What Are the Most Common Mistakes People Make When Closing Their Pool?

The last thing you want to discover upon opening your pool next spring is expensive equipment damage that could have been prevented with proper winterization. Don’t let poor pool closing practices turn your backyard oasis into a costly headache.

At Caribbean Pools, our pool closing services have helped countless homeowners avoid making simple mistakes during pool closing that can result in thousands of dollars in repairs. Common pool closing mistakes you need to avoid include:

• Not cleaning the pool thoroughly before closing
• Missing proper heater winterization
• Forgetting to clean filters
• Draining water to incorrect levels
• Leaving electrical components running

Let’s take a closer look at each of these.

Not Cleaning the Pool Before Closing

Many pool owners rush through the closing process without properly cleaning their pool first. This mistake sets you up for plenty of problems come spring.

Why cleaning matters:

• Algae and bacteria can continue growing under your winter cover
• Organic debris may create stains on pool surfaces
• Dirty water makes spring opening much more difficult and expensive

Take time to brush the walls, vacuum thoroughly, and balance your water chemistry before winterization. A clean pool at closing is an important step toward a less problematic spring opening.

Missing Heater Winterization

Pool lines and heaters can trap water inside. When that water freezes, it expands and can crack expensive internal components. While most pool owners remember to clear their pool lines, many forget to also take this step with their heaters.

Proper heater winterization includes:

• Completely draining all water from the unit
• Blowing out internal lines with compressed air
• Following other manufacturer-specific winterization procedures

Skip this step, and you might face significant heater repair bills when spring arrives.

Not Cleaning the Filter

Whether you have a DE filter or cartridge system, pool filter cleaning is essential before winter storage.

Filter cleaning prevents:

• Permanent damage from debris sitting all winter
• Reduced filtration effectiveness next season
• Need for premature filter replacement

Clean DE grids thoroughly and replace cartridge filters if they’re more than one season old. Your pool’s filtration system will thank you next spring.

Draining Too Much or Too Little

Getting the water level just right protects both your pool structure and equipment.

Proper water levels:

• Lower water below skimmer openings to prevent freeze damage
• Keep enough water to support pool walls and liner
• Follow manufacturer guidelines for your specific pool type

Too much water can risk frozen pipes and equipment, while too little can cause structural damage to your pool walls.

Not Turning Off All Electrical Components

This simple oversight can cause expensive damage quickly, as pumps running without water will burn out motors quickly.

Essential electrical shutdown steps:

• Turn off all breakers connected to pool equipment at the end of the season
• Switch pool timer to “off” position
• Double-check that no equipment can accidentally restart

Protect Your Investment with Professional Pool Closing

Proper pool winterization protects your family’s investment and ensures trouble-free enjoyment next season. These common mistakes can cost thousands in repairs and rob you of precious swim time.

If you’re worried about missing an important step in the winterizing process while closing your pool, Caribbean Pools offers comprehensive pool closing services throughout Northwest Indiana and the Chicago area. Our experienced technicians handle every detail, from thorough cleaning to equipment winterization, giving you peace of mind all winter long. 

Contact Caribbean Pools today to schedule your professional pool closing service. Trust the experts to keep your pool safe this winter.