Adding algaecide to prevent algae growth over the winter is an effective way to help open a pool with clear water in the spring. It can often be difficult to maintain a chlorine residual through the entirety of the off-season, especially when using a mesh cover. If the chlorine residual drops below 1 ppm, the presence of a preventative algaecide will continue to protect the pool from algae growth. This will help avoid opening a green, swampy pool in the spring.
There are many preventative measures you can take at closing to simplify the opening process, requiring less work and less time to get the pool ready for swimming. The addition of a quality broad-spectrum enzyme product can be a key element to water clarity and surface cleanliness at opening. Enzymes, paired with a surfactant, will break down non-living contaminants in the water, reducing the workload for chlorine. In the presence of enzymes, pools will have better water quality upon opening, be more likely to maintain a chlorine residual in the off-season, and will not have a scum line accumulation at the waterline that needs to be physically scrubbed off the surface.
Reducing and minimizing the level of phosphate in the pool upon closing is also a key initiative to take to help ensure a faster turnaround time at opening. The addition of a phosphate remover will improve water quality and clarity, while increasing the probability that the pool will open with clean and clear water. The addition of a multi-functional product that contains both enzymes and a phosphate remover can be a key element in helping prevent problems over the course of the winter.
Closing thoughts
No matter which chemical options you choose for closing, it is imperative to keep an eye on the pool over the winter. In some cases, it might be necessary to add additional winterizing chemicals underneath the cover to prevent problems. Many service professionals even offer an off-season “check” service for pools one time per winter. As mentioned, the timing for closing in general is just as important as chemical treatment and equipment preparation. Close late and open early. However, when you do close, proper preparation and treatment will make opening in the spring a much simpler job.
Authors
Alicia Stephens is the director of training and education for BioLab Inc. In her 22 years with the company, she has focused primarily on education, training, and development, as well as technical support and new product research and integration. Currently, Stephens supports all education and training initiatives for the BioLab Pro Dealer division.
Jamie Novak is the director of pro brands at BioLab, a division of KIK Consumer Products. With more than 18 years of experience in the swimming pool and spa industry, she has held multiple positions in marketing and sales for major manufacturers. Novak received her MBA with concentrations in marketing and leading organizations from Johns Hopkins Carey Business School.
