As the days get shorter and temperatures dip, it’s time to think about closing your pool for the season. Properly closing your swimming pool can save time, money, and prevent costly damages when reopening it next year. If you’re a proud owner of a gunite pool, here’s everything you need to know about pool closing season to protect your investment.
Why Proper Pool Closing is Important
If you own a gunite pool, maintaining it throughout the year is essential. Closing your pool for the winter season isn’t just about keeping the water clean—it’s about safeguarding your pool from harsh weather conditions. Without the right steps, cold temperatures and debris can damage your pool’s surface, plumbing, and equipment.
Pool Closing Tips for Your Gunite Pool
1. Thoroughly Clean Your Pool
Before closing your pool, make sure it’s free of leaves, debris, and dirt. Vacuum the bottom of the pool and brush the walls to prevent algae growth during the off-season. Cleaning the pool thoroughly reduces the risk of staining and makes reopening easier.
2. Balance Pool Chemistry
Properly balanced pool water chemistry is crucial for a safe and clean winter shutdown. Adjust the pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness levels to avoid corrosion or scaling over the winter months. Adding pool closing chemicals, such as algaecide and chlorine shock, will prevent algae and bacterial growth.
3. Lower the Water Level
For gunite pools, it’s best to lower the water level 4-6 inches below the skimmer or tile line. This prevents overflow and potential damage to tiles when water freezes during the winter.
4. Drain Equipment and Plumbing
It’s essential to drain pool equipment, including pumps, filters, and heaters, to prevent freeze damage. Blow out plumbing lines and close off skimmers and returns to ensure no water remains in the pipes.
5. Use a Winter Pool Cover
A high-quality winter pool cover keeps debris out and protects your pool from harsh weather. A properly fitted cover will prevent dirt from entering your pool and protect it from freezing conditions. Consider a safety cover for additional protection against accidents.
Benefits of Professional Pool Closing Services
While many pool owners opt for DIY pool closing, hiring a professional pool closing service can save time and prevent mistakes that could cause long-term damage. Professionals have the knowledge and tools to handle the process efficiently, ensuring that your gunite pool is protected throughout the winter.
At Accelerated Pools, we specialize in professional gunite pool closing services. Our team will handle everything, from cleaning and chemical balancing to draining and covering, giving you peace of mind for the winter season.
Closing your gunite pool properly ensures it remains in top shape for years to come. Follow these steps to make sure your pool is safe during the pool closing season. If you’re looking for professional help with your pool maintenance and closing, contact us today. We’ll make sure your pool is ready for winter so that you can enjoy a stress-free offseason.
