If you've had an inground, concrete swimming pool built on your property, it's important that you know how to close it up properly for the winter time. This means that you'll be able to enjoy your pool again as soon as the weather improves in the spring, without having to carry out time-consuming remedial works when you could be enjoying a refreshing dip. Read on for some top tips on closing up your inground concrete pool.
Good, clean fun
Your first job is to give the pool a good clean out. If you neglect this task, you'll encourage algae and mould to form on the walls of the pool, leaving you with a mess and time-consuming job to do in the spring.
Use a pool rake or a leaf skimmer to get rid of any leaves or other debris from the water surface. Scrub the pool's sides and bottom with a stiff scrubbing brush or hire an automatic pool cleaner from your local tool hire shop for this job.
When you've finished cleaning, drop the pool water level so that it doesn't come into contact with your pool cover.
Pool water chemicals
In order to keep your pool water healthy while it's not in use, it's a good idea to get a pool closing kit from your local pool supplies shop. The chemicals contained in the kit will treat algae, in addition to preventing staining and limescale accumulation. Simply add the chemicals to the water as per the kit manufacturer's directions and stir them in well by using a pool brush.
Blow and seal pipes
A very important step in closing up your pool is blowing all the lines out with air. If you don't do this, there's a risk that any residual water could freeze, damaging the pipes. To do this, use a small air compressor that you can hire from a tool hire shop.
To make sure that the lines don't accumulate any water, install freeze plugs in all lines and skimmers.
Clean filters and disconnect plugs
Give the backwash filter a good clean out and leave the backwash valve open when you've finished. For pools with sand filters, remove the drain plug and leave it out. If necessary, use a compressor to blow water out of the multi-port valve so that it doesn't freeze. Avoid using acid washes on a DE filter until you re-open your pool. Acid can damage the filter during the close-season.
Disconnect any drain plugs on the pool heater, filter, pump, and chlorinators. Be sure to open up all valves so that any water inside drops to the level of the pool water.
Power down
Remember to turn off the power to your pump and close off the circuit breaker.
Cover up
Your final job is to put on the pool's cover, ensuring that it's spread evenly over the surface of the pool, but not in contact with the water.
In conclusion
Follow the helpful tips above to make your inground, concrete swimming pool winter-ready. If you discover any damaged or lost tiles during this process, take this opportunity to have your pool repaired by contacting a local pool contractor.
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