Swimming Pool Tips for the End of Summer

Summer doesn’t officially end until 9/22, so we are offering some helpful swimming pool tips for the end of summer. Although we do not recommend closing until water temperatures are below 60 degrees and the leaves are ready to fall (after the first week of October), Solid-covered pools may be closed if the water is clear, balanced, and has adequate sanitizer. 

Mesh covered pools should not be closed before leaves start to fall (usually around October 15) and will most likely have green algae by springtime if closed too early, perhaps even if a winter shock is applied. If the pool must be covered, we suggest running the pump for a limited time each day until water temperatures drop to or below 60 degrees. 

Important Points:

Mineral Springs/Salt Pools: As day and nighttime temperatures drop and bather loads decrease, be sure to monitor chlorine levels. All chlorinated pools will have lower demand for chlorine and failure to ignore this could result in severe damage to a vinyl liner and other pool equipment. It also shortens the life of the electrolytic chlorine generator running it needlessly.
Never close a green, cloudy, or problem pool! By spring you will have a very costly problem. 

NOW is a Great Time for SOLAR BLANKETS and/or Smart Shield™! 

Solar Blankets and Smart Shield™ will heat the water and keep it warm these beautiful late summer days. Solar blankets also prevent evaporative water loss. Preventing evaporation not only saves water, but also saves money since replacing that lost water usually requires rebalancing of chemicals after repeated water additions. 

CAUTION: Chlorine levels can build up quickly and damage vinyl liners and other pool equipment when a solar/thermal blanket is in place! Reduce your chlorine addition or manufacture (saltwater pools) accordingly and monitor Chlorine levels closely when using a solar blanket.  

Solar Blankets do not keep dirt out of pools. Pool cleaners can be operated while solar blankets are on the pool. BE CAREFUL: IF THERE ARE SMALL CHILDREN AROUND, NEVER SWIM WHILE A Solar blanket is on the pool. 

Free Winterization with Purchase of a NEW SAFETY COVER 

With the purchase of a NEW safety cover from AQUA PROS, we will install the cover and perform the winterization at no additional charge (purchase of installation required, chemicals Not included). 

SOLID Safety Covers are now available in the LITE PRO version as well as the standard solid, from our manufacturer.  I have found that folks are incredibly happy with these solid covers primarily because they keep dirt and debris out and they prevent off season algae growth. 

I prefer the regular mesh cover for its light weight and ease of handling.  To maximize investment and life of the winter cover, it must be professionally installed and stored properly over the summer. 

Proper Installation 

The cover must fit the pool shape and dimension.  Many online retailers sell rectangles to fit pools with extensions or irregular shapes.  Covers with too much overlap (2’ or more) will wear abnormally on the area exposed to patio surface. Spring tension must be adequate. The pool water level must be no more than the manufacturer’s recommendation below the cover (usually 16”-18”) for winter. 

PROPER Pool Closing Is Critical to the Long Life of Your Pool and Pool Equipment 

At Aqua Pros, we think of pool closing as an annual checkup by the pool “doctor or dentist”. If you use our professionally trained service department only once a year, have us close your pool. We have a 21 Point Pool Closing Checklist developed by Bob Davis, after over 30 years’ experience closing thousands of pools.  Bob found 21 items common to most pools that are critical for a proper pool winterization.  Aqua Pros’ service techs are given a written checklist of those 21 points and leave our clients a completed copy of our checklist, showing what has been done at closing.  Aqua Pros’ pool closing will give you peace of mind over the harshest winter that your pool and pool equipment will be safe from freezing. In addition, spring opening will be a breeze when your pool has been properly closed. 

Aqua Pros has 3 Levels of Pool Closings to help every pool owner get the closing that is right for their needs.  Call or email our Award-Winning Service department for details or to schedule a closing. 
REMEMBER: Whether we close your pool or not, all pool owners should bring in a water sample for a thorough analysis and pre-winter balancing prior to closing, to protect the pool’s interior finish over the long winter months. 

Our knowledgeable retail staff can help you do-it-yourselfers perform your own closing.  If you feel good about closing your own pool, come on in to any of our three locations for guidance on how to make sure your pool suffers no winter freeze damage, and that next spring’s opening is as smooth as possible. You will want to be sure and bring a water sample to have it thoroughly analyzed, and we will give you a complete printout detailing exactly how to treat your pool at winterization. 

Stop in or call to schedule your Pool Closing