Pre-Winter Pool Closing Checklist

Posted on: October 7th, 2019 by Allen Pool Company

It’s nobody’s favorite time to get ready for, but it’s inevitable for a lot of pool owners. As summer fades to fall and winter tiptoes onto the horizon, it’s time to start thinking about your pool closing. If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve pulled together a pre-closing checklist for you to get all your ducks in a row before you actually have to close it up. That way, you can have things ready, and not waste your last precious pool days worrying about whether or not you’ll be prepped to close when the time comes (because we all know you’re going to want to wait until the last possible minute before calling it quits for the year, and we don’t blame you!)

Plan Ahead

This one is an easy but important step. Put a plan down on paper. Write down supplies you have, supplies you’ll need, the steps you use to close your pool, and how long each of those steps take. This is the “put it on paper” stage of closing up your pool, but trust us when we say it’ll save you time and stress when it comes time to put that written plan into action.

Get Organized

Now we start getting a little more proactive. Organize what you need – supplies, tools, parts, and pieces. From plugs and chemicals to cover patch kits just in case, now’s the time to get everything organized and stored in one, easy-to-access, so you can make the closing process seamless.

Gather Needed Supplies

Remember when you made that list? And then organized everything you already have? We’re willing to bet there were a few pieces missing. That’s where this step comes in. Whatever you still need to implement your pool-closing plan, go grab it now! Order it in or head to your favorite local spot and get it organized with the rest of your closing supplies. Few things are more frustrating than getting halfway through the process of closing your pool only to realize that you’ve forgotten a chemical you need to properly shock the pool before closing, or you’re short one valve plug. Avoid the panic later by double and triple-checking your supplies.

Prep What You Can

If you have the ability to prep any of your pool closing steps ahead of time, beyond organizing and mentally preparing, it’s a great idea to do that now. Pre-measure chemicals and keep them in airtight containers so all you have to do is plop them in and do your thing. Pre-patch any holes you know already exist in your cover, etc. It may take a little extra work now, but future you will thank you when you get to keep the pool open for just one more day when that warm spell hits at the end of the season.

Set the Date

Look, we know we said to keep the pool open for that extra day if the weather allows, and we stand by that. But we also think it’s a good idea to set yourself a date for closing the pool for the winter. If you don’t, you’ll be scrambling, you’ll be irritated, and you’ll be a slave to the whims of the weather. By setting a date based on the typical weather patterns where you live and when you know you’re likely to no longer be taking those regular dips anymore, you’re building in a reminder so you don’t wait too long.

All else fails, don’t hesitate to call for the pros. We know that closing your pool for the season can be a hassle. Give us a call at 770-451-1621 or request more information. We are more than happy to help ensure your pool is shutdown properly so there are no surprises down the road.