Public pools around the state closed this weekend after a final farewell to summer.  If you own your own pool, though, you can keep it open for as long as you like—kind of.  There are certain factors that should influence your decision on when to close it for the season.  As we move further into fall, be on the lookout for the following:

Cooler Temperatures

As the weather fluctuates in the coming weeks, it can be hard to know exactly when to close your pool.  Some days, it still feels like summer, so why not take advantage? Other days, it cools down so quickly, you can’t even imagine getting in the water.  Well, when those colder days become a pattern, that’s a pretty good indication that it’s time to prepare for fall.  After all, you don’t want it to be too warm when you cover your pool because the chemicals might not last through winter.  At the same time, you don’t want to delay closing too long.  That first freeze can really damage your pool equipment, causing expensive repairs before it’ll be usable next season!  So, take a cue from your climate and follow the forecast to help you decide.

Active Use

After a full summer of fun times at the pool, how often are you using it now?  With school back in session (plus all of those extracurricular activities), everyone has a little less time for afternoon swims.  And that’s okay!  Just be realistic about whether or not you actually needto keep it open at this point.  You can save yourself a lot of time and upkeep by closing it a little sooner than planned. 

Falling Leaves

Now, this is one of the best parts about experiencing autumn in Maryland.  All of the colors announcing the change of the season! However, it’s a little less inspiring when those falling leaves make their way into your open pool.  Even with automated vacuum cleaners and state-of-the-art filters, you’ll still have to actively skim the water on a regular basis. Or you could close up early and save yourself the maintenance. 

Don’t forget to clean up the area around your pool too!  You don’t want to lock all of that dirt and grime away for the next several months.  While we’re not experts on pool maintenance, we do know a thing or two about outdoor surfaces.  Consider having your pool deck power washed for a thorough end-of-the-season cleaning. It’ll wash away any dirt, allergens, and/or minerals that could interfere with your pool during winter.  We even use a soft washing technique that cuts down on the amount of chemicals for a safer finish overall.  Think of this as one more step in the pool closing process—but one you don’t have to take care of yourself.  Then give Peak Power Wash a call this autumn!