your local pool company! (Be sure to ask if they want you to do anything with the pool before they arrive.)
We know this is a lot to remember, especially if it's your first pool closing.
Be sure to do these 5 things that many people overlook:
And for fiberglass pools, do not to lower the water level below the skimmer. It can void the warranty. It also runs the risk that water around the pool can build up hydrostatic pressure, which is bad news.
If you’d like to learn more about the different types of pools, check out our comprehensive ebook "Comparing Fiberglass, Concrete, and Vinyl Liner Pools in the Modern Age." It discusses everything you want to know before making a big pool decision: cost, design, surface durability, installation time and messiness, and more.
All year round, River Pools manufactures world-class fiberglass swimming pools for installation across North America and have a wide variety of models to choose from. Try our inground pool quote tool today to see how much a fiberglass pool will cost you, or contact us directly for more information.
Any questions about pools and their maintenance? Get in touch with us. We want to help you make the most of your pool!
Does My Pool Need Winter Maintenance?
Automatic Pool Cover Winter Maintenance: Everything You Should Know
Editor's Note: This article was originally written by Holly Jender on August 31, 2018. Any opinions expressed are those of the author. Any prices referenced were based on information that was readily available at the time.
River Pools is a brand of inground fiberglass pools produced in a manufacturing facility in Fortville, IN. While our expertise is in manufacturing fiberglass pools, we have access to a network of installers with expertise relating to project design, installation, and pool service. We often tap into this knowledge base and share information freely with homeowners, just like you, considering installing a swimming pool in your backyard.
River Pools® manufactures fiberglass pool shells and does not install pools. Pools are installed by locally owned and operated dealers and franchisees. The relationship between the dealers and franchisees to River Pools® is that of an independent contractor. River Pools Franchising LLC (Franchising) provides independently owned and operated River Pool franchisees with the right to market the River Pools brand of pool shells as a franchisee. Franchising does not manufacture pool shells. Due to the unprecedented and historic growth of the River Pools brand, this website contains an abundance of information that has been created over the last decade. Some of the content on this site may reflect prices, perspectives, processes, entities, and names that were relevant at the time but may not be as relevant today.
Consumers should consult their local installer (independent dealer or franchisee) for the most accurate and updated information based on the unique conditions of their property. Consumers should verify specifications with the installing dealer rather than relying on the information on this website, which is not intended to be a final specification.