Pool Closing: Nail The Right Chemicals Every Time!

Preparing Your Pool for a Worry-Free Winter

Closing your swimming pool properly for the winter is a critical task that can significantly impact its longevity and ease of reopening in the spring. Neglecting this essential maintenance step can lead to costly repairs, stubborn algae blooms, and overall frustration when swimming season returns. This guide is designed to equip you, the pool owner, with the knowledge to confidently navigate the pool closing process.

The Importance of Proper Pool Closing

Think of your pool as a living thing that requires care and attention, even when dormant. Proper winterization safeguards your pool from the harsh effects of freezing temperatures, snow, and ice. This preventative measure protects the pool’s structure, plumbing, and equipment from damage, ultimately saving you time and money in the long run.

Balanced Water: The Cornerstone of Winterization

The foundation of a successful pool closing lies in achieving balanced water chemistry before covering it for the winter. Why is this so important? Unbalanced water can become corrosive or scale-forming, potentially damaging the pool’s surfaces, equipment, and plumbing. Imagine the damage that can occur over several months of neglect. Balancing the water minimizes these risks, ensuring a smoother reopening next season.

Who Should Use This Guide?

This guide is specifically crafted for pool owners who take pride in maintaining their pools and seek to understand the proper procedures for winterization. Whether you’re a seasoned pool owner or a newcomer to pool care, this information will provide you with a clear understanding of the chemical aspects of pool closing.

Your Chemical Toolkit for Closing

To close your pool effectively, you’ll need a few key chemicals. These include:

• Sanitizer: To eliminate bacteria and algae.
• Algaecide: To prevent algae growth during the off-season.
• pH Increaser and Decreaser: To adjust the water’s acidity.
• Alkalinity Increaser: To stabilize the pH level.

By understanding the role of each chemical and following the outlined steps, you can confidently protect your pool throughout the winter months.

Understanding Essential Pool Closing Chemicals: Your Chemical Arsenal

With a clear understanding of the importance of balanced water as the cornerstone of winterization, it’s time to delve into the specific chemicals you’ll need to ensure a worry-free winter for your pool. Think of these chemicals as your arsenal, each playing a vital role in protecting your investment.

Sanitizers: Chlorine and Alternatives

Sanitizers are your first line of defense against bacteria and algae. Before closing your pool, it’s crucial to eliminate any existing microorganisms to prevent them from multiplying during the off-season.

The Role of Chlorine

Chlorine is the most common and cost-effective sanitizer. It effectively kills bacteria and algae, leaving your pool water clean and safe.

Prior to closing, you’ll want to super-chlorinate, or shock, your pool to achieve a high chlorine level that eradicates any lingering contaminants.

Pool Shock: Achieving Super-Chlorination

Pool shock comes in various forms, including calcium hypochlorite, dichlor, and non-chlorine shock (potassium monopersulfate). Each type has its advantages and disadvantages in terms of speed of dissolving, impact on pH, and compatibility with different pool types. Calcium hypochlorite is a powerful and widely used option, but it can raise pH levels. Dichlor dissolves quickly and is pH neutral, but it can contribute to stabilizer buildup over time.

Non-chlorine shock is effective at oxidizing organic contaminants, but it doesn’t kill algae or bacteria. Choose the shock that best suits your pool type and specific needs.

Chlorine Alternatives

For pool owners who prefer to avoid chlorine, alternative sanitizers are available. These include biguanide and mineral systems.

Biguanide offers a chlorine-free sanitizing option, but it requires specific products and careful maintenance. It’s generally more expensive than chlorine.

Mineral systems use minerals like silver and copper to inhibit bacteria and algae growth, often in conjunction with a low level of chlorine.

While these alternatives can be effective, they may require a different approach to water chemistry and may not be suitable for all pools. Always research thoroughly before switching to a chlorine alternative.

Algae Prevention: Algaecide and Winterizing Algaecide

Even with proper sanitization, algae can still be a threat during the off-season. Algaecide is crucial for preventing algae growth, especially in pools that are prone to blooms.

The Necessity of Algaecide

Algaecide acts as a preventative measure, inhibiting algae growth by disrupting its cellular processes. Using algaecide before closing your pool creates a barrier against algae blooms during the winter.

Winterizing Algaecide: An Extra Layer of Protection

Winterizing algaecide is a specially formulated algaecide designed for long-term protection during the off-season.

It typically contains a higher concentration of active ingredients and is more effective at preventing algae growth in cold water. Investing in a winterizing algaecide is a worthwhile investment for ensuring a clean pool opening in the spring.

Balancing Water Chemistry: pH, Alkalinity, and Calcium Hardness

Achieving proper water balance is essential for protecting your pool from corrosion, scaling, and staining. pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness are the key parameters to consider.

