NOVEMBER IS RARE FOR POOLS
November has a lot of days off for many here in New Jersey. In addition to the common days including Election Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Black Friday, some students get off for education in-service days or fall break. With all that time available to relax and unwind, you might consider swimming to fill the downtime. But here in the Garden State, most outdoor pools have already been closed. If your pool is still open, here are some things to consider.
WHETHER OR NOT TO STAY OPEN
November weather in New Jersey can vary greatly. Daily high temperatures range between 61°- 50°F, rarely falling below 44°F. Daily low temperatures range between 44°F -36°F. The average temperature in New Jersey in November 2023 was 43.2°, which was 1.9° below the normal for 1991–2020. This made it the 62nd coolest or 67th warmest November on record since 1895. We can expect about 3 to 8 days of rain in New Jersey during November; it is also possible to see snow. This type of forecast does not seem to warrant swimming. Still, if you have a heater, you may consider sneaking in a couple of days in November to log some pool time and if you have a spa, it may be a nice place to enjoy the crisp fall nights. It is recommended to close the pool before the first frost. When temperatures fall below 32°F, this can pose the risk of sustaining freeze-thaw damage to the pool plumbing, equipment, and structure.
OPEN FOR BUSINESS
If you do plan on staying open, there are some extra precautions you need to take during this time of year. Water temperature is something that should be monitored, as not only do you not want it to be too cold to enjoy the pool but there may be temperature guidelines from manufacturers as to when certain components would not be able to operate under such cold-water conditions. You also want to stay on top of debris removal. November sees a lot of falling leaves (and acorns, twigs, etc.) that can land in your pool. These environmental items can lead to surface staining and also clog skimmer baskets, both of which can harm your pool.
CLOSING IN
If you have decided that November is the time to close your pool, you want to take some steps to prepare. A thorough cleaning is recommended. With pool closing services, cleanings typically are not included so you may want to schedule an extra cleaning prior or consider cleaning it yourself. You also want to remove and store any pool accessories and outdoor furniture you won’t be using. Winter weather can ruin or degrade these items. They also become a hazard if they become airborne and can damage your safety cover.
TOO CLOSE TO CALL
Can’t decide what to do? Give us a call and we can get you on the schedule for your pool closing that fits the needs of you and your pool.
