As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. With cooler weather on the horizon, you know it’s about time to close your pool for the year. Many people choose to do this necessary job on their own because they have the time it requires. Tackling tasks like this with helpful information at hand is important. Goodall Pools & Spas has been helping the people of Pennsylvania with their pool needs for almost 60 years. Here’s our guide for your DIY pool closing.
Clean and Prepare Your Pool
DIY pool closing is not a one-step process. In the days leading up to your pool closing, you want to get your pool prepped. First, bring us a water sample (up to a week before closing). We’ll gladly perform a free professional test so you can make sure you don’t have any unexpected water issues to address before closing.
Before you add your closing chemicals, you also want to make sure your pool is skimmed, scrubbed, and vacuumed. Debris left floating in your pool can throw your water out of balance before winter fully arrives.
Once that’s done, it’s time to add your closing chemicals. We have the products you need to properly prepare your pool for winter. Bioguard® chemicals are top of the line. Goodall Pools has been one of Bioguard’s largest dealers in the US for over 20 years because we believe in their quality and effectiveness.
The order you add chemicals is important for optimum performance, so follow this simple list.
Start With Shock
On closing day, the first chemical to add is Arctic Blue® shock, which is good for both chlorine or saltwater pools. The shock, and the other chemicals, need some time to work their magic so make sure you start early enough in the day to get it all done. With circulation time, you’ll need at least 4 hours.
Then Add Algaecide
About an hour after you add shock (two hours maximum), apply algaecide. We recommend Arctic Blue® algae protector. It’s made to perform in cold water for algae prevention through the rest of fall and winter.
Finish Up With Pool Closing Complete™
As a final step, we recommend Pool Closing Complete — a scale and stain treatment.
A common issue for us Pennsylvania residents, hard water occurs when there’s an excess of calcium and magnesium in the water. Have you ever noticed a white residue on your ladder or around the waterline? That’s scale from hard water. It’s unsightly, but even more importantly, over time, it can damage your pool and equipment.
After you’ve added your other chemicals, add Pool Closing Complete. Then, let all the chemicals circulate for at least 2-4 hours.
After that, you can drain your plumbing and finish winterizing your pool equipment.
Goodall Pools is here to help!
From Bioguard winter kits to plugs and other supplies to friendly advice, we’re here to make your pool closing a success! Drop by any of our five retail stores for your water test, to pick up your DIY pool closing supplies, or to ask questions. Not the DIY type? Leave your closing to our service team! Our schedule fills up fast, so contact us early to reserve your spot.
