Swimming pool owners are always in a dilemma how to close their pool for winter. Summer is gone and the leaves are changing color, there is a chill in the atmosphere and you are worried about how to maintain your pool rid of algae and bacteria. Well, it’s not a serious issue. It can be easily sorted out. You need to drain out the water and dry the pool before closing for winter. There is an alternative method also. To close swimming pool for winter you need to have a pool cover, winterizing fluid and water tubes and plugs for the skimmers. Instead of removing the water, you can drain a little less water and leave the pool half filled. You can always get help from a pool company or pool builder to help you keep your pool safe for winter.

See to it that PH water is maintained at 7.2 to 7.6 and adjust it by using soda ash. Mix chlorine well with water and keep your pump running for eight hours so that the chlorine gets mixed well. This will ensure that algae and other bacteria don’t grow in the pool. Remove all return jet fittings. Disconnect the pump from electric supply. Remove the drain pumps as well as filter units. Keep everything dry. Once you remove the pipes the exposed pipe line should be covered with duct tapes. This will ensure that no dust enters them. Also vacuum the pipes to keep them dry. If you have dive boards, floats and ladder, remove them and keep aside.

There are ‘winterizing’ chemicals available in the market. Buy and use them to keep your pool clean. Make sure one of your winterizing chemicals consists of a SHOCK-type product. Many pool builders feel that water level can vary while leaving the pool closed for winter. If you maintain a high level of water it is good for the pool cover. It is a good idea to take the pressure gauge inside for the winter because water collects in its tube which can freeze and cause breakage.

Another option to keep pool from closing for winter is to heat it in winter. It’s not going to cost you much. Your utility bills can be taken care of if you use solar energy to heat your home and pool. Talk to your pool contractor or builder about this. They can guide you to install solar energy panels in your home. It is very easy to install solar panels. Also join a forum of pool builders and contractors on Facebook or Twitter. You can get the latest updates and also get your doubts cleared by professional who are expert pool contractors.