Swimming Pool Closing

Swimming pool closing can be a BREEZE if you have an inground pool!

Why do I say this?

Because there are lots and lots of service providers out there who are willing to handle this task for you (for a nominal fee, of course). Unfortunately, if you have an above ground pool, chances are good that you won’t have that option.

I’ve thought long and hard about why this is...I think about it every year as I engage in swimming pool closing activities...why, oh why, aren’t there any service providers out there who will handle this task for those of us with an above ground pool?

My guess on this is due to the cost. The service can actually run several hundred dollars, and many people who own an above ground pool may not have the kind of cash flow to spend on things such as swimming pool closing.

So, that leaves me to have to take care of this task on my own, like so many others of my above ground swimming pool compadres! Let’s discuss what’s involved, shall we?

I usually end up closing my pool sometime between the end of September through the end of October. Why do I wait so long? Well, you never know when you’re going to have a juicy warm day in there after the long days of summer have passed!

Ok, that’s not really true. I wait that long because I get lazy. Sadly, there’s really no other excuse than that, and I am forced to deal with my swimming pool closing when it’s raining, or around 50 degrees outside, with all of the fall leaves now floating at the bottom of the pool...yeah...it’s hard to believe I go through this song and dance every year, but it’s true!

When I finally get around to it, these are the steps that I have to take:

clear the major debris from the pool
lower the water level to about 1 – 1 ½ feet below the skimmer
disconnect and disassemble the filter system
clean the filter system and prepare for storage
remove the ladder
add the chemicals to the pool
place the winter cover over the pool

Manage to complete all that and your swimming pool closing is done! Not too bad, right?

It never sounds that bad on paper, and doesn’t seem that bad in my head, but when I get down to it, it get’s tedious.

First I focus on cleaning the pool, or clearing out the debris.

I set up one of my automatic swimming pool vacuums for several hours, and let it run until it cleans most of the debris from the pool floor. I also use a leaf skimmer, or leaf rake to get the bulk of the leaves out. (I have to admit, I wasn’t real diligent about this step this year. I figure I’ll have to clean it again anyways this spring.)

Next I lower the water level of the pool.

I have to use a submersible pump to accomplish this, and re-direct the water to another part of my yard. You can let it run down the sewer if you live in the city, but be careful about this. If you’re emptying your pool during a time of heavy rainfall, this water will only add to the water which is possibly over-taxing the sewer system. Please be a conscientious pool owner when it comes to swimming pool closing.

Next I remove the pool ladder.

Above ground pool ladders are generally not designed to remain in the pool over the winter months as the ladder can become damaged. I must confess, I purchased a new ladder last year, and did take a chance on leaving it in the pool. I am hoping against all hope that the ladder will be OK this spring. Keep your fingers crossed for me!!

Next I disconnect the filter system.

Disconnecting the filter system when engaging in swimming pool closing is actually pretty easy. The real trick is to make sure that you remember how the sucker goes back together!! The first couple of years I drew a very, VERY rough sketch of the items before I disassembled it so that I would remember how to put it back together. I would suggest the same for you if this is your first time. The filter cartridge (if you have one) will only last a season, but the actual paper filter should last several years. Check with the manufacturer of the filter system you use to make sure this is done properly.

Then I do the dreaded placing of the winter cover over the pool.

This is definitely a 2-person plus job. I usually have on a set of “waders” (I’ll put a picture on this site as soon as I can to show you what I mean) and I get in the pool to hold the winter cover, while someone else walks around the pool securing the cover over the sides. It’s really quite a site, and I should video tape the process next fall to give you an idea of how it works for me.

Once you’ve got the winter cover on the pool, the swimming pool closing process is complete!