End of Summer Pool Care Checklist

As the seasons begin to change and summer comes to an end, it's important to make sure that you are properly winterizing your pool for the cooler months ahead.

Below is a comprehensive guide on how to keep your pool in tip-top condition by storing equipment, cleaning, and adjusting the required chemicals. With this checklist, you can secure your investment and ensure that opening in the spring is headache-free. Keep reading to find out how to make your pool sparkling clean as the swimming season draws to a close.

The Importance of Winterizing Your Pool

Winterization of a pool is very important to protect your investment. If done correctly, pools that are winterized do not have the headache of algae and mildew when they are opened for spring use. It also protects equipment from freezing temperatures, which can cause damage to your swimming pool. Moreover, a well maintained pool cover acts as a barrier against all kinds of debris, thus providing effortless spring cleaning.

It's the perfect way to lengthen the life of an investment as critical as your pool and allows for a hassle-free transition from one swimming season into the next.

Backyard Checklist for a Hassle-Free Off-Season

1. Plan Ahead & Get an Early Start: Allow time to winterize before the first frost to avoid potential problems. Replace parts in the summer to make sure you beat the rush that comes with cooler weather.
2. Inspect your Safety Pool Cover: Late summer is the perfect time to address any necessary repairs or replacements with your pool professional before the busy season starts. Addressing any issues early will help ensure you get your cover back in time for fall.
3. Inspect & Service Pool Equipment: Before covering your pool for the off-season, inspect and service everything to ensure that when you open your pool again next year, everything is working to perfection.
4. Remove & Store Pool Accessories: Ensure ladders, diving boards, and toys are removed and stored properly. Clean and dry them, then store in a safe place such as your garage or shed. Be sure to clean them thoroughly to remove dirt, algae, and chemicals. Let them dry completely to prevent mold growth. Organize with marked bins or shelves for easy access.
5. Lower Water Level: For care and maintenance regarding the water level of your pool, refer to your liner and pool cover instructions to stay safe. Never completely drain your pool, as this can cause liner damage and will void your safety cover pro-rated warranty..
6. Winterizing Chemical Supply: Supplement your winterizing needs with basic chemicals like Algaecide and Chlorine to maintain water quality throughout the colder months.
7. Balancing Chemicals: Test and adjust the water chemistry for proper pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness levels. This will ensure a clean and healthy pool for the next season. The ideal levels should be a pH between 7.2-7.6 and alkalinity between 80-120 ppm. The shock of chlorine will kill bacteria and algae. An algaecide added after this can inhibit its growth during colder months. But always be sure to follow your care instructions from your pool professional or manufacturer.
8. Schedule a Deep Clean: Just before closing for the season, perform a thorough deep clean of the pool. Brush the walls and vacuum the bottom, then skim any floating debris from the surface. This will make spring cleaning much easier.
9. Clean Pumps and Filters: Clean the pumps and filters of your pool. Debris inside them will block them from working properly.
10. Get the Lines Dry: Use a compressor to blow the water out of the pool lines. This avoids freezing, and thus possible plumbing damage, during the winter.
11. Check the Yard & Landscaping: Overhanging branches should be trimmed. They may fall on the pool or the cover in heavy snowfalls. Leaves and other debris should be cleaned from the yard.
12. Furniture & Decor: Clean and then store outdoor furniture and decorations you do not want to stay outside during winter. Protecting them from harsh weather elements gives them a longer life, and with proper care, each year, you'll get to enjoy the same level of luxury in your backyard.
13. Install Your Safety Cover: As your final step, schedule the installation of your safety cover. High-quality safety covers will safeguard your pool during the tough winter months when heavy debris and ice may arrive, thus protecting your investment all season long.

Is Your Pool Fall Ready?

As fall approaches, it is always worth your time to close your pool properly to ensure that it's ready for a refreshing swim when the next swim season comes. Let this end-of-summer pool care checklist provide an extra good night's sleep, knowing that you have protected your pool well.

If you have any questions or need further instructions or products, or perhaps you might be interested in upgrading to a new pool cover, call your local LOOP-LOC dealer today. With the right steps and a little bit of preparation, your pool will be ready for the return of warm weather in the spring!

Happy Winterizing