As temperatures cool across British Columbia and Alberta, Trevi Pools & Spas is reminding pool owners in Kelowna and Calgary that properly closing and winterizing a swimming pool can help protect plumbing, equipment and pool surfaces from damage during the colder months.
Pool closing involves more than simply putting on a winter cover. Water chemistry, plumbing lines, pumps, filters and heaters all need attention before freezing conditions arrive. The timing of the closing also matters.
“Taking the time to close a pool properly in the fall can prevent a lot of problems in the spring,” said Paul Tallon, one of the owners of Trevi Pools & Spas. “You want the water balanced, the lines and equipment protected from freezing, and the pool clean and properly covered before winter sets in.”
Trevi recommends that homeowners begin by checking and balancing their pool water. Even though the swimming season is ending, pH, alkalinity, sanitizer levels and other aspects of water balance remain important. Improperly balanced water left in a pool over the winter can contribute to staining, scaling and other water-quality problems.
Homeowners who are uncertain about their water chemistry can bring a sample to Trevi Pools & Spas for professional water testing before completing the closing process. Testing can help determine which adjustments are needed rather than relying on appearance alone.
Protecting plumbing and pool equipment is another critical part of winterization. Water remaining inside lines, pumps, filters or other components can expand when it freezes. A proper pool closing may include lowering the water to the appropriate level, blowing water from plumbing lines, winterizing equipment and installing winter plugs where required.
Fall conditions can vary considerably between Trevi Kelowna and Calgary, making it difficult to choose a pool-closing date based solely on the calendar. Trevi recommends watching overnight temperatures and local weather conditions while allowing enough time to complete the winterization process properly before sustained freezing temperatures arrive.
Pool owners should also follow local requirements when disposing of pool water.
The City of Kelowna issued a seasonal reminder on Sept. 17 about responsible pool drainage. The city advises residents to dechlorinate chlorinated pool water before discharge and says pool water should never be drained directly into Okanagan Lake. Saltwater pools require additional consideration because of their salt content, and homeowners should check the city's current instructions before draining.
Calgary homeowners need to follow their municipality's requirements. The City of Calgary advises that swimming pool water should be directed to the wastewater system rather than the stormwater system. Storm drains carry water toward local waterways, making proper disposal important for protecting the environment.
Because municipal requirements differ, Trevi encourages homeowners to check current local guidance before releasing significant amounts of pool water as part of maintenance or winter preparation.
Cleaning is another important step before installing a winter cover. Leaves, dirt and organic debris left in the pool can affect water quality over the winter. Brushing, vacuuming and removing debris before closing can make spring cleanup easier.
Once the water and equipment have been prepared, the winter cover should be properly installed and secured. The appropriate closing procedure can vary depending on whether the pool is above ground or in ground, as well as its equipment and plumbing configuration.
Trevi Pools & Spas recommends that homeowners avoid waiting until freezing weather has already arrived to think about winterization. At the same time, closing a pool unnecessarily early while the water remains warm can create conditions that favour algae growth beneath the cover.
The company's seasonal pool closing services are available through its Kelowna and Calgary locations. Trevi's technicians can help homeowners prepare their pools, plumbing and equipment for the colder months and reduce the chance of preventable winter-related problems.
Trevi Pools & Spas also provides pool and spa products, water testing, maintenance supplies, equipment and seasonal services. Its Kelowna location serves homeowners throughout the Central Okanagan, while its Calgary location serves customers in Calgary and surrounding communities.
Homeowners can learn more about pool closing services, water testing and seasonal pool care by visiting trevipoolsandspas.ca.
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For more information about Trevi Pools and Spas, contact the company here:
Trevi Pools and Spas
Paul Talon
paul@trevicalgary.ca
151 Adams Rd #3, Kelowna, BC, Canada, V1X 7R1
