Can I close my pool while its green?

Author: Blake Schumm  |  Last update: Wednesday, June 22, 2022

Closing a Pool with Green Water
No, not really. Why? Because closing a pool when its green is going to give you an even bigger problem in the spring or the next time you open it. When you are experiencing cooler, fall like temperatures, it takes longer for the chlorine and other chemicals to evaporate.

Can I close my pool if the water is green?

If your pool has been green all season you're probably super excited to close it. While it seems like the easiest option – it's not! It's much smarter to close your pool as clean as possible. Algae can grow in water as cold as 50 degrees.

What happens if I close my pool while its green?

Closing a pool that is green with algae, or dirty with debris or with water that is unbalanced, leads to heavy staining and saturation of the water with dead algae cells, which makes it easier for subsequent generations to grow.

Should pool be clear before closing?

Cleaning your pool before closing for the winter prevents algae and makes your spring opening even easier. Make sure to thoroughly brush the sides and floor, skim the surface and clean out the skimmer and pump baskets after vacuuming the pool.

Should I shock my pool before I close it?

Keep in mind that the chlorine shock will destroy the algaecide. The best course of action is to add the shock five to seven days before closing your pool, and then waiting to add the algaecide until right before you put the cover on.

How to clean a GREEN ABOVE GROUND POOL

What month should I close my pool?

Freezing temperatures

September and October are a good time to close the pool because the weather is ideal. It's still warm to be outside, enjoying the sun, even if you hate to say goodbye to summer. But once those temperatures start dropping significantly, you're going to kick yourself for not closing the pool sooner.

Should I put algaecide in my pool before closing?

By simply adding algaecide to your water prior to closing, you can prevent algae growth from occurring during the cold, winter months which makes for an easier opening in the spring. You can apply algaecide directly to the pool water and allow the pump to continue to circulate for approximately two to four hours.

How do I prepare for my pool closing?

Find a servicer in your area.
  1. Balance water chemistry: The week you're closing your pool, make sure your water falls within the ranges below. ...
  2. Add shock and algaecide: ...
  3. Clean pool: ...
  4. Store equipment: ...
  5. Lower water level: ...
  6. Drain pump, filter, chlorination and heating equipment: ...
  7. Lubricate: ...
  8. Winterize plumbing:

How do you close a pool without draining it?

Lower the water level to just below the mouth of the skimmer. This removes the water from the throat of the skimmer, which could easily sustain damage should water left there freeze. Also remove the water from the plumbing lines using a shop vac. Be sure to plug the empty lines to prevent them from refilling.

What should I put on my pool before closing?

What chemicals do I need to close my pool?
  1. Chlorine.
  2. Pool Shock.
  3. Soda Ash.
  4. Baking Soda.
  5. Muriatic Acid.
  6. Winter Algaecide.
  7. Pool Antifreeze.
  8. Stain and Scale Prevention.

Does leaving a pool cover on cause algae?

So while a solar cover won't actually 'turn your pool green', it will warm your water by up to 8 degrees, so if the other conditions are right, adding a solar cover can easily accelerate algae growth, very rapidly. You need to get the water balance in your pool right before putting the cover back on.

How long does it take a green pool to clear up after being treated?

Shock the pool with chlorine every day until all the green is gone (possibly 3 to 4 days). 2. Run the filter 24 hours a day and backwash every day until the green and then cloudiness is gone (usually up to 7 days, sometimes as long as 2 weeks depending on the filter). 3.

Will a pool cover prevent algae?

Covering the pool is a good way to prevent algae growth. The right cover keeps algae from entering the pool, but it also keeps leaves, bugs, bacteria, and dirt from decomposing in the pool, providing algae with food.

How much shock Do you need to close a pool?

Shocking your pool is easy: Use a shock treatment to bring your 10 to 12 PPM. Then, wait a day or two for the chlorine to come down to its normal level, about 1.5 to 3.5 PPM. Pro tip: For best results, shock your pool a few days before you plan to shut it down.

How can I clear my green pool fast?

Follow the below steps to clear up your green pool in 24 hours:
  1. Test the pool water.
  2. Balance your chemicals and PH accordingly.
  3. Remove any debris.
  4. Shock the pool.
  5. Brush the pool.
  6. Vacuum the pool.
  7. Run the pump for continually for 24 hours.

Why is my pool green with high chlorine?

When the levels are properly balanced, chlorine will keep the algae at bay, but the water will slowly begin to turn green as the algae take over if there's not enough. But be careful—adding too much chlorine in pool water can cause those metals to oxidize and turn the pool a different shade of green.

Do you have to empty a pool in winter?

No, you don't need to drain all of the water. We know that draining your pool is a hassle and you want to conserve as much water as possible; however, it is necessary to drain some of the water out of your pool. You will need to drain the water level down below the skimmer level.

Can you close a pool without a cover?

For most folks however, I would recommend a tight fitting winter pool cover, to keep maintenance to a minimum, and to protect and secure the pool during the off-season. But it is possible to close a pool, without covering the pool, but it's best to cover the pool that is not circulating.

Can you leave water in pool over winter?

You may naturally assume it's best to completely drain your pool of water for the winter months, because you fear the water will freeze and cause damage. Actually, it's not good to leave your pool empty when the weather gets cold.

Can you close a pool too early?

If you close your pool too soon, the winter protection chemicals you've added will often not last until spring. The reason is that your pool chemicals are consumed much faster in hotter temperatures versus in cooler temperatures. This can, in turn, cause algae blooms and staining in your pool.

Are pool closing kits worth it?

You do not need a pool winterizing kit. Weird first sentence for this article, but it's true. You really only need one chemical (algaecide) to properly winterize a swimming pool. You need some other stuff to protect your pool from harsh winter conditions, but only one chemical to add when closing.

Why did my pool turn green over winter?

Green discoloration in a swimming pool is caused by the growth of algae, a type of green aquatic plant that floats on the surface of water. Algae usually flourishes in warm water but can still take over your pool in winter if given half a chance.

How long does it take to winterize a pool?

The water level should be about a foot below the skimmer if you have a mesh cover, and about half a foot below the skimmer for solid covers. Depending on how you're removing the water from your pool, this process may take a day or two.

How long should I run the pool pump in winter?

Depending on the size of your pool, we still recommend you run your pump run at least 4-6 hours a day during the fall and winter months. The daily cycle can be divided into multiple cycles, but each cycle should be no shorter than 4 hours, for all the water to pass through the filter at least once.

Does a pool add value to the house?

The experts are a split on how much a pool can contribute to a home's value. One HouseLogic study suggests an increase of 7 percent, at most, under ideal conditions, while HGTV reports that the average inground pool can up your property's value by 5 to 8 percent.

Previous article
Do blinds block the sun?
Next article
What PSI should my sand filter run at?