Closing your Pool for the Winter

Your pool will be ready for a Canadian winter.

Pool closings ($325* Tax Included)

When you choose Joel Evan Inground Pool Construction, rest assured your pool is in good hands.

Here’s what we do:

• Pump out pool water to 1” below return inlets
• Blow out water lines, pump, filter & heater
• Remove lights, place them on deck & install winterizing plugs (if equipped)
• Remove ladder &/or diving board (if equipped)
• Remove plugs in pump and heater (if equipped)
• Add 4l plumbing antifreeze to inlets & skimmer
• Install winterizing plugs in inlets & skimmer

If sand filter:

• Remove the drain plug, pressure gauge & sight glass
• Remove backwash hose (if equipped)
• Switch filter head to ‘winter.’

If cartridge filter:

• Remove drain plug & pressure gauge
• Remove cartridges from filter body
• Re-fasten clamp assembly

Pricing

Basic Pool Closing (No Cover) $325 taxes in
Pool closing with Safety Cover OR leaf-net $400 taxes in
Pool closing with Winter Tarp $425 taxes in

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The Ultimate Guide to Pool Closing Service: How to Safely Prepare Your Pool for Winter

Are you a swimming pool owner dreading the onset of winter? As the weather begins to cool down, it’s essential to take the necessary steps to protect your pool from potential damage caused by freezing temperatures. That’s where pool closing service comes into play. Say goodbye to the hassle of closing your pool yourself and let the professionals handle it. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn all about pool closing service, from understanding the essential tasks to finding the best type of service for your pool. So, let’s dive in and discover how to safely prepare your pool for the chilly winter months with the help of a reliable pool closing service.

Key Takeaways

• Schwimmer Pool Service provides professional and reliable pool closing services.
• Hiring a professional offers proficiency, cost efficiency, regular maintenance & assurance.
• Consider the type of pool owned & regional weather conditions when planning for winterization services.

Understanding Pool Closing Services

Winterizing your swimming pool is a necessary step every pool owner must take to protect their investment. Pool winterization services offered by experts help to safeguard your pool during the winter season by taking into account various factors such as pool size, equipment, and accessories. The responsibility of the pool owner is to maintain a clean pool, free of debris, with balanced chemistry before the winterization service is performed.

Schwimmer Pool Service, for example, is renowned for its commitment to fair pricing, professionalism, and customer service, having earned a solid reputation through referrals. With over 30 years of experience in closing residential pools and spa closing services, they provide a guarantee of superior quality.

Essential Pool Closing Tasks

Closing a pool involves several essential tasks to ensure it remains in good condition throughout the winter months. The winterization of:

• circulation equipment
• pool lines
• plumbing systems
• accessories

Ensuring a proper pool closing service is essential, and learning how to close your pool correctly is a vital part of the process. Don’t forget to consider pool accessories when preparing for the closing service.

Also, safely removing pool ladders, diving boards, and handrails following certain steps is necessary such as unscrewing bolts and greasing thread studs before cleaning, lubricating, and storing them in a cool, dry place.

Finally, adding 10L of chlorine or using a salt cell is necessary to maintain clean and clear water during the winter.

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Pool Company

Engaging pool closing experts from a professional pool company for pool closing services offers numerous advantages, such as:

• Proficiency and know-how
• Equipment assessment
• Saving time
• Cost-efficiency
• Regular upkeep
• Assurance

By hiring a professional company like Schwimmer Pool Service, you’ll enjoy friendly service, competitive pricing, and unparalleled expertise in pool maintenance.

However, it’s important to note that additional charges may be incurred depending on the features of the pool, and an extra fee may be applicable if the company requires a revisit due to incorrect or incomplete information.

Types of Pool Closing Services

There are different types of pool closing services available, each tailored to meet the unique needs of your pool. Some options include:

• No Cover + Drain Pool Closing Service
• Bronze Pool Closing Package
• Partial Pool Closing Service
• Basic Pool Closing Service

Each service provides a different level of pool closing support, allowing you to choose the best option for your specific pool requirements.

This section will provide more detailed information about basic and premium pool winterization services to aid in your decision-making process.

Basic Pool Closing Service

A typical basic pool winterization service includes partial pool draining, water drainage, removal of ladders and diving boards, and reinstallation of the pump in the spring. The equipment shutdown process involves organizing and preparing the pool equipment, readying filters and pumps, readying the pool heater (if applicable), removing and winterizing all equipment, and fitting covers.

Adding chlorine during basic pool closing is essential to disinfect the water and inhibit the growth of algae and bacteria during the winter. This service is recommended annually, preferably between September 10th and October 20th, and costs approximately $250.

Premium Pool Closing Service

A premium pool closing package offers a more comprehensive service, including:

• Filter cleaning
• Cartridge cleaning or backwash for sand filters
• Salt system maintenance (if applicable)
• Discharge vacuuming of debris in the pool
• Removal of autumn leaves
• Comprehensive cover removal
• Summerize circulation equipment
• Initial vacuum
• Heater clean and gas start-up

The process of full pool draining involves turning off or disabling the pool pump, lights, auto-leveler, and any automatic timers, connecting a garden hose to the pool, and directing it to a suitable drainage point. In a premium pool closing service, water bag filling is typically done by positioning water bags around the pool cover and filling them to approximately 50% capacity, without exceeding the capacity.

