Many pool owners find closing their pool an intimidating prospect. But it is essential to prevent the growth of algae and to preserve the structural integrity of your pool. Here are some tips for pool closing in the Niagara region.

1. Knowing When to Close the Pool

The season for pool closing in the Niagara region is usually October, if not a little before. Average water temperature should be below 18 degrees Celsius. Closing the pool at this temperature helps prevent algae growth and saves you from unpleasant work in the spring.

2. Winterizing Your Water

Speaking of algae, there are other precautions to take to avoid its growth, as well as insects and bacteria. First, balance your pool’s chlorine, pH and alkaline levels from three to seven days before closing your pool. Clean any floating debris from your pool. Next, shock your pool using label directions. Once chlorine levels have returned to normal levels, you can add an algaecide and allow it to run through the pool for one day.

3. Lowering Water Levels

For pool closing in the Niagara region, you will need to lower your water levels. Some pools must be drained completely, but most require only partial draining. This will become especially important during snowfalls, which will collect on your winter cover.

4. Proper Water Disposal

The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority advises on how to properly dispose of wastewater. Ideally, you should dump the wastewater on your lawn or in your garden. Letting water flow slowly across your lawn allows the grass to filter out some of the sediment and allows most pool chemicals to vaporize, all while watering your lawn!

As far as pool closing in the Niagara region, be careful if you live near a slope or ravine. Discharging water onto neighbouring residential or natural properties could cause erosion or slope failure. Emptying water carelessly can also damage the Niagara region’s delicate ecosystem: polluting waterways and harming wildlife and fish.

5. Tidying Up

Now that the water level is appropriate, turn off your filter pump, drain pump and all other equipment. Once you have done that, store them in a safe place to prevent freezing. Turn off power from all support equipment, then either remove fuses or turn off the circuit breakers. Then remove any larger items such as a diving board or slides.

6. Covering Up

Consult your cover’s manual for instruction on how to use it with your pool. This should not be too difficult. But as far as pool closing in the Niagara Region, it is a good way to protect your pool from the stress of winter and also from falling debris.

Hopefully, this introduction to pool closing in the Niagara Region has given you confidence in maintaining your pool. One last thing to consider is whether you would like to hire a professional or not. Letting an expert take care of your pool is a great way to ensure that it remains in top condition, while saving you time.