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Closing the Swimming Pool: For Many, Time To Face Summer’s End

September 20th, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

(sigh) If you have an outdoor pool, you KNEW this day had to come….

For those living in more southern climates there will be a few more idyllic days before the inevitable;  and for others with enclosed pools, summer never really ends. An unusually warm and dry winter has been predicted for my region; but with the kids in school and the usual press of fall activities before the year-end holidays (geez, where did the time go?) the pool really isn’t used much, even with a gas heater. The air hints of fall, and that means it’s time to deflate and pack the toys and prepare to winterize the pool.

Where I live, the weather is warm enough that I don’t have to completely close my pool. I simply check the chemical balance, keep it skimmed, especially with the leaves falling, and run the pump on occasion. We have no hard freezes that would endanger water-filled underground pipes. Less pool use generally means less chemical needs. I’ll have the local pool service do a general check of my systems this year to see if I missed anything; and get an estimate on a much desired pool cover. For those who live in colder climates and perhaps have an attached spa, fountain or waterfall, your closing will be more complex.  I found a good article in the NY Times that discusses closing pools for winter. Though it’s aimed at folks who have pools at their second or vacation homes, the advice is useful for anyone who owns a pool.  A properly closed and winterized swimming pool can ensure a stress-free spring opening.

If you’re new to pool ownership, there’s no shame in calling a pro to close your pool.  Take it from me, who got somewhat skimpy maintenance tips from the previous owners: I’d rather pay a hundred to save spending many times that later, which is why I’m calling my local pro.  But I also take notes, ask questions and closely observe the pro while they’re here,  because I want to learn how to do the job myself. Of course, if the pool is at your distant vacation home, you may want to hire someone to care for the pool while you’re away.  Choice is always yours.

Running Swimming Pool Pump At Night Not Worth Energy Savings

April 25th, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

I thought this was an interesting article.  In many places electricity costs are cheaper at night; so the question was asked if running the swimming pool pump at night might save a few coins.  According to this column from the Orlando News-Sentinel your savings will actually be consumed by higher chemical costs because chlorine will not be available when it’s most needed for sanitization - during the day when you are swimming.  Something to think about…

Swimming pool Q&A: It’s not worth it to run your pool pump at night

Swimming Pool Maintenance Tips 101

February 16th, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

We bought our home with the swimming pool already installed.  The previous owners were kind to leave some instructions, but unfortunately they really weren’t enough to fully cover how to maintain the pool.  The installer was of surprisingly little help - unless I enrolled in his new pool owners’ course for a princely fee.  I had to gather my swimming pool maintenance tips by reading a lot online, and asking lots of questions of pool supply shop owners.

Lots of people simply hire a swimming pool maintenance company. While this can be an effective way to maintain your pool, especially if you do not live at the property full time, you can save cash by doing the job yourself. With basic knowledge of swimming pool maintenance, you can ensure that your pool remains free from bacteria and problems with pool parts. Though I knew nothing about pools when I started, I was determined to learn how to do maintenance myself and save the monthly pool service fee. You can, too. So here are a few basic swimming pool maintenance tips… Read the rest of this entry »

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