Newbie question (AUS). What is start-up and closing?

[Youfah Mizzum]

I saw this topic about pool startup and closing.
What is pool closing? From what I gather, its preparing the pool for winter when there's no swimming? And startup is getting the pool back into shape for summer time?

A few years ago I owned a pool for 15 years or so but moved out of that house 10 years ago. I never did anything special for winter, just dialled back the filter running time by a few hours a day.
And drawing near to summer, I just checked the chemicals & did whatever topup was needed and added a few hours to the filter running time. That was it.

And as a new user, I have just joined these forums because I am getting a concrete pool built now.

I am in Sydney, Australia. Well, not entirely true - about an hour north.

 

[kimkats]

Closing an In Ground Pool

Winterizing a pool is essential for keeping your in-ground pool protected during cold-weather months. This Pool Repair guide will show you how to do it.

www.troublefreepool.com

Here is a link to how to do it. As to the why............if your pool turns into an ice rink in the winter you need to close it to keep the pipes and equipment from freezing solid and risk breaking.

I am in FL so am one of the lucky ones that do not have to close. On the rare occasions it gets down to freezing here I just run the pump to keep the water moving through the pipes and equipment.

Kim

 

[Youfah Mizzum]

if your pool turns into an ice rink in the winter you need to close it

Ahhh, that explains it.
I doubt there is anywhere in Australia where water turns to ice in the winter. Maybe in our alpine region? That's why I've never heard of it!