To Close or Not to Close?

BY CHRIS GREGORY – HOLLAND LANDING, ON

Fall and winter typically mean the end of pool season, but the story doesn’t have to end this way. Pool season differs throughout North America and is largely dependent on what province/state you reside in, and if you choose to keep your new pool open 365 days a year. Yes, running your new pool all year is possible today.

CLOSING (WINTERIZING) YOUR POOL

Some pool owners choose to close their pool themselves and others prefer to hire a company to handle their closing. In either case, closing the pool comes with some important steps to ensure a worry-free opening in the spring. A proper closing can eliminate problems in spring, can prolong the life of your pool and equipment, and ultimately saves you money in costly repairs.

CLEARING THE LINES

Lowering the water level of the pool below the suction and return lines will allow the water to be cleared via a wet/dry vacuum or a compressor. Once the lines are cleared, they can be capped off with threaded or rubber plugs (bungs). Adding antifreeze to lines can also aid in a worry-free start-up. In pools that have floor returns and/or in-floor cleaning systems. Clearing these lines is not an option. In this case, rubber plugs with air valves are available. These work with the backpressure of the water to trap air and keep it in the lines, much like putting your finger over the end of a straw.

DRAINING AND CLOSING EQUIPMENT AT PAD

Remove all the plugs from the equipment and allow them to drain: this includes pumps, the filter, heater, chlorinator, etc. Turn the sand filter handle dial valve to the winterizing position and remove the eyeglass and pressure gauge. Shut off all equipment breakers and gas valves.

POOL WATER

Vacuum the pool and add the proper winterizing chemicals to ensure sanitation and balance.

COVERING THE POOL

Multiple options are available for covering your pool during winter. The options include: a tarp and winter bags, lock-in fitted cover for vinyl pools, safety covers and automatic covers. The ideal choice recommended is the safety cover, as it gives peace of mind where children and pets are concerned. The safety cover also provides an easier opening in the spring by allowing water to filter through the cover and leaves and debris to sit on top, ready for removal. Automatic covers work well, but the water level must be kept at operating level to allow support for rain and snow. A word of caution: if the water level drops inside the pool due to a leak, it could cause costly damage to the cover and deck.

OPEN 365

Can you imagine having a New Year’s Eve outdoor pool party? With a multitude of design options available, swimming pools can be designed and built to be enjoyed 365 days a year. This is possible through energy efficiency in automation, equipment and heating, along with insulating the structure and plumbing lines. The cost of running your pool all year can balance out with the cost of opening and closing it. Enjoying your pool is not just for summer anymore.

You have made an investment in your pool and backyard. With so many options available, the chilly temperatures don’t necessarily mean that you have to give up outdoor entertainment.