Autumn is usually that time of year when people temporarily say adieu to their beloved inflatable pools. They take it down, remove its contents, clean everything and make sure that it doesn't retain moisture or trickles of liquid remnants before the winter cold comes. The freeze doesn't treat unwinterized' pools kindly. Those that retain liquid tend to break and rot or worse, develop algae. Unlike a permanent swimming pool, an inflatable pool may not survive the winter intact when not cared for and closed promptly. As ice tends to expand upon cooling, certain pool joints that retained undried liquid solidify and enlarge, ultimately breaking expensive pool plumbing joints. Moreover, tending to it after the winter month without pre-care is another issue.
Therefore, closing the pool for the season may just be a worthwhile idea for you. Doing it may just save you the headache of having a busted pool after the winter. Maintaining and ˜unwinterizing' your pool now is simply a better option as it guarantees its longer shelf life. At least you can get to use your inflatable pool for yet another summer. Now, a pool's shelf life will totally depend on how its owner takes care of it. Maintaining it during an unforgiving season is no joke. What do we do first? How do we really care for our pool and other pool-related items to maintain its pristine condition? Here are some nuggets of advice.
Pool Closing Tip #1: Check for damages
An inflatable pool used for long periods of time may develop damages in the long run. A thorough check will determine any extent of wear and tear on it. A small gash on a pool liner is negligible, as it can be repaired by any pool professional at any given time. A larger tear on multiple liner locations, on the other hand, spells disaster. It would be advisable to replace it at this stage before closing your pool. The best time for damage check is before closing your pool or after unpacking it for your next usage.
Pool Closing Tip #2: Conduct a water test
Algae infestation in pools is usually caused by an imbalance in the pool's alkalinity and acidity levels. Algae thrives in pools with high pH (acidity) levels compared to salt-water's low pH level requirements. A standard chemical testing kit is available in the market particularly for this purpose. Moreover, chlorine in pool water also keeps algae infestations in check. However, algae are very persistent critters. As such, a combination of conditions from chlorine level drop, to pH rise and improperly operating or defective pool pumps and filters trigger its spread almost instantly. Closing your pool does not guarantee that algae growth will stop. Only ˜items' treated with a chemically balanced pool solution does. This also applies to any pool metal connections stained by algae growth. Doing so kills the algae and ultimately removes it.
Pool Closing Tip #3: Remove everything. Keep your pool clean and dry
Closing your pool is not a half-cocked effort. You have to remove everything connected and attached to the pool -- from the ladders, flotation devices, toys, liners, diving boards, and other items of consequence. Be sure to clean everything first so dirt and grime don't accumulate in these items until their next usage. Chemicals lying around the house can also help in creating a DIY cleaning solution to keep mold and mildew at bay while items are in storage. Moreover, dehydrate everything to bone-dry level afterwards. Pipes and other connections such as filters and heaters should be dried as well to ensure that excess water doesn't accumulate in its joints. As mentioned earlier, accumulating ice formations can ruin these items, which can result in costly repair bills.
Pool Closing Tip #4: Apply antifreeze to the pool equipment and their plumbing connections
After drying everything from the pool equipment to the pool plumbing connections, apply antifreeze. This keeps pipes and other pool plumbing connections from actually freezing and causing leftover water moisture to solidify and expand as ice formations. With the antifreeze, there will be no ice formation and the extended shelf-life and longevity of your pool setup is guaranteed.
Pool Closing Tip #5: Cover the pool
Some portable pools, like kid pool inflatables, can be deflated, cleaned, treated chemically, dried, and stored after being closed. However, other varieties like the Bestway pool is durable enough to stand the cold spell provided it is closed the proper way, as described in the four preceding steps. You only need a sturdy pool cover to seal the deal. Of course, you also need to check and periodically clean the covers from accumulated precipitate. These 5 tips are just the basic procedures for closing your inflatable pools. Some pool owners will tell you they do things differently based on experience and years of immersion in the pool business.
Pool Closing Tip #6: Close the pool based on climate and temperature change, not on the calendar
The climate is not as predictable today as it used to be. Summer and winter seasons often last longer than usual, that's why people now rely more on temperature changes than on the customary calendar pool-closing schedules. According to experts, it's best to close your pool in mid to late summer.
Other Reminders When Closing the Pool for the Season
The following are some of the things you shouldn't do when closing your pool for the season:
- It's never a good idea to drain pool water to rock bottom level. We can never predict when a heavy snow fall might hit. Heavy snow builds up and pool covers don't mix. Chances are, your pool cover may not survive the experience. As such, it's advisable to leave an ˜allowable' amount of pool water to support the weight of a stressed pool cover.
- Do not overdo the chemical treatment on your pool. This can damage its liner and the surrounding equipment.
Of course, the shelf-life and longevity of any inflatable pool is only as good as its quality, durability, and manner of maintenance. With Outbax, buyers are guaranteed of just that. Outbax Camping offers a variety of choices for above ground pools, including the sturdy Bestway pool plus other pool-related needs. Contact us today.
