Closing an Above Ground Pool: Five Easy Steps

Labor Day signals the end of the summer season. Time to close up the pool for yet another year. This isn’t the daunting task it’s made out to be. You don’t have to waste an entire weekend closing your pool up. Just check out these five easy tips:

1. Test the water; clean the pool: First, use test strips to check the pH and alkalinity of the water. You can also have your local pool technician take a sample, or run a sample down to the pool store. In any event, you want the pH to be between 7.4 and 7.6, with an alkalinity between 100 and 150ppm. Next, clean the pool by brushing down the walls and skimming the surface for debris.
2. Add chemicals and shock the pool: Now’s the time to add winter chemicals so your pool water stays healthy all season. For example, if your alkalinity is too low, you will need to add a base like sodium bicarbonate. If it’s too high, add acid. Next, add chlorine shock and winter algaecide, following the manufacturer’s specifications closely. You don’t need an eight-hour treatment like normal; in this case, you can use a 15-minute fast-dissolving shock to save time before adding the cover.
3. Plug the return line: Take out the eyeball fitting on the return line and add a rubber plug with wing nut. Take off the skimmer basket and store it, or try a winter skimmer cover to prevent the need for draining the water below the skimmer line.
4. Winterize the pump and filter: Remove plugs, the pump, hoses, and chlorinator. Put all drain plugs in the pump basket for safe keeping. For sand filters, switch the multiport valve to “Winterize” and take off the drain plug at the bottom to allow for draining. For D.E. filters, drain the filter, rinse the grids, and leave the valves open. For cartridge filters, drain the filter, rinse it off, store it indoors, and leave the valves open.
5. Add the winter cover: Place an air pillow in the center of the pool, then add the cover. Secure with winter clips, water bags or cables – never bricks. Keep the cover dry all winter and free from debris.

Eager to know more about how to close your pool this fall? We can help. Call Central Jersey Pools today at 732-462-5005. We can provide complete closing services or we can provide guidance for you to do it yourself. We offer a variety of packages to suit your needs and budget.