The Importance of pH, Alkalinity, and Calcium Hardness

pH measures the acidity or basicity of the water. The ideal range for pool water is typically between 7.2 and 7.8. pH increaser (sodium carbonate) and pH decreaser (sodium bisulfate) are used to adjust the pH level.

Alkalinity acts as a buffer, preventing drastic pH fluctuations. The recommended alkalinity range is typically between 80 and 120 ppm. Alkalinity increaser (sodium bicarbonate) is used to raise the alkalinity level.

Calcium hardness refers to the amount of calcium dissolved in the water. The ideal range is typically between 200 and 400 ppm. Maintaining proper calcium hardness prevents corrosion and scaling.

Water Testing Kits: Accurate Chemical Level Determination

Accurate water testing is critical for determining the correct chemical levels and making necessary adjustments. Pool owners can choose between test strips and liquid test kits.

Test strips are convenient and easy to use, but they may not be as accurate as liquid test kits. Liquid test kits involve adding reagent drops to a water sample and comparing the resulting color to a chart. While they require more effort, they provide more precise readings.

Regardless of the method you choose, make sure to follow the instructions carefully and use fresh reagents for accurate results.

Specific Considerations for Saltwater Pools

Saltwater pools have unique chemical needs compared to traditional chlorine pools. While saltwater pools still require chlorine, generated by a salt chlorine generator, there are some crucial differences in winterization.

Saltwater pools can still experience algae growth and scaling, so it’s essential to test and balance the water chemistry before closing.

Salt levels should be checked and adjusted according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. It’s also advisable to clean the salt cell before closing to remove any calcium buildup.

Consulting with pool service professionals is particularly beneficial for saltwater pool owners.

Professionals can provide specialized guidance and recommendations tailored to your specific pool type and equipment. This is especially important given the investment associated with saltwater systems.

Step-by-Step Guide to Chemical Application: The Closing Process

Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge of essential pool closing chemicals, it’s time to put that understanding into action. This section provides a practical, step-by-step guide on how to apply the necessary chemicals, ensuring a successful pool closing.

We will cover everything from testing your water to properly adding algaecide, always emphasizing safety precautions and accurate dosage.

Testing the Water: Your Starting Point

Water testing is the crucial first step in the pool closing process. It provides the baseline information needed to determine which chemicals, and how much of them, are required to achieve optimal water balance.

Using Water Testing Kits

Obtain a reliable water testing kit, either test strips or a liquid test kit. Follow the kit’s instructions carefully to collect a water sample from at least 18 inches below the surface, away from the pool’s return jets.

Test strips are convenient and easy to use. Simply dip a strip into the water, wait the specified time, and compare the colors on the strip to the chart provided.

Liquid test kits, while slightly more involved, often offer more accurate readings. Add the designated number of drops of each reagent to the water sample, mix, and compare the resulting color to the chart.

Target Ranges for Winterization

• pH: Aim for a pH between 7.2 and 7.6. This range prevents corrosion and scale formation during the off-season.

• Alkalinity: Target an alkalinity level between 80 and 120 ppm (parts per million). Proper alkalinity helps buffer pH, preventing drastic swings.

• Calcium Hardness: The ideal range for calcium hardness is between 200 and 400 ppm. This prevents etching or staining of pool surfaces.

• Sanitizer: The ideal level will depend on the type of sanitizer you are using, but shocking the pool to a high level is standard. This is typically in the range of 10-12 ppm for chlorine shock, but follow the instructions of the product for best results.

Adjusting Water Balance: Fine-Tuning Your Pool Chemistry

Once you have your water test results, it’s time to adjust the water balance. This involves using pH increaser (soda ash), pH decreaser (muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate), and alkalinity increaser (sodium bicarbonate) to bring your water into the target ranges.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Calculate Dosage: Carefully calculate the required dosage of each chemical based on your pool volume and the difference between your current readings and the target ranges. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the product label.

2. Add Chemicals: Add chemicals slowly and directly to the pool water, following the instructions on the product label. It’s best to pre-dissolve granular chemicals in a bucket of water before adding them to the pool, especially for vinyl liner pools, to prevent staining.

3. Circulate Water: Run the pool pump for at least 2-4 hours after adding chemicals to ensure proper distribution.

4. Retest and Repeat: Retest the water after 24 hours. If the levels are still not within the target ranges, repeat the adjustment process, being careful not to overcorrect. Small adjustments are always better than large, drastic changes.

The Importance of Waiting and Retesting

Patience is key when adjusting water balance. Allow sufficient time for the chemicals to fully dissolve and circulate before retesting.

Retesting after each adjustment is crucial to avoid over-correcting and creating further imbalances.

