You may feel like you’re protecting it (and getting one more thing off the old to-do list), but it is possible to close your pool too early. That’s right, instead of making your life easier, it often creates problems that show up in spring. 

Here’s why, plus the right timing and steps to close it properly.

Problems That Happen When You Close Your Pool Too Early

Many of the problems that happen when you shut things down too early have to do with the water temperature. Closing your pool while the water is still warm can create problems like:

• Algae growth. Warm, stagnant water breeds algae blooms quickly under the cover.
• Chemical imbalance. Chlorine and sanitizers break down faster in higher temperatures, leaving your pool unprotected.
• Surface damage. Without proper balance, water can stain or scale pool surfaces over the winter.
• Higher costs in spring. Opening a green, cloudy pool means more chemicals, more labor, and sometimes repairs.

Consider these risks carefully, and you’ll find that they usually outweigh the convenience of shutting down ahead of schedule.

When Should You Close Your Pool?

A common question pool owners ask is: should I close my pool in September? And the answer is that in many climates, September is too early. Days may be cooler, but water temperatures are often still high enough for algae to thrive.

The better rule is to wait to close your pool until the water consistently measures below 65°F. At that point, algae growth slows dramatically, and your closing chemicals will remain effective through the winter. Depending on where you live, that may mean late September, October, or even early November.

Basing the decision on water temperature and not the calendar is the best way to avoid problems.

How to Close Your Pool the Right Way

It takes more than just tossing on a cover. Here’s the general step-by-step process to closing your pool properly:

1. Clean the pool thoroughly. Skim leaves, brush walls and floors, and vacuum so no debris sits over the winter.
2. Balance the water chemistry. Adjust pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness to recommended levels to prevent corrosion, scaling, and staining.
3. Shock the pool. Add a strong chlorine dose or a pool-closing chemical kit to kill off bacteria and algae before circulation stops.
4. Lower the water level. Drain to about 4 to 6 inches below the skimmer (or follow manufacturer guidelines) to protect against freezing damage.
5. Winterize the equipment. Drain water from pumps, filters, heaters, and plumbing lines. In colder regions, add pool-safe antifreeze to pipes.
6. Cover securely. Use a durable, tight-fitting winter or safety cover to keep debris and contaminants out until spring.

Handled correctly, these steps ensure your pool is protected during the off-season and opens much more easily the following year.

Make Closing Your Pool Easier with Expert Help

Closing at the right time, with the right steps, makes all the difference between a swampy spring opening and a stress-free one. If you’d rather not second-guess temperatures, chemicals, and equipment, our expert team at Clark Pools and Spas can help. 

From timing to preparation to winterizing, we’ll make sure your pool is ready for the off-season and even easier to enjoy next spring. Contact us to book your pool closing appointment today.