- The 65-Degree Guideline<\/a><\/li>
- Other Factors to Consider<\/a><\/li>
- FAQ About Closing Your Pool<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n
The 65-Degree Guideline<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A lot of people get into the habit of closing their pool around Labor Day. The better way is to forget the date and use a thermometer. Waiting for the water to cool down before closing your pool is the industry standard for a particular reason. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Closing the pool while the water is still warm creates a perfect environment for algae to grow, even with a cover on. The winter chemicals you add will be used up quickly trying to fight it, leaving you with a green, murky mess when you open the pool next year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jeremy Yamaguchi, CEO at Cabana<\/a>, explains the science behind this rule: \u201cThe 65-degree closing rule has a lot to do with algae growth. Algae thrives in warm conditions, and research has shown that it slows down considerably once temperatures drop below 65. So, by waiting until temperatures are at least below 65, you decrease the likelihood of algae growth when closing up your pool for the rest of the year.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other Factors to Consider<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
While the 65-degree rule is your main guide, there are a few other things that can affect your timing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your Climate and Location<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Pool cover. Photo Credit: Itxu<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Where you live changes what “closing a pool” even means. Here is a table with the typical closing windows for different regions of the U.S.:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Region<\/strong><\/td> Typical Pool Closing Window<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> Northwest<\/td> Beginning of September to November<\/td><\/tr> Northeast<\/td> Early September to early October<\/td><\/tr> Midwest<\/td> Mid-September to early October<\/td><\/tr> Southwest<\/td> September to November in high elevations and December or later for low elevations<\/td><\/tr> South<\/td> Early October in northern areas to December in further south.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Trees and Falling Leaves<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The trees in your yard can force you to close your pool sooner than the temperature might suggest. If deciduous trees surround your pool, a heavy leaf fall can overwhelm your skimmer and filtration system. While you can keep up with cleaning for a while, there is a point where the daily labor of skimming and vacuuming becomes too much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Leaving a large amount of leaves in the pool over the winter is a bad idea. As they decay, they will stain your pool’s surface. They also create a sludge at the bottom of your pool that can become a breeding ground for an algae bloom in the spring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In-Ground vs. Above-Ground Pools<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The 65-degree rule applies to both in-ground and above-ground pools. The timing doesn’t change, but the risks you’re trying to avoid differ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With in-ground pools, the biggest worry will be with the underground plumbing. If water freezes in the pipes running to your equipment, it can expand and crack them. Read our guide on How to Winterize Your In-Ground Pool<\/a> for more in-depth details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Above-ground pools have a different main enemy: ice. Because they’re more exposed, above-ground pools tend to cool down faster. A solid sheet of ice on the surface can expand and press against the pool walls, possibly damaging the structure or the liner. You can learn the winterization steps in our guide on How to Winterize Your Above-Ground Pool<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FAQ About Closing Your Pool<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
- Other Factors to Consider<\/a><\/li>