How do you close a Chlorine Pool?

[jgindy27]

This is the first year I will be closing the pool after switching from the worst chemical in the world, Baquacil, to Chlorine. I'm not sure what my levels should be when I decide to shut 'er down? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks
Jen

 

[JasonLion]

It should be fairly similar to what you did before. Typically you would get the PH near 7.5, bring chlorine up to shock level, and add some PolyQuat (algecide) with a little time to circulate and mix well right before closing. Then protect the plumbing and cover the pool as you would have before.

 

[JohnT]

IMO, the most important level is the temperature. If you wait until the water hits 60 to close, and open it again as soon as the water hits 60 on the way up, you will be much happier with the results.

 

[jgindy27]

Yeah but it's cold as Crud if I wait that long and have to clean it. That's cold to have to get in and get it clean. We have a 24 ft round AG and I can't reach to the middle from the outside to clean it. I'll try to hold out as long as I can.
Thanks!

 

[zephans]

This is our first year closing our new AG pool. Wait until it's below 60 degrees? ... Heck, we were at 65 all July-Sept with only a few 70 degree spikes. The price we pay living in Seattle's marine climate... not to hot, not too cold.

My big delemma is whether to close at all. We have mild winters with 1-3 weeks of mild freezing temps (20's are lowest it gets typically). I know this level of freezing requires running the water though. I'm planning to close just to stop running the pump and playing with chemicals.

My third option is to get a pool dome, but that is next year at the earliest (because we haven't built the deck around the pool yet :-D.

 

[duraleigh]

jgindy27,

Welcome to the forum. I live in Raleigh as well and do not close at all. Might be an option for you to consider.

 

[ivyleager]

I'm in the RTP area and, like Duraleigh, I don't close my pool at all. We both have IG pools. I put my mesh cover on, though, to keep out the leaves and large debris, but leave the water circulating until it gets REALLY cold. Then, I bring up the chlorine and shut the pump off. I will run out and turn the pump on if the air temps get below 35. I really need a auto thermostat for that, but I do like to procrasinate.

CaryB

 

[waste]

Hey Ivyleager!!! Nice to see you here!! :super:

I'll assume that the pool goes well as you aren't asking questions on either site

jgindy27, welcome to TFP!! :-D you are getting very good advice from the others! It's up to you whether you want to close the pool - if I were a conciencsous pool owner, like yourself, I would probably opt to not close the pool.