Choosing a premium pool winterization service provides several benefits like saving time, money, and effort, and it ensures proper preparation of your pool for winter.

Preparing Your Pool for Closing Service

Before closing your pool for the winter, it is important to take the necessary steps to prepare it for the upcoming season. This includes cleaning the pool, checking the water level, and maintaining the pool equipment.

This section will cover the importance of cleaning and maintenance, and checking for leaks and damage prior to winterizing your pool.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Prior to closing your pool, it is essential to clean out filters and pumps, drain all the water and blow out connected lines, conduct a deep clean and filtration, and remove debris such as leaves and dirt through brushing, skimming, and vacuuming. The equipment necessary for pool closing service may include pool vacuum cleaners, pool brushes, pool skimmers, pool covers, and pool chemical testing kits.

Maintaining pool equipment prior to closing service is vital. It helps to:

• Eliminate debris
• Inhibit algae growth
• Guarantee a balanced water chemistry
• Recognize any ineffective or broken equipment.

Checking for Leaks and Damage

It is important to check for leaks and damage in your pool before closing service to avoid further issues during the winter months. To conduct a thorough inspection, you should:

1. Examine the pool equipment, including the pump, filter, pipe valves, and heater, for any leaks or damage.
2. Look for small debris, particularly around cracks or voids in the pool.
3. Check the walls, steps, and fittings for any signs of water stopping, which could indicate a leak.

To detect a leak in an above-ground pool, you can wait for the water to be completely still and inspect the pool’s bottom for any visible valleys or divots. Applying dye tests can also help identify the leak.

Safety Covers and Winter Covers: What’s the Difference?

As you consider how best to protect your pool during the winter months, understanding the differences between safety covers and winter covers can be helpful. While both types of covers serve to protect your pool, they have distinct features and benefits that set them apart.

This section will outline the benefits of safety covers and the characteristics of winter covers, assisting you in determining the right option for your pool.

Advantages of Safety Covers

Safety covers offer a range of benefits, such as:

• Preventing accidents with a secure safety cover barrier
• Keeping debris, water, and light out of the pool
• Protecting the pool from rainwater and debris
• Lasting longer than other covers
• Minimizing evaporation and reducing maintenance

Safety covers are made of a durable mesh material that allows water to pass through while keeping debris out, ensuring the pool remains clean and free from dirt, leaves, and debris. Additionally, their superior durability and safety features contribute to their slightly higher cost compared to winter covers.

Features of Winter Covers

Winter covers, on the other hand, are designed to keep debris and sunlight out of the pool and are available in various styles, thicknesses, and features. They can be:

• Automatic or manual
• Solid safety covers
• Winter cover with UV protection, such as heavy-duty vinyl or mesh, block out harmful UV rays from the sun, preventing UV damage to the pool water and extending the lifespan of the cover itself.

Furthermore, they act as a barrier to prevent debris from entering the pool, ensuring the pool remains clean and free from leaves, twigs, acorns, animal droppings, and other debris.

Additional Pool Closing Considerations

As you plan for pool winterization services, considering other factors that may influence the process is necessary, such as the type of pool you own and the regional weather.

This section will consider the differences between in-ground and above-ground pools, and the role regional weather plays in pool winterization services.

In-Ground Pools vs. Above-Ground Pools

In-ground and above-ground pools each have unique requirements when it comes to pool closing services, and understanding pool chemistry plays a crucial role in this process. Just as important is the proper pool opening procedure, which ensures a smooth transition into the swimming season.

For in-ground pools, the following services are generally required:

1. Draining the pool to a level that will protect delicate materials from freezing
2. Winterizing the plumbing system
3. Adding winterizing chemicals
4. Covering the pool with a secure pool cover

Above-ground pools typically require the following steps for winterizing:

1. Vacuum out debris from the pool.
2. Add winterizing chemicals to maintain water quality during the off-season.
3. Install an air pillow to help prevent ice damage.
4. Cover the pool with a secure pool cover to keep out debris and protect the pool from the elements.

Regional Weather Factors

Regional weather can have a significant impact on pool closing services. The timing of pool closings is influenced by the region’s climate and seasonal temperatures. In colder climates, pool closing services may need to be conducted earlier to protect the pool from freezing temperatures. In contrast, milder climates may require a less extensive pool closing process.

Additionally, extreme weather events such as heatwaves or heavy storms may affect the timing and procedures of your pool closing service. By taking regional weather factors into account, you can ensure your pool is adequately prepared for winter and avoid any potential damage or maintenance issues.

Summary

In this ultimate guide, we have explored the importance of pool closing services in preparing your pool for the winter months, as well as the benefits of hiring a professional pool company and the different types of services available. We have also discussed the necessary steps to prepare your pool for closing service, such as cleaning and maintenance, and the differences between safety covers and winter covers. By considering all these factors, you can make informed decisions and ensure your swimming pool is protected and ready for the next swimming season. Don’t let the winter months catch you off guard – schedule your pool closing service today and enjoy peace of mind knowing your pool is in good hands.

Frequently Asked Questions