Once you’ve settled “when” to close your FROG Leap® pool, here are key steps on how to close it:
- Remove all accessories and clean them
From ladders to slides to pool noodles, remove everything that is not permanent and clean it thoroughly. You don’t want any microscopic organisms hitching a ride into your pool in the spring. Store these items dry and in a place where they will remain dry all winter. In the spring, they’ll be ready to go when you are!
- Balance your pool water.
Whatever region you live in, balancing your water is the most important step. The table below shows the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP) standards. These levels should be adjusted and then rechecked using proper testing equipment. The FROG® Test Strips will give you an accurate reading.
Use a chlorine shock to remove residual swimmer waste, kill bacteria/algae and other organic contaminants from the water. Consult your dealer for best products in your region and for your type and size of pool.
Run the filter for 24 to 48 hours to clear the debris.
Because balancing the water is the first step to prevent staining to interior finishes, you’ll want to ask your dealer if a stain preventative is recommended in your area.
- Clean
Remove all floating leaves and other organic debris.
Thoroughly brush all the surfaces from the walls to the coves and floor. Skim the surface to remove any floating leaves and other organic debris. Vacuum the pool.
Clean the filter. Different filters call for slightly different methods, so always follow your manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Lower the water level
If you live in a cold climate, keep in mind that water expands as it freezes. Lower water is also easier to cover and stay covered. It’s generally advised to drain your water to below the skimmer.
- Shut off all the Equipment
All water must be removed from equipment from your filter, pump and heater to prevent freezing damage. Blow out your lines to remove the water and close valves to prevent any water from re-entering the line. Ask you dealer for help and/or recommendations here, as freezing water will damage your equipment.
Mild Climates:
If the temperature in your region generally stays in the 50s and 60s, you may keep your pool open longer. Additionally, you may choose to close your pool for a short time or if you decide you won’t use it for a length of time. Whatever you choose, keep your pH between 7.2 – 7.8 and free chlorine between 1.0 and 3.0 ppm. Use FROG Test Strips regularly to maintain accuracy.
Cover or No Cover?
In some climates and for some people, a cover may not be their choice. However, a good pool cover is a great investment, for a host of different reasons. Pool covers come in different types suited for different functions. For more information and ideas on a cover – see the next article in this issue!
No cover generally means more debris in your pool. And If you don’t put a cover on your pool during downtime, your skimmer will work harder to keep debris from collecting in your pool. A weekly or more often cleaning will keep it performing well.
If you decide to cover it, shock the water so algae does not grow beneath the cover.
Shock
During the off season, it is recommended that you add shock to your pool water twice while the pool is closed. Most people do this around Thanksgiving and Easter when the water will be thawed enough to get the chemicals in the water without them just resting on top of the ice. Adding the shock helps keep your pool water clear for when you open the pool in spring.
Closing your pool properly means opening in the spring will be much easier and quicker. It’s worth the time to do it correctly, and your dealer can help with any questions or recommendations specific to your area and your pool size and type. If you have questions, call customer service at 800-222-0169