Pool Closing Risks: What Every Pool Owner Should Know
Closing a pool for the season may seem like a routine task, but mistakes made during this process can result in costly damage, safety hazards, and code violations, especially for commercial facilities. Whether having a residential pool in New Jersey or operating a commercial property with public access, it’s critical to follow certified closing procedures that reduce pool closing risks and maintain long-term pool health.
Why Proper Pool Closures Matter
Pool Operation Management emphasizes that pool closings are not just seasonal maintenance; they’re a safety and preservation process. Improperly closed pools often suffer from freezing damage, algae blooms, surface staining, and equipment failure. Worse, skipping necessary steps can create compliance issues or even legal liability.
Pools that are chemically unbalanced at the time of closing are especially vulnerable. If the pH is too low, acidic water can corrode surfaces and metal fixtures. If alkalinity or calcium hardness is off, scale or etching can occur. Sanitizer levels, typically chlorine, must be tested and adjusted before winterization to prevent microbial growth while the pool is inactive.
The certified pool operator (CPO®) program, which Pool Operation Management teaches nationally, covers the best practices for safe, compliant pool closures. Following these standards is essential for reducing risk, particularly for commercial facilities required to maintain detailed chemical logs and inspection readiness year-round.
Risks of Incorrect Chemical Balance
Failing to stabilize the water before closing is a common and damaging oversight. Pools with unbalanced water chemistry are prone to problems like:
- Surface damage: Improper calcium levels can erode plaster or leave scale on tile and walls.
- Corrosion: Low pH levels create acidic conditions that damage metal components and pool heaters.
- Algae growth: Skipping chlorine shock or algaecide before closing allows organic contaminants to thrive under the cover.
Every pool should be tested for pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, chlorine, and cyanuric acid before the cover goes on.
Freeze Damage and Equipment Failure
In New Jersey’s cold winter weather, freezing temperatures are a major threat to improperly closed pools. If water is left in the lines, filters, pumps, or heaters, it can expand and crack equipment. These failures often go unnoticed until reopening, and by then, the damage is done.
Certified closings include blowing out plumbing lines, using winter plugs, and draining and protecting mechanical systems. A standard DIY drain isn’t enough. Pool Operation Management stresses that commercial and residential systems alike require complete winterization, especially for complex equipment setups.
Pool Covers: More Than Just a Lid
Another risk area often overlooked is the pool cover. A loosely installed or torn cover can allow debris, sunlight, and animals to enter the pool, disrupting water chemistry and inviting contamination. Worse, in commercial or public pool settings, an unsecured cover can become a fall or entrapment hazard, creating serious safety and liability issues.
Pool Operation Management recommends only using high-quality, properly fitted safety covers that meet manufacturer standards. These covers must be installed with tight, anchored fittings to ensure both water protection and user safety during the off-season.
Safety and Compliance Risks for Commercial Pools
Commercial pool operators carry additional responsibilities. Some state and local health codes require that closings be performed by, or at least overseen by, a CPO®-certified professional. Improper chemical storage, failure to maintain closure logs, or not securing the pool area can lead to fines, code violations, and liability claims.
Documentation of chemical levels, equipment shutdown procedures, and inspection notes is not just best practice, it’s required in many jurisdictions. Pool Operation Management provides both services and training to help commercial facilities close their pools safely and in compliance with local regulations.
DIY Closings: Where It Often Goes Wrong
Even well-intentioned homeowners can make critical mistakes during the closing process. Some of the most frequent include:
- Using incorrect chemical dosages or the wrong type of chemical
- Not shocking the pool before covering, which allows bacteria and algae to grow
- Failing to properly drain and blow out equipment, leading to frozen pipes
- Installing a cover improperly, creating safety hazards and letting contaminants in
Without the tools or training of a certified professional, these errors are easy to make, and expensive to fix later. That’s why Pool Operation Management recommends having a CPO®-certified technician handle the closing process from start to finish.
When to Call a Certified Pool Closing Professional
If your pool includes complex equipment like a heater, automation systems, or unique plumbing, it’s time to call in an expert. Commercial pools, in particular, should never be closed without proper oversight due to the legal and operational risks involved.
Even standard residential pools benefit from a certified closing. A professional will ensure:
- Chemical balance meets closing targets
- Equipment is fully winterized and protected
- Covers are installed securely and safely
- Local and state codes are followed
Pool Operation Management provides this level of service for clients throughout New Jersey and beyond, ensuring your pool stays protected all winter long.
Protect Your Pool From Costly Winter Risks
Closing your pool isn’t just about ending the season, it’s about preserving your investment, protecting swimmers, and avoiding costly repairs. With the right approach, certified procedures, and safety-first mindset, pool owners can prevent the most common closing risks.Pool Operation Management offers professional, code-compliant pool closings for both residential and commercial properties. Backed by decades of experience and nationally recognized CPO® instruction, their team ensures your pool is ready for the off-season, safely and properly. Contact us today to schedule your certified closing now and avoid the most common pool closing risks this season.
