What You Need to Know

The timing of when you decide to close your pool is important. Close to early and you run the risk of algae as we continue to get a few more hot days from September into October. Close too late and you run the risk of freezing lines and damage to equipment.

We recommend closing late September, mid-late October for pool closing. If you are trying to keep the pool open for as long as possible to keep swimming it is imperative to watch the weather. It's best to close the pool before freezing temperatures are upon us. If we aren't experiencing freezing temperatures your pool could remain open up to Halloween. If your local temperatures typically stay below 65°F (18°C) during the off season, wait until the temperature falls below that point to close. Lower temperatures are inhospitable to algae and can help the water stay clearer longer. Leaving your pool open until the weather cools means you can easily clean, test, balance, and use your pool right up until it’s time to close.

Make sure to check the condition of your cover prior to the day of closing to make sure there are no rips, tears, or breakage on the cover. If the cover is damaged we recommend ordering a new one prior to closing. If you know the size of the cover you need feel free to send us an email at michele@elitepoolsandspas.com with the dimensions of your cover and we can check if we have one in stock. If we do not have your size in stock we can get you a quote to order one. If you need to order a cover please let us know as soon as possible as the arrival of the cover may alter the scheduling of your closing.

We recommend using winter treatment in addition to your closing kit, which includes clarifier, algaecide and chlorine booster in 1. You can pick up the winter treatment at our store location along with your closing kit, just ask us for the winter treatment and we can get you what you need.

With the winter treatment you can prime your pool's water chemistry for closing as the treatment boosts chlorine effectiveness 65% to maintain more stable chlorine levels over the winter. More chlorine in the pool for the closing season means less bacteria in the pool come spring time. 

Most pools will only require the 1/2 gallon treatment at closing and then a maintenance dose every 60 days (usually in December and then again in early March). Using the winter treatment in the non-swimming season controls algae, keeps the pool clear (if it is closed clear and in optimal condition), and allows for a quicker start-up in the spring. For the average pool size one 1/2 gallon bottle is needed initially and then a 1/2 bottle is used for each maintenance dose. With these pool closing tips you can prime your pool for closing and set yourself up for a clean and easy pool opening.