Perfect Times to Close or Open Your Pool

Perfect Times to Close or Open Your Pool

It’s that time of year again. The temperatures outside getting cooler, and the leaves are starting to fall. This probably means you are thinking about closing the pool. But, have you ever wondered about the perfect times to open and close your pool?

In this article, we’re going to tell you.When you choose to open and close your pool can greatly impact your water quality and how much you have to invest in your pool each year. That’s why knowing when you should open and your close your pool is key to successful pool ownership. Let’s take a closer look at when you should open and close your pool so it is well care for all year long.

The Best Time to Open Your Pool

Let’s talk about when to open your pool first. Yes, it is fall, and many of you getting ready to close your pool, but we’re going to put this all in one article so it’s easy for you to bookmark. Also, it is more fun to think about opening your pool than it is closing it. Don’t you think?

  • Knowing when to open your pool can be difficult.
  • In many ways it depends on the temperatures where you live. If you live in a very warm climate, your pool may not ever need to be closed in the first place. But, if it gets cold where you live, then you’ll have to open it once the weather begins to warm up outside.

Watch Those Temperatures

So when do you open your pool?

  • A good rule of thumb is when the water during the day is 70°F,  it’s time to open your pool.
  • This is because algae and bacteria can grow and thrive in the water if it isn’t properly treated.
  • You still need to watch those low temperatures, however. If you are still having deep freezes, then you may want to hold off a little while longer just to make sure the plumbing isn’t damaged by freezing water.
  • If you open your pool and have a deep freeze, make sure to keep the filter running to keep that water moving. Water that’s moving won’t freeze as easily as water that is standing still.

Make Your Decision

In the end, it is up to you, but watch those temperatures and get that pool open as soon as you can so you can keep an eye on your water quality. That way when it is warm enough to dive in, your pool is ready to go.

The Best Time to Close Your Pool

Closing your pool at the right time is essential both for optimal pool health as well as your overall water quality. Let’s take a closer look at when you should consider closing your pool, and even when you should leave it open just a little bit longer.

To Close, Or Not to Close

  • First, closing your pool too early is a bad thing.
  • Warm water and a closed pool don’t mix, as bacteria and algae have a better chance to thrive while the temperatures are still warm outside.
  • If you live in a warm climate where the water stays relatively warm or only requires a little heating every now and then to say swim-ready, you may want to keep your pool open.
  • If, however, temperatures do drop in your neck of the woods, then closing makes the most sense. But when should you do it?

So When Do You Close Your Pool?

  • If you are trying to decide when you should do it, check the temperature of your water.
  • It is safe to close your pool when the water remains consistently below 65°F.
  • Of course, that isn’t a hard and fast rule. If, for example, you live in an area with a lot of trees, leaves can quickly become your pool’s number one enemy. You will spend hours cleaning out the leaves in the fall even if the water temperatures remain warm.
  • In this case, go ahead and close the pool before the fall leaves over take your pool and its filtration system. Again, when this actually happens really depend on where you live. So keep an eye on the local weather and watch those trees before you make your final decision.

Use the Right Tools

  • If you are ready to close your pool, make sure you are familiar with the proper procedure. Closing a pool isn’t like regular pool maintenance, so you need to be sure you understand the process. If you don’t, you could have a damaged pool in the spring when you are ready to open it up and enjoy it.
  • When closing your pool, be sure you pick up the proper winterizing kits and make sure you drain the water below the skimmer and flush out all the lines. That way none of your pipes will freeze if the temperatures really drop.

If you are unsure how to close your pool properly, don’t hesitate to call us. We are here to help you!

Final Thoughts

Knowing when to open and close your pool is key to successful pool management and water quality. If you do it right, then the change of seasons are much easier and cost you much less.

When it comes to opening and closing your pool, understanding the weather and some of the reasons why you should do it are a great first step toward properly caring for your pool, even when the swimming season is coming to an end.

If you have any questions on the right time to open or close your pool, please  contact us today!

Photo: Visual Hunt

Source: Swim University