The question of when to put your pool away for the season is one that comes up. Or perhaps you are not certain if it is a job for a professional or one you can do on your own. Then there is the concern of what might happen should the pool be left improperly closed over the winter.
You have come to the right place if such things are on your mind. We at Yummy Pools would be glad to put any questions to rest; give us a ring at (470) 703-6894. As a company that caters to homeowners in the Metro Atlanta region, we are well acquainted with these matters.
Do it properly this fall and you will be protecting your investment as well as your time and money when spring comes around. All too often we see homeowners who put in no more effort than to rush through the closing or omit steps, only to be out of pocket later for green water, stained surfaces or cracked equipment. With some forethought you can avoid that.
Pool Closing in Atlanta: Timing is Everything
More so than is commonly appreciated, timing is of the essence. Warm water left in the pool when you close it early on will be an invitation to algae in the months ahead. Put it off and you put your pipes and equipment in jeopardy of freezing.
For the most part in Metro Atlanta you will find homeowners waiting until the water has been under 65 degrees for a while before they close up shop, which tends to be mid to late in the fall. Cool water is less hospitable to algae once the pool is not in use.
Winter Preparation for Your Pool
There is more to a fall closing than putting a cover on the water. An Atlanta homeowner would do well to follow these steps:
- Make sure the chemistry is in order. Test for proper pH, alkalinity and chlorine levels prior to closing.
- A good cleaning is called for. Skim, brush and vacuum to get out any debris that could cause staining.
- To ward off freeze damage, get the water level down below the skimmer and returns.
- The pump, filter, heater and all the plumbing should be drained and cleared to avert any cracking.
- Put in your winterizing chemicals to maintain balance and clarity in the cold.
- Put away ladders, skimmer baskets and the like.
- A quality cover is needed to bar out the elements and pests come spring.
One step follows on from another and neglecting any of them means the closing is incomplete. In our climate where the temperature is apt to change in a hurry, making sure your plumbing is safe from the freeze is paramount.
Mistakes to Avoid
Some errors are made even by the most conscientious homeowner and they will make themselves known down the road. Be on the lookout for:
- Water in the lines that will eventually freeze and do in your plumbing
- Unbalanced water resulting in scale and stains
- Not using the correct measure of winterizing chemicals
- A cover that is ill-fitting and lets in the sun and debris
- Failing to clean first and having leaves and dirt trapped against the surface
Then again, these are easily sidestepped if you are in the know or have a pro see to it.
The Case for a Professional
We do not fault the hands-on type for wanting to close their own pool. But there is a certain peace of mind in having a professional ensure your equipment is seen to for the duration of the winter and that nothing is overlooked.
Our technicians at Yummy Pools are all verified employees with a full background check behind them. We are licensed and insured. Should we come across an issue in the course of closing your pool, our in-house repair department can put it right then and there. And with our Done Right Guarantee, if we have not done a service correctly, a call the following business day and we will set it right without charge.
We have no long-term contracts and include standard chemicals with the service. Free estimates are provided and we will have a quote to you in under a day. Our office is open 8:30am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday to serve all of Metro Atlanta, from Cumming and Alpharetta to Roswell, Marietta, Kennesaw, Acworth, Sandy Springs, Peachtree City, Johns Creek, Gainesville, Milton, Jasper, Clermont and beyond.
Call (470) 703-6894 for an estimate and let Yummy Pools put our 100 percent satisfaction guarantee to work for you. We are here to help whether you need a complete professional closing or just want to run some numbers.