With the warm summer days now behind us, Toronto pool owners are left with the crucial question of how to close their pools. Closing a pool correctly not only safeguards it from winter weather but also makes reopening it easier when it is warm again. Below is a detailed guide on how to close your pool in Toronto, a process that is vital to preserve the state of the pool during the winter season.
Why Closing Your Pool Matters
One way Toronto’s cold winters can affect pools is by causing damage to structures that do not close properly. Failure to winterize can result in freezing, algae formation, and chemical imbalance, which can cause damage in the spring and will be very expensive to repair. When closing your pool, you protect your pool equipment, ensure water quality, and minimize the effort needed to reopen it.
Ultimate Pool Closing Guide for Toronto
Here is what you should do when closing the pool in Toronto:
1. Balance the Pool Water Chemistry
The first thing that has to be done when closing your pool is to get the water chemistry right; this includes the pH, the alkalinity, and the calcium hardness to the right level. Proper water quality reduces corrosion, scaling, and staining, which is common during the winter season.
It is advisable that the system's pH should be maintained between 7.2 and 7.6 to avoid corrosion and scale forming. Alkalinity should be between 80 – 120 ppm to maintain pH throughout the winter; calcium hardness should be around 200-400 ppm to negate the chances of scaling and corrosion in the pool’s plaster and metal parts.
2. Shock the Pool
When your water chemistry is well balanced, introduce a chlorine-based shock into the water. Shocking assists in disinfecting the water and removes any bacteria, forms of algae, or any other cells present in the water. If you intend to use a winterizing algaecide, it might be wise to use a nonchlorine shock as chlorine weakens it. Chlorinating the pool a few days before the actual closing makes chlorine drop, and you add other chemicals.
3. Use Algaecide and Pool Enzymes
Algae growth is rampant during colder months, so using algaecide before closing the pool is recommended. A winter-specific algaecide prevents algae growth while the pool is covered. Pool enzymes are also useful because they decompose organic matter, such as oils or lotions, that may affect pool water quality. Selecting a high-quality winter algaecide and using pool enzymes will assist in keeping the water clear and avoiding the formation of bad smells or fog when reopening a pool.
4. Lower the Water Level
The cold climate in Toronto also benefits from reducing the water level so that your pool does not freeze. It is normally recommended that the water level is drawn down just below the lowest pool return. This helps to stop water from getting into the skimmer and return lines during winter and freezing, leading to cracking and damage to the part. In the case of a vinyl pool, the water should only be lowered to a certain level in order to not compromise the liner. Your pool technician will let you know the correct levels for your pool type.
5. Clean the Pool Thoroughly
The pool should be closed and cleaned because it is easier to reopen when the water quality will improve during winter. Sweep the water to clear any dirt, leaves, or insects on the floor, wipe the walls with a brush, and vacuum the floor. Cleaning before closing the pool helps avoid stains, deposits, and algae forming. It’s critical to thoroughly clean this material as it can become organic and promote algae or bacteria formation. Finally, don’t forget to scrub the skimmer or anything that blocks the water’s path and clean the pump basket, too.
6. Drain and Protect Pool Equipment
Finally, all equipment, including the pump, heater, and filter, must be rinsed, and all water content must be eliminated. Water that freezes can harm the equipment, so ensure that all the apparatus is emptied and dried. For additional security, it is advisable to dismantle small parts such as pressure gauges or drain plugs and bring them inside. Rinse or backwash your filter, and then be sure to remove any water that is left in the filter. In the same manner, expel all water from the pump and heater and use a shop vac if there is still water left behind.
7. Blow Out and Plug the Lines
Another important process in winterizing your pool is blowing out of the lines. This technique entails using an air compressor to flush out any water that might be remaining in the plumbing lines to avoid freezing and subsequent cracking. After this, you must use winterizing plugs to block the water from returning to the lines. Empty and clean the skimmer and return lines and close them with caps to remain dry in winter. In very cold weather, more protection is afforded by adding the pool antifreeze.
Preparing for a Stress-Free Spring
Properly closing your pool in the fall can be a lifesaver when you are ready to open your pool again. Following the above steps will avoid expensive repairs and keep your pool safe from the harsh Toronto winter. If you are unsure or just want to guarantee that everything is properly done, let the professionals at People for Pools do the work for you.
When you hire a professional to close your pool for the winter, your pool will be prepared safely and effectively so that you can swim in a sparkling, clean pool when the weather gets warm again.
