How to Close an In-ground Pool

Dubai doesn't really have much of a winter, so technically speaking, you do not have to "winterize" your swimming pool during the "winter." However, there are still many people that find the coldest months of Dubai being January and February rather a bit too cold to swim. The other reason for closing your pool is if you're traveling for a good amount of time. Then you probably would want to close your pool, to prevent coming back to a swamp. The thing is though, that a lot of people close their pools by just laying a cover on top only to find out when they open it back up, that it turned green and dirty that'll cost them a hefty amount of money and a nervous breakdown. This is why we made this article so that you can close your pool the right way, and swim almost right away after however long you kept it closed. 

When to close your pool

Knowing when to close it is very important to know and can be crucial for proper closing. If you're closing based on the temperature, then it probably is best to wait until December, when the temperatures are often below 20 degrees. The reason for this is because algae and other bacterias do not form as much as hotter temperatures, which is why it is best to leave the pool open until it gets a bit colder around December. This way you can clean and test the pool right up to December and then close it without worry when you reopen it. 

If you happen to want to close during the hotter months, it is advisable to hire a professional pool cleaner to occasionally clean and test water throughout the hotter months. The reason is obviously that in hot temperatures, bacterias and other debris grow and decay in the pool while it is covered, so it is best to keep it clean throughout to avoid any disasters when you come back to it. So if you are closing your pool during summer, then ask a friend, relative, or simply hire a pro to look after your pool at least once a month.

How to close your pool

Before deciding on closing your pool, you want to make sure what type of closing you have to do. This article is based in Dubai, so the main aim for those living in Dubai is to cover the pool from debris and algae build up. However, if you happen to be living in a colder place where temperatures go below 0, then your covering purpose will be almost completely different. Covering your pool in freezing places would require you to empty the water in your pool to prevent any ice damages in drains and pipes, and then installing a winter cover.  However, as said earlier, this article is intended for people in hotter regions like Dubai. Here is a list of the things you will need to perform the pool closure:

1. Chlorine 
2. pH increase and decreaser
3. Shock
4. Algaecide 
5. A wintering kit 
6. Pool vacuum machine and Pool Brush
7. Skimmer 
8. Cyanuric acid

Once you've got them all and are ready to go, follow these steps below to close your pool properly:

Clean your pool & test the water

So the first thing you want to do, is of course clean your pool. This will ensure that your pool will remain at a pristine condition while it is closed, rather than full of debris and bacterias to grow when it is covered. Use a pool brush and target all the areas of the wall and floor of the pool as best you can. Then, use a vacuum to pick up all the dirt left floating in the water. 

Add the chemicals & shock

When you are done cleaning the pool, grab your test kit and test the water. It's important to make sure the chemical levels are balanced (pH level, acidity, alkalinity, and others). 
Apply the algaecide, metal sequestrate, pool enzymes to kill off all the germs and contaminants. If you are living in a place that goes below freezing, then you might also want to apply some anti-freeze products. Just be sure to buy the right type as there are ones made for specific temperature ranges.

Once you're done with the chemical application and testing, you can then carry out the shock treatment, which I would recommend doing so no more than a few days before you cover up the pool. Simply apply the shock during the evening when the sun is out and run the pump for at least 8 hours. Test the water the following day.

Backwash & filter cleaning 

Next, you want to make sure to clean up all that debris out of the pump. This is an important step as you do not want to reopen your pool with all that filthy junk stuck in the filter. You could end up having to buy a new filter. In Dubai, you'd most likely have a sand filter installed with your pool. If so, use a specific cleaner made for sand filters to clean it all up. After you're done backwashing, drain out the filtering machine and pool heater/cooler.
 
Pack all the accessories & install the pool cover

Make sure you pack everything up and put them in the right place. The last thing you'd want is to come back to rusty pool accessories and having to buy new ones.
After installing your pool cover, make sure there are no spaces for leaves or any dirt to fall into the pool. Dubai experiences occasional dust storms, so you want to make sure the cover is as tight as possible so that you don't have to deal with a sandy filter when you reopen it.

And that is all! Your pool should be ready to go whenever the season is right and you are ready to jump in again. Just remember, if you are uncertain about anything in the process then don't take the risk and hire a professional pool company to do it for you. A pool pro can save you thousands if you are uncertain in the process. 





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