When is the best time to close my pool?
Posted on Tue, Sep 06, 2011 @ 10:39 AM
You may be thinking about when is it the best time to close your pool. Every year we get asked this question so hopefully we can clarify when it will be best to close your pool.
There are a few different answers depending on your situation. The first thing is whether or not you plan on continuing to swim or not. The amount of leaves in your backyard will also help determine when it is a good time to close the pool.
In the Upstate of South Carolina in Greenville and Spartanburg, we recommend closing your swimming pool in mid to late October. The reason for this is the water temperature. This is generally when the temperature drops into the low 60's and just before the leaves fall.
If it is a long fall with extended warm temperatures you may want to purchase a leaf net. These are a very affordable solution for yards with lots of trees and leaves. You can just stake this over the pool and then peel it off to get the leaves off the pool without having to close it too early.
Pool Leaf Net
Pool and Spa Connection has specials on covers and on pool closings so you can contact us for help with closing your pool or just advice on what is needed.
Water temperature is a key ingredient in the growth of algae so it is best to wait until the ambiant water temperature drops to 60 degrees or less. Once the water temperature drops to 60 degrees or below the chlorine will stay in the water helping to kill algae.
If you have any trees around your property then you will want to cover it before they start falling in the pool. If you do get any leaves in the pool you will want to vacuum them out as soon as possible. Leaves in a pool start to rot producing food for algae.
You will need to make sure and balance your water before closing the pool and adding the correct sanitizer and long term algaecide to the pool. We can help with all these needs.
The key tip to remember in putting your pool to sleep for the winter is "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure". This old saying from Ben Franklin really rings true in preparing your pool for the off season.The timing needs to be right to get the pool cover on before the leaves fall and the water temp is not too warm.
We look forward to helping you with all your fall pool and spa needs here at the Pool and Spa Connection.
Please feel free to post your ideas and comments here.
The team at the Pool and Spa Connection.