Are you the proud owner of a new saltwater pool? If so, it’s in your best interest to have at least a basic understanding of how to perform the swimming pool closing process, even if you plan on hiring a professional to handle the job.

If you want to prevent algae growth, plumbing damage, and surface stains throughout the winter season, here’s what you should know about winterizing your saltwater pool.

Don’t Overdo It With the Salt

You might be tempted to dump a bunch of salt in your pool to ensure the water stays clean throughout winter, but if you do that, you could end up with unsightly stains come spring.

It’s always best to maintain salt levels within the manufacturer’s recommended range, regardless of the time of year. And it might seem counterintuitive, but when winter rolls around, it’s better to keep salt levels toward the low end of that range.

To make sure the salt level isn’t too high, avoid adding extra salt to your pool for about two weeks before you plan to shut it down.

Test and Balance Water pH

Make sure you properly balance the water chemistry before adding winter chemicals to the water. If your pool’s pH, calcium levels, and total alkalinity aren’t within the proper ranges when you shut it down, you may find salt-related mineral scales on the surfaces of your pool come spring.

Thoroughly Clean the Pool

Make sure you get your pool as clean as it can possibly get before you start the winterization process. Thoroughly cleaning it before winter will help prevent algae and bacteria from proliferating in the stagnant water and ease the pool opening process come spring.

Remove and Store Pool Equipment

Any pool equipment that can be removed should be taken out of your pool, thoroughly cleaned, and stored for the winter. This included ladders, diving boards, handrails, slides, etc. Do this so that these pieces of equipment won’t interfere with the placement of your winter pool cover, which you’ll apply as the final step in the swimming pool closing process.

Add Winter Pool Chemicals

If you’re unfamiliar with which chemicals to add and which ratios to use, it’s in your best interest to buy a swimming pool closing kit designed for your saltwater pool. But if you’re uncomfortable handling this job yourself, hire a pro to ensure it’s done properly.

Drain Some Water

If you have an above-ground pool, you’ll want to drain it until the water level is about six inches below the skimmer. If you have an in-ground pool, drain it until the water is level if roughly 12 inches below the skimmer.

But if you have a vinyl pool, this step may be optional, depending on your pool and its equipment. A swimming pool closing specialist can tell you whether lowering the water level is necessary for your pool and how much water you should drain.

Remove and Clean the Salt Generator

Remove the salt cell, inspect its interior for scaly deposits, and use a high-pressure hose to clean it out well. If you prefer, you can use a plastic or wood scraper to remove those deposits out instead. Whatever you do, DO NOT use a metal tool to scrape away scaly buildup on the unit’s generator plates, and don’t use excessive force, either. You could end up damaging your equipment if you do.

Blow Out the Lines

Of all the steps involved in the saltwater swimming pool closing process, this one is probably the most important. If you don’t do it properly, water can freeze inside your pool’s plumbing system, crack the pipes, damage your decking, and, ultimately, leave you with expensive pool damage.

If you’re unsure how to do this properly, it’s in your best interest to hire a pro who can thoroughly winterize your pool’s plumbing lines and skimmer.

Put a Cover on It

Last but certainly not least, cover your pool! You need to do this to not only keep debris out of the water but also an excessive amount of precipitation that can throw off the pH balance of the water.

What kind of cover should you use? Check out Winter Pool Covers: Which Type Is Right for You? for some help with your decision-making process. 

Looking for Swimming Pool Closing Services Near White Bear Lake?

Don’t have time to winterize your saltwater pool? Then get in touch with our team at Royal Pool & Spa in White Bear Lake so we can do it for you! We specialize in comprehensive swimming pool opening and closing services for pool owners throughout the Twin Cities metro and have proudly served the area since 1988.

To learn more or get a service estimate, give us a call today at 651-779-7606 or request a quote online, and a member of our team will get in touch!