Have you ever removed your pool cover to discover a pool of green, slimy water?  Algae is one of the oldest organisms on earth (think dinosaur days) and it is tenacious.  So what can pool owners do to avoid this?  Proper water treatment is the single, most important step you can take to have a clear pool when you open the following spring.

Here are pool closing tips for closing your pool this fall:

Don’t Close Your Pool When Warm Days Linger

While everyone loves an Indian Summer, don’t be tempted to close your pool while the weather is balmy.

“Temperatures should be consistently below 65 degrees to avoid algae growth”, says Nadine Nuzzo, Bioguard Water Care Expert.  “In Illinois, this typically doesn’t happen until early October.”

Clean Your Pool and Balance Your Water

Vacuum the floor bottom and brush the sides and water lines around the entire pool.

Make sure that your pH and alkalinity levels are balanced.  Alkalinity should be between 125-150 and pH should be between 7.4 and 7.6.  Balancers like Lo n Slo and Balance Pak products can help you reach these levels.

Arvidson Pools & Spas offers free, computerized water testing at their Crystal Lake, Palatine, and St. Charles retail locations.

Chlorine Matters

Be sure to hold a chlorine residual of at least 3 ppm BEFORE you add any closing chemicals.  In fact, don’t be shy about adding chlorine.  More is better than less in this case.

We ask a lot of our chemicals during the long winter months, so make sure there’s enough in your pool to do the job.

Cold, Stagnant Water Needs Enzyme

“An enzyme like Natural Result helps keep the water clear.  It breaks down organic compounds that can build up in stagnant water over the winter.  Give it an added boost by lifting the cover up in March and adding a second bottle,” said Andy Berg, BioGuard District Sales Manager.

Most pool owners in cold weather climates begin opening their pools early to mid-May.

Add a Winter Algicide and Shock

Arctic Blue Algae Protector prevents the growth of green, black and mustard algae growths, and Arctic Blue Shock oxidizes and clarifies the pool water over the winter months. BioGuard offers these two products together in a Winter Kit which includes winterizing instructions.

BioGuard is introducing a new pool closing product this season called Pool Closing Complete.  It not only includes a powerful algaecide, it also has other water conditioners and enzymes to provide the extra boost your pool needs over the winter months.

Next Steps

Once the water is balanced, the pool is ready for the next winterizing steps. These steps include:

• Clearing the water lines
• Adding antifreeze
• Disassembling and draining equipment
• Winterizing lines
• Covering the pool with a heavy duty pool cover

If you’d like to learn more about these steps, stop by our popular Pool School held in mid-September. You’ll find more information and have a chance to ask questions.

“Many pool owners enjoy caring for their backyard investment on their own,” says Arvidson Service Manager, Peter Annis. “At Pool School, they get helpful tips to save them both time and money.”

Prefer  A Pool Closing Service?

For pool owners with limited time or interest in performing this service themselves, Arvidson Pools & Spas offers a Pool Closing Service.  Our award-winning technicians prepare the pool for winterization, disassemble and drain equipment, winterize lines, install winter plugs and gizzmos, vacuum pool, install cover, and add closing chemicals.

Want to jump in the pool on that first warm day of spring?  These closing steps will help you do just that!

Arvidson Pools & Spas has been a family owned and operated business since 1958.  Now in its third generation of Arvidson descendents, the family tradition of personal integrity and quality service continues.  Our expanded business family includes a very knowledgeable and competent staff of swimming pool, hot tub, and residential water treatment professionals.