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Why Proper Pool Closing Is Essential
Cold weather and freezing temperatures pose serious risks to pools that are not correctly closed for the season. Improper shutdown can result in cracked plumbing lines, damaged pool equipment, and persistent algae growth that will surface when reopening in the spring. Taking the right steps to close your pool is key to protecting your investment and ensuring a smooth, hassle-free opening next year.
When to Schedule Your Pool Closing
Choosing the right time to close your pool depends on local weather conditions, the temperature of your pool water, and your swimming habits. In Connecticut, most pool owners opt to close their pools from mid to late September, once daytime temperatures consistently drop and leaves begin to fall.
If your pool is heated, you may be able to prolong closing your pool as long as possible, but keep in mind that closing too late increases the risk of freezing pipes and equipment damage. Closing too early, on the other hand, can trap heat and organic matter under the cover, potentially leading to algae growth.
A general guideline is to wait until your pool water stays below 65°F for several days in a row. This temperature slows algae growth and stabilizes water chemistry, setting your pool up for a cleaner opening in the spring.
Customer Responsibilities at and After Pool Closing
While our team handles every technical detail of winterizing your pool, there are a few key steps customers need to take to ensure a smooth service and reliable protection all season long. Customers are responsible for a few important pool closing steps:
- Winterizing Materials: All plugs, gizzmos, covers, and water bags should be left in an accessible location. If they’re missing or damaged, TSPS will provide replacements and add them to the invoice.
- Power Access: A reliable and visible power source must be available for the technicians. If not, the appointment will need to be rescheduled.
- Cover Maintenance: After closing, customers must monitor solid covers and prevent more than 2–3 inches of water, ice, or debris from accumulating. TSPS is not responsible for cover collapse or damage caused by neglect.
- Equipment and Accessibility: Essential equipment (such as O-rings, gaskets, plugs, pumps, filters, etc.) must be accessible on the day of service. If not, additional visits will incur an hourly service charge.
- Rodents and Winter Damage: Customers should check their pool equipment periodically throughout the winter for signs of rodent activity, weather damage, or other issues.
- Storage Requests: If certain equipment needs to be stored indoors, customers must inform TSPS when scheduling. TSPS cannot store electric heat pumps or gas heaters that are still connected to the gas line.
- Exclusions: Pool closing service does not include repairs to pool construction, landscaping, plumbing, or equipment unless specifically requested.
- Cover Condition: If the pool cover is already damaged, TSPS will inform the customer, but is not responsible for resulting issues.
Following these steps ensures your pool remains protected throughout the harsh New England winter and avoids complications when it’s time to reopen in the spring.
Proper Closing Procedures for Above Ground Pools
Closing an above ground pool correctly is essential, particularly in Connecticut, where severe winter weather can take a toll on your pool’s structure and equipment. Following the proper steps ensures your liner, plumbing, and machinery are protected, making spring reopening hassle-free.
Our Above Ground Pool Closing Process Includes:
- Disconnecting and thoroughly draining pumps, filters, and hoses
- Blowing out and securely plugging the return and skimmer lines
- Installing winter plugs or skimmer covers as required
- Adding a carefully measured mix of winterizing chemicals to maintain water quality
- Securing the winter cover to keep out debris and wildlife
Because above ground pools are especially vulnerable to the elements, it’s crucial to ensure every component is winterized correctly and tightly covered. Our team takes every precaution, giving you peace of mind that your pool will remain in excellent condition until the next swim season.
Inspect Your Pool Cover Before It’s Time to Close
According to the CDC, drowning remains the leading cause of death for children ages 1–4. A properly installed safety cover is an essential barrier for preventing accidents, especially during the off-season when pools are unattended. A properly fitting safety cover can protect children, neighbors, and pets.
Before your pool closing appointment, take a few moments to inspect your pool cover, especially if it’s been through several winters. Mesh and solid safety covers can show signs of wear that may go unnoticed until they fail during a storm. Look for frayed straps, weakened or corroded anchors, sagging mesh, or cracks in the vinyl surface. Any of these could mean your cover no longer provides the protection it was designed for.
A safety-rated cover should meet ASTM F1346-91 safety performance standards, which include requirements for weight support (usually 485 lbs.), tamper-proof anchoring, and minimal gaps between the cover and pool edge. If your cover no longer meets these criteria, or if you’re unsure about its condition, our team can inspect it and recommend repair or replacement. Planning now allows enough time for a custom replacement to be fabricated and installed before your scheduled pool closing. For help evaluating your existing cover or exploring new options, visit our Pool Safety Covers page. We offer professional inspections and expert installation to make sure your pool is secured for the winter.
Why Pool Owners in Connecticut Choose The Swimming Pool Store
Properly closing your pool for the winter is a necessary process that should be approached with care and attention to detail. Our experienced technicians handle every step of the process with precision, whether you have an inground or above ground pool. From chemical balancing to equipment blowouts to inspecting and securing your cover, we make sure your pool is ready to withstand a Northeast winter and reopen clean and damage-free in the spring.
With 55+ years of experience, TSPS provides a thorough closing process that includes winterizing your equipment, adding the right chemicals, and making sure your pool is ready to handle months of freezing temperatures.
We’ve been helping Connecticut pool owners for decades, offering trusted service, expert guidance, and access to the highest quality pool closing products and safety covers. When you book with us, you’ll get a clear timeline, friendly communication, and confidence that your pool is in good hands. Schedule your pool closing with us today and protect your pool investment through the winter months.