How Do I Know When To Close My Pool?

Properly closing your pool at the right time at the end of your pool season is critical to minimize any headaches or problems that can occur over the winter and make springtime opening easier. There is no one correct day or time that you should close your pool, but rather recognizing when the weather in your area hits a certain point consistently as an indicator to close.

TLDR

Avoid closing your pool until your water temperature readings consistently drop below 65°F.

What Can Happen If I Close Too Early?

Closing your pool too early can create the perfect environment for algae & bacteria to grow. This could potentially lead to a costly & time-consuming pool opening in the spring.

What do we mean by closing too early? The ideal time to close your pool is when your water temperature consistently drops below 65°F. So, if your water temperature readings are still over that, then it is best to delay closing until they consistently hit that point. Closing before that point could lead to algae growth that can potentially cause a number of different problems including:

  • Equipment damage or reduced efficiency
  • Stained pool surfaces
  • Increased algae growth
  • Unsanitary or cloudy water
  • More work and higher costs during spring opening

Closing months can be unpredictable when it comes to the weather. One week can get pretty cold, but then the next could be a heatwave. So, just be sure to keep an eye on the weather forecast in your area and wait until the forecast is showing temperatures below 65°F for the foreseeable weeks ahead before fully closing your pool.

However, since the weather can be very unpredictable, it’s a good rule of thumb to start preparing for pool closing around late August or during September. Start getting your pool closing kit, winter pool cover, leaf net cover, and any other winterizing accessories ready to go so that you are prepared for when the weather decides to shift.

Before moving on, we want to quickly mention National Pool Closing Day which falls on the 3rd Saturday of September every year. National Pool Closing Day is not necessarily an indication of when you should close your pool. Remember, don’t close until your water temperature consistently drops below 65°F. Depending on the year and weather patterns, National Pool Closing Day could be a good time to close, but otherwise use this day as more of a reminder to get ready to close your pool in the near future if the temperatures around National Pool Closing Day are still hot.

What Can I Do In The Meantime?

If the temperatures are not looking to fall below 65°F consistently yet, we have a few tips that you can follow up until that point.

1. Sanitize

Make sure to keep up with your normal sanitizing routine. Continue using our Pro-Grade Chlorine Tabs & Super Shock until you are ready to close.

NOTE: Before using a closing kit, make sure to stop chlorination 24 hours prior to winterizing.

2. Sweep

Brush, vacuum, and skim your pool clearing out any debris. You’ll want to make sure your pool is nice and clean before fully closing your pool, so staying on top of cleaning until then will help out with the closing process.

3. Swim

If you’re having an unusually hot closing season, why not take advantage of it and dive back in! We even offer a wide selection of solar covers & pool heaters to help extend your season.