Essential Pool Closing Tips
Essential Pool Closing Tips
Preparing your pool for winter is all about preventing problems before they begin. A little extra care now can save you time, money, and headaches when spring arrives. Here are the key steps to ensure a smooth, worry-free closing.
Adjust Your Chemical Routine Before Closing
As temperatures drop and pool usage decreases, you may not need to shock the pool weekly. A high sanitizer level at closing can delay the process and may damage your winter cover.
Continue using Algaecide and Pool Complete Weekly but adjust your shock schedule to every 10–14 days, monitoring chlorine levels before adding more.
Treat Stains Before They Worsen
Stains left untreated over winter can become more stubborn—or spread. Identify the cause of the stain so you can choose the correct treatment and clean it up now, before it becomes a much bigger issue next season.
Test Your Water
Have your water professionally tested before closing to ensure all chemical levels are within proper ranges. This step is crucial for protecting your liner, equipment, and overall water quality during the off-season.
Balance Your Water
Balanced water helps prevent wrinkling, staining, scale buildup, and other costly issues. Make sure your chemistry is properly adjusted before you begin the closing process.
Check for Leaks
Inspect your pool and equipment for any signs of leaks and address them before closing. Ignoring a leak can lead to additional damage over the winter months, especially as freezing temperatures put added stress on weakened areas.
Watch Our Closing Seminar or Webinar
If you missed our in-store seminar, be sure to watch our pool closing webinar. Pay attention to whether you’re watching the above-ground or inground version, as the processes differ. Watch it early—if you find the task overwhelming, you’ll still have time to book a professional closing.
Close the Pool Clean and Clear
Always close your pool in a clean, clear state. Algae can cause staining and leaves not only stain—they release tannins that can cause discoloration and may require special spring treatments to remove. Be sure to skim and vacuum the pool completely.
Consider a Professional Closing
If you’re uncertain about closing the pool yourself—or you’d simply prefer to leave it to the experts—contact our service team. Appointment slots fill quickly, so it’s best to book early.
Store Small Parts Together
During closing, you’ll remove several small components such as filter drain plugs, sight glasses, pressure gauges, and baskets. Store these items together in a clearly labeled location. These are the most commonly misplaced parts—and the most frequently replaced at the start of the season.
About The Author:
Stephanie Burke, Retail Manager & Water Care Specialist at R&R Pools, has more than 15 years of experience in the pool and spa industry, helping homeowners understand water care, solve common pool problems, and keep their water clean and balanced.
