As summer winds down in Eastern North Carolina, the warm weather often lingers, giving us the luxury of enjoying our pools well into the fall. However, as cooler temperatures approach, it’s essential to start thinking about preparing your pool for the off-season. Properly closing your pool not only protects it from potential damage but also ensures it’s ready for a smooth reopening next spring. Here’s a comprehensive guide, with insights from sources we trust, such as the Pool and Spa Alliance, River Pools, and the National Drowning Prevention Alliance!
1. Enjoy Your Pool a Little Longer
One of the perks of living in Eastern North Carolina is the extended pool season. Thanks to our milder fall temperatures, you can often enjoy your pool well into October. However, keep an eye on the forecast as nighttime temperatures begin to dip. When the weather consistently cools, it’s time to start your winterization process.
2. Clean and Prep Your Pool
Before closing your pool, make sure it’s thoroughly cleaned. According to the Pool and Spa Alliance, removing debris like leaves and twigs is crucial to prevent staining and algae growth during the off-season. With the abundance of pine trees and other foliage in our area, it’s especially important to skim the surface, brush the walls, and vacuum the bottom to keep your pool pristine before closing.
3. Balance Your Water Chemistry
Proper water chemistry is key to preventing scale formation, corrosion, and algae blooms during the winter months. The Pool and Spa Alliance recommends adjusting your pool’s pH to 7.2-7.6, alkalinity to 80-120 ppm, and calcium hardness to 200-400 ppm. Adding a winterizing shock treatment will help maintain water clarity and sanitation while the pool is closed, ensuring it’s ready to go when spring arrives.
4. Lower the Water Level
River Pools suggests lowering the water level below the skimmer and return lines to prevent freeze damage. However, in our region, freezing temperatures are less frequent but can still occur, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. If your pool has a safety cover, lowering the water level just slightly below the skimmer may be sufficient.
5. Drain and Protect Pool Equipment
To avoid freeze damage, drain all water from your pool’s pump, filter, heater, and other components. The Pool and Spa Alliance advises storing smaller equipment indoors if possible. For larger components like heaters, follow the manufacturer’s winterizing instructions. In Eastern NC, where winters can be unpredictable, blowing out the lines with a shop vac or air compressor, as recommended by River Pools, can provide extra peace of mind.
6. Add Winterizing Chemicals
Adding winterizing chemicals is essential for keeping your pool water clear and algae-free throughout the winter. Use a winterizing kit that typically includes algaecide, stain and scale preventer, and shock treatment. The Pool and Spa Alliance notes that these chemicals will help protect your pool surfaces and keep the water in good condition, even during our region’s occasional warm winter days.
7. Cover Your Pool Properly
Covering your pool is one of the most important steps in winterization. The National Drowning Prevention Alliance emphasizes the importance of using a safety cover, not only to keep out debris but also to prevent accidental drownings. Given the frequent windy conditions in Eastern NC, ensure your cover is securely fastened to prevent it from blowing off or allowing debris to enter.
8. Maintain Regular Winter Check-ups
Even when your pool is closed, it’s important to check on it periodically. River Pools suggests inspecting the cover for sagging, clearing off heavy debris, and ensuring the water level remains stable. With our region’s mix of sunny winter days and occasional cold snaps, keeping an eye on your pool throughout the off-season can prevent unexpected issues.
9. Plan for a Safe Reopening in Spring
As winter comes to an end and warmer weather returns to Eastern NC, start planning for your pool’s reopening. The Pool and Spa Alliance recommends carefully removing and cleaning your cover, inspecting your pool for any signs of damage, and ensuring all equipment is in working order. By preparing early, you’ll be ready to enjoy your pool as soon as the temperatures rise.
Living in Eastern North Carolina means you get to enjoy your pool longer than most, but when it’s time to close it for the season, doing so properly is crucial to protecting your investment. By following these tips, you can ensure your pool remains in top condition throughout the fall and winter and is ready for a seamless spring opening. If you have any questions about winterizing your pool, give us a call at Pools, Patios & Spas. We’re happy to help and can refer you to a trusted company for service if needed.
Stay warm and enjoy the extended pool season, knowing your pool is well-protected for the winter!
