If your job involves fitness club pool management or apartment complex pool management, you may have concerns about how to properly close your facility’s outdoor pool now that the weather is getting colder. It’s important that you take the proper steps to close your pool, or else you may run into some serious problems once it comes time to open the pool again. Here are some steps to follow to make sure your facility’s pool is closed properly during the cooler seasons.
Make sure you have the right supplies
The first thing you’ll want to do is make sure you have all of the right tools for the job. For example, you need a cover, cover tools, chemicals for winterizing and the plugs for the skimmers and return jets. You’ll also need a shop vac or a powerful air compressor. Additional supplies may be needed depending on your facilities pool count and equipment setup.
Check the chemical levels
You want to check all of the chemical levels in your pool to see if they are balanced out. This means adjusting the pH levels and the water hardness so there is enough calcium, checking the alkalinity of the water and finally adjusting the chlorine levels. You might also consider adding enzyme and algaecide treatments to your water to help prevent algae growth and surface staining.
Clean the pool
Take all non-essential items out of the pool and then clean it. This includes the baskets, hoses, filters, pumps, heaters, ladders and any decorative items. You should clean these items and put them away for winter. Then, use your vacuum to clean the bottom of the pool and skim the water for any stray leaves. Finally, lower the water levels in the pool so that they are below the skimmer. Keep a close on eye on the water level during rain or snowstorms. These events can raise the water level.
Drain all equipment
You don’t want water to freeze in your equipment during the winter and damage, which is why you need to drain pumps, filters, heaters and chlorinators. Along with making sure this equipment doesn’t freeze, you also need to make sure that you drain the pipes that run fresh water to your pool, bathrooms and drinking fountains so that these do not freeze as well.
Place the cover on
Finally, you want to make sure that your cover is tightly placed on your pool. If you notice any rips or tears on the cover that could be repaired then do so using vinyl pool patch or pool patch cover tape designed specifically for this project. If it’s a mesh cover, make sure to use the manufacturer’s approved patch kit.
Closing a large fitness club or apartment complex pool can be hard work. Remember that no two pools are alike, so there may be some additional steps required to make sure your pool is closed properly and ready for colder weather.