Best tools for closing your pool this winter
Some people are lucky enough to live in a place where the weather is warm enough to swim outdoors year-round. But if you’re like most Americans who live in a variable climate, the swim season unfortunately does start to wind down as cooler weather arrives. While some people opt to hire a pool service professional to close their pool, other pool owners choose to do it on their own with great results. If you’re in the latter group, here are the tools you’ll need.
Pool Blaster Max Li
The Pool Blaster Max Li is the perfect companion for pool cleaning and closing because of its design. Its high-capacity filter (which holds much more debris than an entry level pool vacuum) and high-flow pump make it ideal for deep cleaning both in-ground and above-ground pools. Plus, its cordless design makes it easy to maneuver while cleaning–and easy to store in the off-season!
Pool Blaster Leaf Vac
If you live in an area with lots of trees and foliage, the Pool Blaster Leaf Vac is your new best friend. This powerful cordless skimming vacuum can do both jobs: reaching the stubborn leaves collecting at the bottom of your pool floor AND top-side leaf skimming at the surface of your pool. This one pool vacuum is perfect for both beginners and veteran pool owners who want to make the leaf-removal process as quick as possible.
Test Kit and Winterizing Chemicals
Before you close your pool, you’re going to want to prepare the water for the coming months. But first, you need to figure out your pool water’s current chemistry. To do this, we recommend purchasing a water balance test kit from your nearest pool supply store. The kit will measure your pool’s alkalinity and pH levels. From there, you can discern which pool chemicals will help your pool water stay as balanced as possible through the winter months.
Shock
When pool water is left unattended for a few months, it can get pretty funky. Shock, which is a highly concentrated chlorine, helps keep chlorine levels high throughout the winter months. In doing so, shock can kill off algae and bacteria—which will make the process of opening your pool a little bit easier when you open it next season.
Pool Cover (Winter or Safety)
Winter covers protect your pool from debris over the winter, while safety covers can help prevent pool accidents from occurring in the off-season. While winter covers are a great way to keep your pool free of leaves, sticks, and even some animals in the cold months, safety covers can provide an even higher level of protection from winter storms or poolside accidents in the winter. The best choice depends on your needs, priorities, and surroundings.
