As with many of the best home features, pools require maintenance. Depending on the climate where you live, you might get year-round use out of your in-ground pool. Elsewhere, you’ll have to close it for the season and wait for summer’s return. Whether you use your pool less or not at all when cold weather arrives, end of season pool maintenance is very similar—learn more.
Check Your Supplies
Maintenance continues even as use declines. Make sure you have an adequate supply of pool chemicals safely stored away (refer to the manufacturer’s instructions) to get you through off-season cleanings, as well as to maintain the quality of the pool water.
Clean the Pool
An unused pool should still be a clean pool. When summer begins to fade, and you find yourself using the pool less, this doesn’t mean you’re off the hook for keeping it clean. Skim, scrub, vacuum, and empty debris traps as usual—even if you don’t plan to swim for weeks. Additionally, backwash the filters.
Check Water Levels and Balance Chemicals
Test your pool water’s pH, calcium hardness, and alkalinity. If you’ll be closing the pool entirely for the season, consult your pool supplier about winterizing chemicals. There is also some debate about lowering the water level a little to guard against damage to the skimmers. If you live in an area that is sure to get a hard freeze, hire a professional to drain the pipes and plug the skimmers to avoid cracking or damage.
Remove Accessories
Take toys and floats out of the pool and remove handrails and ladders if they would interfere with the pool cover you intend to use. Additionally, store anything that would collect rain, creating the perfect condition for breeding insects.
Shock and Apply an Algaecide
Once the pool is clean and balanced, give it a chlorine shock. Make sure no one uses the pool for several days according to the package instructions. About a week after the chlorine shock, use an algaecide just before you cover the pool for the season.
In cold climates, you’ll drain and remove the pump and hoses, as well as the chlorinator if you have one, and then store them inside. Store clean filters (except heavy sand filters) inside over cold winters as well.
Cover Safely
People—especially children—can fall into covered pools and drown under pool covers. If you’ll be using a pool cover, ensure it is a type that reduces the risk of this kind of tragedy. Check your fences for any gaps, holes, or other ways children or animals could get into your pool area. Further, if you have a pool enclosure, repair or replace the pool screen if necessary.
When summer winds down, end of season pool maintenance will help keep your pool in good condition for when spring arrives next year.
