Seasonal Pool Maintenance

Complete guide to opening and closing your pool for the season

🌱 Spring Pool Opening

Week Before Opening

  • • Order chemicals and test kits
  • • Inspect equipment for winter damage
  • • Check filter, pump, and heater operation
  • • Clean pool cover before removal

Opening Day Checklist

  1. 1
    Remove Cover: Clean and dry thoroughly before storing
  2. 2
    Reinstall Equipment: Ladders, diving boards, slides, handrails
  3. 3
    Fill Pool: Bring water level to proper height (mid-skimmer)
  4. 4
    Reconnect Equipment: Pump, filter, heater, chlorinator
  5. 5
    Prime Pump: Remove air from system, check for leaks
  6. 6
    Start Circulation: Run pump 24 hours initially
  7. 7
    Test Water: Complete chemistry panel (pH, chlorine, alkalinity, calcium, CYA)
  8. 8
    Balance Chemistry: Adjust pH and alkalinity first, then chlorine
  9. 9
    Shock Pool: Add 2-3x normal chlorine dose
  10. 10
    Vacuum & Brush: Remove winter debris completely

First Week After Opening

  • • Test water daily and adjust as needed
  • • Run pump 12-24 hours per day
  • • Brush walls and floor daily
  • • Clean filter when pressure rises 8-10 psi
  • • Wait 24 hours after shocking before swimming

🍂 Fall Pool Closing

When to Close: When water temperature consistently stays below 65°F. Closing too early wastes chemicals; closing too late risks freeze damage.

Closing Checklist

  1. 1
    Deep Clean: Vacuum, brush, skim thoroughly
  2. 2
    Balance Water: pH 7.2-7.6, alkalinity 80-120 ppm, calcium 200-400 ppm
  3. 3
    Shock Pool: Heavy chlorine dose (2-3 lbs per 10,000 gallons)
  4. 4
    Add Algaecide: Winter algaecide helps prevent spring algae blooms
  5. 5
    Lower Water Level: 4-6 inches below skimmer (to prevent freeze damage)
  6. 6
    Drain Equipment: Pump, filter, heater, chlorinator completely
  7. 7
    Blow Out Lines: Use air compressor or shop vac to remove water from plumbing
  8. 8
    Add Antifreeze: Pool antifreeze in lines (if in freezing climate)
  9. 9
    Plug Lines: Install winterizing plugs in all return lines and skimmers
  10. 10
    Remove Accessories: Ladders, diving board, slides, floats
  11. 11
    Install Cover: Secure winter cover with water bags (not bricks/blocks)

❄️ Winter Pool Care

Monthly Winter Checks

  • • Inspect cover for damage, tears, or sagging
  • • Remove standing water from cover (prevents damage)
  • • Check water level (should stay above skimmer)
  • • Add water if level drops significantly
  • • Remove debris from cover
  • • Check cover anchors and water bags

Winter Storm Prep

  • • Remove excess snow from cover (over 1-2 inches)
  • • Never use sharp tools on cover (use pool cover pump)
  • • Add support pillows or floats under cover to prevent ice damage
  • • Check that cover is secure before storm

🗺️ Regional Considerations

Warm Climates

South Florida, Arizona, Southern California

  • • May not need to close pool
  • • Reduce chemical usage in winter
  • • Run pump less (4-6 hours/day)
  • • Use solar cover to retain heat

Moderate Climates

Mid-Atlantic, Southern States

  • • Close when consistently below 65°F
  • • Light winterization needed
  • • May need antifreeze in lines
  • • Use light winter cover

Cold Climates

Northeast, Midwest, Mountain States

  • • Full winterization essential
  • • Must blow out all lines
  • • Heavy-duty winter cover
  • • Antifreeze in all plumbing

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