Five Steps to Closing an Above Ground Pool - Pool Closing Morganville

Pool Closing: Five Steps to Closing an Above Ground Pool

With Labor Day signaling the end of the summer season, you know it’s that time again: close up the pool for yet another year. Don’t worry: it’s not as hard as it seems. But there is a series of steps you need to follow to get the job done right. If not, you can always call in a professional to handle the job for your peace of mind.

Here are five easy tips:

1. Clean the pool and test the water: Test the water with test strips from the pool store. Or, you could take a sample to the store or hire a technician to do this for you: your choice. Basically, you’re checking for the pH and alkalinity of the water. The pH should be between 7.4 and 7.6, and the alkalinity should be between 100 and 150ppm. Brush the walls of the pool to get all the grime off, then skim the surface for debris.
2. Put in chemicals and shock: Adding the right winter chemicals is critical to ensuring your pool water stays healthy. Take this example: if you have an alkalinity that is too low, add a base such as sodium bicarbonate. If it is too high, you will need to add acid. Now you need to apply a chlorine shock along with winter algaecide. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s specifications exactly as to amounts. Rather than an eight-hour treatment like you would normally do, it’s OK to use a 15-minute fast-dissolving shock to save time.
3. Plug up the return line: Remove the eyeball fitting on the return line and plug it up. Remove the skimmer basket and store it in a dry place for the winter. Alternatively, you can use a winter skimmer cover so you don’t have to drain the water below the skimmer line.
4. Winterize the pump and filter: To do this, take out all plugs, the pump, hoses, and chlorinator. For safe keeping, place all drain plugs in the pump basket. If you have a sand filter, switch the multiport valve to “Winterize” and remove drain plug at the bottom to drain. If you have a D.E. filter, drain the filter, rinse off the grids, and keep the valves open. If you have a cartridge filter, drain the filter, rinse it, store it safely indoors, and again, leave the valves open.
5. Put on the cover: First, put the air pillow in the middle of the pool. Secure the cover to the pool with winter clips, water bags or cables. Do not use rocks or bricks. If they fell into the pool, they would cause damage. Make sure the cover stays dry all winter and brush off debris regularly.

Not sure how to DIY? Need a few more pointers? Just call Central Jersey Pools today at 732-462-5005. We also provide a wide spectrum of closing services to suit your individual needs and budget. Let us handle the whole job so you can relax this fall.

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