Closing your vinyl pool for the season is essential to protecting your investment and ensuring a smooth reopening when warmer weather returns. However, even seasoned pool owners can make mistakes during the winterization process that can lead to costly repairs, damage to the pool liner, or a difficult spring opening. There are some common mistakes to avoid when closing your vinyl pool for the season that we at Metropolitan Pools would like to share today.

Neglecting to Balance the Water Chemistry

One of the most critical steps in closing your vinyl pool is ensuring the water chemistry is balanced. Many pool owners skip this step, assuming the water will be fine over the winter. However, improper pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness levels can lead to liner damage, including stains, fading, or scaling. To avoid these issues, test and adjust the water’s chemistry before closing the pool. Ensure the pH is between 7.4 and 7.6, alkalinity is between 80 and 120 ppm, and calcium hardness is between 200 and 400 ppm. Additionally, adding a winter algaecide can help prevent algae growth during the off-season.

Failing to Clean the Pool Thoroughly

Another common mistake is not thoroughly cleaning the pool before closing it. Dirt, leaves, and other debris left in the pool can cause staining and create a breeding ground for bacteria and algae. Make sure to vacuum the pool, skim off debris, and brush the walls and floor before closing. Don’t forget to clean out the skimmer basket and pump strainer. A clean pool will help preserve the vinyl liner’s appearance and reduce the likelihood of algae growth.

Draining the Pool Too Much or Too Little

Many pool owners are unsure about how much water to drain from their pool before winter. Draining too much water can expose the vinyl liner to air, which can cause it to shrink, crack, or become brittle. On the other hand, not draining enough water can lead to problems like freeze damage to the skimmer and plumbing. The key is to lower the water level just below the skimmer and return lines. This prevents water from freezing and expanding in the lines while keeping enough water in the pool to protect the liner.

Improperly Storing Pool Equipment

When closing your pool, it’s essential to properly store your pool equipment, such as the pump, filter, and heater. A common mistake is leaving equipment outside where it can be exposed to the elements, leading to damage from freezing temperatures or moisture. Drain all equipment, remove any remaining water, and store it in a dry, sheltered location. This will help ensure that your equipment is in good working order when it’s time to reopen the pool.

Using the Wrong Pool Cover

Choosing the right pool cover is crucial for protecting your vinyl pool during the winter. Using an old, worn-out cover or one that doesn’t fit properly can lead to debris getting into the pool, damage to the cover itself, or even harm to the pool liner. Make sure your pool cover is specifically designed for your pool’s dimensions and is in good condition. A tight-fitting, durable cover will keep out debris, prevent water accumulation on top, and protect your pool from winter weather.

Forgetting to Winterize the Plumbing

Finally, one of the most costly mistakes is forgetting to winterize the pool’s plumbing. If water is left in the pipes, it can freeze, expand, and cause the pipes to crack. Be sure to blow out the lines with an air compressor to remove all water and use winterizing plugs to seal the lines. Adding non-toxic antifreeze to the lines can provide extra protection.

Vinyl Pool Installation, Repair, Maintenance & More in Sandusky, Lorain, Elyria, Medina, Parma, Mentor, Akron & Greater Cleveland, Ohio

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can close your vinyl pool with confidence, knowing it will be well-protected throughout the winter and ready for a smooth reopening in the spring. Proper winterization not only extends the life of your pool but also saves you time and money on repairs and maintenance. For vinyl pool services, contact Metropolitan Pools.