Around the country, kids are back at school, and the unofficial start to fall has taken off thanks to Labor Day weekend. The public pools are officially closed, and the lakes and beaches have no lifeguards on duty, which means swimming is technically not allowed. Many homeowners are beginning to close their pools as well. It’s that time of the year whether we like it or not.

When you live in a warm climate like MS, your strategy for closing your pool is going to be a bit different than if you were to live in a cooler climate. For one, you can push the swimming season a bit longer because the fall and winter don’t get nearly as cold.

At the same time, you won’t be using your pool in the winter, so you have to close it at some point. Also, with the kids back in school, it’s probably not worth it to maintain the pool since it’s not being used much.

Let’s go over a few basics on closing your pool in the south.

Do the Necessary Cleanup

Clean around the pool and make sure it’s free of dirt, debris, leaves, branches, etc. that could change the chemistry of the water. Scrub down the walls and floor with a vacuum, which will help ensure sparkling clean water come spring.

Examine the Pool Equipment

Once everything is clean, inspect the pool equipment. Look for signs of weather damage or parts that need to be replaced or repaired. If you used your pool a lot over the summer, your equipment ran hard and could have wear and tear you haven’t noticed.

Balance the Chemicals

Do NOT drain your pool water completely. You can drain the water down to the skimmer mouth but no further. Balance the water with a test kit from Paradise Pools and adjust the chemicals as needed.

Flush the Filtration System

When the chemicals are in the water, it’s a good idea to flush the filtration system and run it for about one hour. The goal is to move the chemicals through the water and get any dirt or debris out of the water.

Clean the Pool Filters

The next step is to clean the pool filters and cartridges. Once clean, remove all filter hoses and drain plugs. Store everything in a safe, dry place so that it’s ready to be used next year!

Cover Up the Pool

Cover up all equipment, including heaters, filters, plumbing lines, and the pool itself. A sturdy pool cover will prevent internal damage such as tears and holes.

If you have any questions about closing your pool, or you need to perform fall maintenance, stop into Paradise Pools for quality, one-on-one service.