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If there’s anything bad about summer, it’s that eventually it ends and you have to close your pool. We hate it, too! But when leaves start changing color and pumpkin-spice-flavored everything starts hitting coffee shops and stores in your neighborhood, we can’t deny it anymore: summer is winding down.
As you think about transitioning from pool parties to pumpkin patches, you may be wondering how to pick the right time to close your pool.
There’s not a blanket answer we can give you, because the right time to close your pool depends on where you live and what the temperature is. The key factor to remember is that you should close your pool when the water temperature is consistently below 65°F.
Why Is the Right Time to Close Your Pool When the Water is Below 65°F?
When you add winterizing chemicals to your pool, they’re meant to last until you open the pool in early spring. But, if you close your swimming pool too early while the water is warm, your closing chemicals will be consumed quickly. Algae love warmth, so if the water is still too warm, algae will begin to bloom under your cover and the chemicals will be exhausted trying to keep the algae in check.
This leads to that dreaded green pool water when you open your swimming pool in the spring!
What If You Live in a Warmer State?
Do you live in a zone with mild winters? Do you have a very short time frame where the temperature stays below 65 degrees? You might want to avoid closing your pool at all!
It’s not unusual for pool owners in the South and Southwest to leave their pools open all year. If your weather stays on the warm side year-round, you can leave your pool open and simply continue to keep it maintained and balanced through winter.
Before you decide to leave your pool open all year, it’s a good idea to ask your local Doughboy Dealer for advice. If the water drops below freezing, you should be aware that in the event that you lose power during a winter storm it could freeze in your equipment and cause damage. If those types of storms never or only very rarely happen, you may decide it’s worth keeping your pool open all year.
How Do You Close an Above Ground Pool?
Once the water is cool enough, follow these steps for closing above ground pools:
- Clean your pool.
- Balance the water.
- Lower the water level to below the skimmer.
- Drain and protect your pool equipment.
- Cover your pool.
For detailed information about these closing steps, read our blog 6 Steps to Winterize an Above Ground Pool.
The Takeaway
To sum it up, the right time to close your pool depends on where you live, if the water temperature is below 65°F, and if you expect temperatures to remain cool throughout the fall and winter months. At Doughboy, your above ground pool manufacturer, we understand that as your fall activities get underway, you might consider your pool season over. However, be sure to wait until the weather cools down enough. It will save you time and money when it’s time to open your pool next year!
Whether you plan to close your pool yourself or you’re looking for a pool professional to close your pool for you, check first with your local Doughboy Dealer for chemicals, assistance, and service.
Until then, enjoy the last of your swim season!