Shocking the Pool: Eliminating Contaminants

Shocking the pool, or super-chlorinating, is essential for eliminating any remaining bacteria, algae, and organic contaminants before closing. This helps prevent problems like cloudy water and algae blooms during the off-season.

Proper Shock Application

1. Choose Your Shock: Select the appropriate type of pool shock for your pool and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dosage. Calcium hypochlorite is a common choice for its effectiveness.

2. Add Shock at Dusk or Night: Add the shock to the pool at dusk or night, as sunlight can degrade chlorine.

3. Run the Pump: Run the pool pump for at least 8-12 hours after shocking to ensure proper circulation and distribution of the chlorine.

Safety Precautions

Always wear gloves and eye protection when handling pool shock chemicals. Never mix different types of shock together, as this can create dangerous fumes or explosions.

Carefully read and follow all safety instructions on the product label.

Adding Algaecide: Preventing Algae Growth

Adding algaecide is a proactive step to prevent algae growth during the winter months. Winterizing algaecides are specifically formulated to withstand colder temperatures and provide long-lasting protection.

Determining Dosage and Distribution

1. Calculate Dosage: Determine the correct dosage of algaecide or winterizing algaecide based on your pool size, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

2. Dilute Algaecide: Pre-dilute the algaecide in a bucket of water before adding it to the pool to ensure even distribution.

3. Pour Around Perimeter: Pour the diluted algaecide around the perimeter of the pool, paying particular attention to areas that are prone to algae growth, such as corners and steps.

4. Run the Pump: Run the pool pump for at least 1 hour after adding algaecide to ensure it is thoroughly distributed throughout the pool.

By following these step-by-step instructions, you can effectively apply the necessary chemicals to close your pool properly. Remember to prioritize safety, accuracy, and patience throughout the process.

Preventing Common Pool Closing Problems: Troubleshooting and Best Practices

Even with careful planning and precise chemical application, challenges can arise during the pool closing process. Recognizing potential pitfalls and understanding how to address them is crucial for a worry-free winter and an easy pool re-opening in the spring. Let’s delve into some common issues and best practices.

Addressing Potential Issues

A proactive approach to pool closing minimizes the likelihood of unpleasant surprises when you uncover your pool next season. Key issues to watch out for include cloudy water and the formation of stains or scale.

Preventing Cloudy Water

Cloudy water is a common problem that can plague pools over the winter. It is usually caused by inadequate sanitation, improper water balance, or the presence of organic contaminants.

To prevent cloudy water: ensure you thoroughly shock the pool before closing, meticulously balance the water chemistry (pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness), and remove all debris (leaves, twigs, etc.). A pool cover, especially a solid one, can help prevent additional contaminants from entering the water.

Consider using a phosphate remover as well, as phosphates are a food source for algae and bacteria. Addressing phosphate levels can further reduce the risk of cloudiness.

Avoiding Stains and Scale Formation

Stains and scale are unsightly and can be difficult to remove. They typically result from mineral imbalances in the water, particularly high calcium hardness or improper pH levels.

To prevent stains and scale: meticulously balance your water chemistry before closing. Pay close attention to calcium hardness, aiming for the recommended range. Use a sequestering agent, also known as a stain and scale preventer, which helps to bind to minerals and prevent them from depositing on pool surfaces.

Lowering the pH slightly towards the lower end of the recommended range (7.2-7.4) can also help prevent scale formation.

Consulting Professionals

While many pool owners successfully close their pools themselves, there are times when professional assistance is invaluable. Don’t hesitate to seek expert advice if you encounter persistent problems or feel unsure about any aspect of the closing process.

When to call a professional:

• If you have persistent cloudy water that doesn’t clear up after shocking and balancing the water.
• If you are unable to accurately test your water chemistry or achieve the recommended chemical levels.
• If you notice signs of significant staining or scaling despite your preventative efforts.
• If you have a complex pool system (e.g., with specialized equipment or features) that requires specific closing procedures.

A qualified pool service technician can accurately diagnose problems, provide tailored solutions, and ensure your pool is properly protected for the winter.

Pool Closing Kits

Pool closing kits are convenient and comprehensive, containing most, if not all, of the chemicals you need to properly winterize your pool. These kits typically include shock, algaecide, and stain and scale preventer, and sometimes other helpful additives.

It is extremely important to follow the specific instructions provided with your pool closing kit. These instructions are tailored to the chemicals included in the kit and will provide guidance on dosage and application.

While pool closing kits simplify the process, they are not a substitute for water testing and balancing. You’ll still need to test your water chemistry and adjust levels as needed before using the kit’s chemicals. Think of the kit as a supplemental tool, not a complete solution.

Alright, that should get you started on closing your pool the right way! Now you know more about what chemicals are needed to close a pool. Go get those chemicals, follow the steps, and enjoy your winter knowing your pool is prepped and ready for next season!