5 Pool Problems You Can Still Fix After Your Pool Is Closed
You've finished closing the pool.
The chemicals are in. The equipment is winterized. The cover is installed.
Done until spring, right?
Not necessarily.
Your pool is closed for swimming, but that doesn't mean you should completely ignore it for the next six months. October and November are especially important because fall weather can expose problems with your cover, accessories and surrounding pool area.
Here are five problems you can still catch and fix after closing.
1. Your Winter Cover Has Shifted
Strong winds can move or stress a winter cover.
After a major storm, check the cover from around the pool.
Look for:
- Shifted sections
- Loose water bags
- Damaged straps
- Exposed edges
- Tears
- Debris trapped underneath
Fix small problems before they become larger ones.
If your cover has moved significantly or appears damaged, don't try to walk across it to fix the problem.
2. Your Cover Is Collecting Too Much Water
Rain and melting snow can create standing water on some types of covers.
A cover pump may be appropriate for certain solid winter covers, but the correct approach depends on the cover design.
Don't automatically pump every cover the same way.
If you're unsure, check the cover manufacturer's instructions.
3. Your Cover Is Filling With Leaves
A few leaves are normal in October.
A mountain of wet leaves is another story.
Leaves can become heavy as they absorb water and break down. They can also make spring cleanup much more difficult.
Check the cover after major periods of leaf fall and remove debris using the appropriate method for your cover.
4. Something Is Missing From Your Winter Setup
October is the month when homeowners sometimes discover that a small but important piece was forgotten.
It might be:
- A winter plug
- A skimmer component
- A water bag
- An air pillow
- A cover accessory
- An equipment part
Don't assume you'll remember where everything is next spring.
If you notice something missing, replace it now.
It is much easier to solve the problem while pool stores and suppliers still have seasonal inventory than when you discover it during a spring opening rush.
5. Your Equipment Wasn't Properly Winterized
If you realize after closing that a pump, filter, heater, salt system or other component wasn't properly prepared for winter, don't simply hope it will be fine.
Freezing temperatures can cause serious damage to equipment and plumbing where water remains trapped.
Ontario pool professionals specifically identify improperly drained equipment and plumbing as potential sources of winter damage.
If you're unsure whether your system was properly winterized, contact a qualified pool professional or follow the equipment manufacturer's winterization instructions.
Don't Ignore the Pool Until April
You don't need to spend every weekend maintaining a closed pool.
But you should check it periodically, especially after:
- Strong wind
- Heavy rain
- Heavy snowfall
- Major temperature swings
- Large amounts of leaf fall
A five-minute inspection can help you catch a small problem before it becomes an expensive spring repair.
Keep Your Winter Supplies Together
If you need to make a repair during the winter, you don't want to discover that your spare parts are scattered throughout the garage.
Keep your pool equipment, cover accessories and winter supplies organized.
Label containers whenever possible.
PTL Direct Can Help You Prepare
At PTL Direct, we carry winter covers, air pillows, closing chemicals, plugs and other pool winterizing supplies.
Closing the pool is an important step, but protecting it throughout the winter is just as important.
Take a few minutes to check your pool after major fall weather events. Your spring self will appreciate it.
