It's crazy, but fall is right around the corner, and winter is on its way! Many of you are thinking about closing your pool, while others are considering leaving it open all year long.
There really isn't a right or wrong choice on closing or not closing - it's up to you! We do, however, generally recommend closing late and opening early to avoid any issues in the spring.
In this post, we’ll discuss the benefits of both closing your pool and leaving it open for the cold season. If you don’t feel like closing your pool, give us a call! We’re happy to help with closing and any other maintenance needs.
Should I or Shouldn't I?
While closing your pool might seem unnecessary, there are some key benefits to doing so that can really help your pool in the long run.
Winterizing your pool can prevent damage and accidents, and in some areas you can even save tax dollars by using a cover during the off-season. Still, closing your pool in a mild area like Oklahoma is entirely optional, especially if you have a heating system you like to use.
The Benefits of Closing
First, let’s discuss why you might want to close your pool, since, if you are in this category, you want to do it sometime between late September and November. There are plenty of reasons to close, but these are four of the most important.
#1: Safety
While a custom swimming pool is a fun, relaxing, and exciting addition to any backyard, there are certain, manageable risks that must be accounted for. In a home with any younger, inexperienced swimmers, an uncovered pool is always something to be cautious around, making sure to stay vigilant when the kids are playing outside.
In the winter, it’s best to simply close the pool and make sure no accidents occur and no one slips in unnoticed. A cover designed specifically for your swimming pool is the best option, as it can be locked down tight.
#2: Keeping it Clean
Closing your pool also reduces the time and energy you need to spend outside cleaning it; once that cover is on, you can enjoy peace of mind all season long. Owning a pool comes with maintenance requirements, not the least of which is cleaning it on a regular basis. Closing it down means you don’t have to worry about this.
#3: Lower Maintenance Costs
Similarly, with less maintenance to be done, there are lower maintenance costs when a pool is closed. Even if you aren’t signed up for routine maintenance, you still have to spend money on filters and chemicals when cleaning regularly.
During the off-season, close down your pool and you greatly reduce those costs. We recommend that you manage the water balance through the off-season, but due to the colder temperatures, lack of growing vegetation around the pool, and lack of use, you will see a significant drop in your pool chemical costs.
#4: Eliminates the Risk of Damage
Finally, one of the biggest reasons to close your pool during frosty seasons is that, like all the plumbing in and around your home, if it freezes, it can cause big-time damage, easily avoidable by closing down for the winter.
If you don’t plan on heating or using your pool during the winter, it’s best to avoid the risk and shut it down. If you decide to leave the pool open, you can reduce this risk by connecting the pool equipment to a generator during the winter months. That will allow you to keep circulating water in the pool pipes during a power loss.
Benefits of Leaving it Open
There are definitely benefits of leaving your pool open as well. Here are five of our favorite reasons not to close your pool for winter.
#1:Year-Round if You Have a Heater
It goes without saying (but we’re saying it anyway) that if you have a heater in your pool, then there’s little reason to close it down.
Heating a pool doesn’t mean it’s as hot as the hot tub – that’s what the hot tub is for. It simply means heating it to a comfortable temperature, allowing for year-round fun.
#2: Continue to Enjoy the View
Your backyard complete with pool or patio likely just looks nice, and in the fall and winter, it can be just as lovely to sit outside by the fire and enjoy the glow of the pool. Leaving your pool open is far more aesthetically pleasing, especially if you have features like a fountain or colored lights, than a cover on the concrete.
#3: Easier to Manage
We talked above about maintenance being much easier during the winter, but if you do plan on still using your pool, it’s much easier to manage. Once fall has ended and there aren’t any more falling leaves and sticks, there is far less debris in the pool, as winter is a less active time of year for wildlife like birds and insects.
Even better, your water chemistry is both easier to monitor and to manage during the winter.
#4: Entertain in the Fall and Winter
Summer pool parties are awesome and classic, but a winter pool party? Your family and friends won’t even know what to do with themselves.
With a heated pool – on a warm autumn day – you can invite everyone over and, unlike during the peak of summertime, both swimmers and non-swimmers can sit outside and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere outside.
#5: Great Holiday Pictures
Finally, a swimming pool is an excellent backdrop for your holiday photos. If you love sending out holiday cards but hate having to drive to some location and get the whole family to cooperate for pictures, your backyard pool can provide a great alternative.
What are You Going to Do?
For more information on pool closing or how to maintain a pool in the winter, give us a call at Spartan Pool & Patio. We’re happy to answer any and all questions as well as take care of the job for you, offering ease and peace of mind all winter long.
