Pool Closing Mistakes That Can Cost You in the Spring

Nobody wants to open their pool in the spring and discover green water, damaged equipment, a torn liner or a winter cover that didn't survive the season. Many spring pool problems begin months earlier when the pool was closed.

The good news is that most pool-closing mistakes are preventable.

Here are some of the most common mistakes Ontario pool owners should avoid.

1. Closing the Pool Too Early

One of the biggest mistakes is closing based entirely on the calendar.

September can still be warm in Ontario, and warm water under a winter cover can create conditions for algae growth.

If you're closing the pool while the water is still relatively warm, you may be creating a spring-opening problem before winter has even started.

Monitor the water temperature and weather conditions rather than choosing a closing date simply because it is September.

2. Waiting Until the Last Minute

The opposite problem is waiting too long.

Freezing temperatures can damage pool equipment and plumbing if the system hasn't been properly winterized.

Don't wait for the first major freeze before beginning your pool closing.

By September, you should already have your winter cover, chemicals and other supplies checked and ready.

3. Closing a Dirty Pool

Putting a cover over leaves, algae and debris doesn't make them disappear.

Clean the pool thoroughly before closing.

Brush the walls and floor, vacuum the pool and remove debris from the water.

The cleaner the pool is when it goes under the cover, the better your chances of having a manageable opening in the spring.

4. Skipping Water Testing

Closing with unbalanced water can create problems for the pool surface and equipment.

Test the water before adding your winterizing chemicals.

Pay attention to the major water-balance parameters and make the necessary adjustments before closing.

Don't simply dump chemicals into the pool without knowing what the water actually needs.

5. Using the Wrong Chemical Dosage

More chemical does not automatically mean better protection.

Winterizing products have specific dosage instructions based on water volume and the intended application.

Read the label and calculate the amount required for your pool.

Using too little may not provide the intended treatment. Using excessive amounts can also create unnecessary chemical exposure and may not provide additional benefit but damage your liner and pool.

6. Assuming Chemicals Protect the Plumbing

This is an important one.

Winterizing chemicals help manage the pool water, but they do not prevent water in plumbing or equipment from freezing.

Your circulation system still needs to be properly winterized.

Drain or blow out the appropriate lines and equipment according to the manufacturer's instructions.

7. Ignoring a Damaged Winter Cover

A small tear in September can become a major problem after months of snow, ice and wind.

Inspect your cover before installing it.

Check the seams, material, attachment points and hardware.

If the cover is deteriorated or no longer fits correctly, replace it before winter.

8. Forgetting the Pool Structure

The pool wall and supporting components should also be inspected.

Look for:

• Rust
• Corrosion
• Bent components
• Damaged uprights
• Loose hardware
• Problems with the bottom track

Finding structural damage in the fall gives you time to address it before winter.

9. Leaving Equipment Outside

Pool equipment and accessories that are designed to be removed should be cleaned, dried and stored properly.

This includes items such as ladders, cleaners, poles and other removable accessories.

Protecting your equipment during the off-season can extend its useful life.

10. Forgetting About the Spring Opening

A good pool closing should make spring opening easier.

Think ahead.

Remove and store equipment properly. Label hoses and components if necessary. Keep your chemicals and accessories organized.

When spring arrives, you shouldn't have to spend hours figuring out where everything went.

The Biggest Pool-Closing Mistake?

The biggest mistake is treating pool closing as simply “put the cover on.”

A proper closing involves the entire pool system.

You need to consider:

• Water chemistry
• Pool cleanliness
• Winterizing chemicals
• Plumbing
• Pump
• Filter
• Heater
• Liner
• Pool structure
• Winter cover
• Accessories

Every part plays a role in protecting the pool through the winter.

Prepare Before You Close

September is the perfect time to inspect your pool and make a list of anything that needs attention.

Check your winter cover.

Check your equipment.

Check your liner.

Check your chemicals.

Check your winterizing supplies.

If something needs to be replaced, do it before you're standing beside the pool in October with cold weather arriving.

PTL Direct Has Your Pool Closing Supplies

PTL Direct carries pool closing chemicals, winter covers, air pillows and winterizing supplies for above-ground and inground pools.

Preparing early can save you time, prevent avoidable problems and make your spring opening considerably easier.

A good pool closing isn't about doing more. It's about doing the right things before winter arrives.