Water Balance & Pool Closing

Believe us when we tell you we love summer as much as you do, but the end of our sunny season looms in a matter of weeks. Luckily, the weather has been just beautiful for the most part and there’s been plenty of opportunity to enjoy your home swimming pool this season.

At Bremner Pools, we offer a comprehensive pool closing service but there are still some things you should be aware of when it comes to the water balance. Before starting the winterizing procedure it is important to have the water tested. We will also test the water when we arrive for a pool closing service, but it will take time to adjust if it’s not in proper balance. This year it’s been more difficult to keep levels of both water and pool chemicals in balance due to excessive heat and lack of rain – evaporation has been a big issue this summer.

• Test your total alkalinity in advance
• Ensure that your pool isn’t losing water – more than 1/2″ daily is a sign that something’s amiss

Pool Chemistry over the Winter
Pool chemistry during the winter is a crucial matter. Poor total alkalinity and calcium hardness levels over the winter can damage the pool liner, fiberglass, paint or concrete finish over the winter. It’s important to get it right for closing, but that chemistry will change again if there are leaks or excessive water loss over the winter. There are other reasons why you should be concerned if you suspect a leak over the winter.

• the water in the pool is what will protect the base and foundation of your pool from damage due to frost and shifting ground during the winter
• water loss can have drastic results – cracks and other damage to the foundation of your pool
• if there is sufficient ground water, an empty pool may just pop up out of the ground and float on it – the weight of the water inside is what keeps it in place

With the evaporation system this summer and especially if you’ve installed an automated system, it can be hard to determine if the water level is dropping on a chronic basis. If you suspect a leak, the classic “bucket test” will help you determine if it’s true.

• place a bucket on the steps of the pool and fill with water to the same level as the pool
• check in 24 hours – the level of the pool and bucket should still be the same
• if the pool level is noticeably lower, it’s a sign of a leak

Pool Closing
That time is coming around again and our schedule is filling up fast – so contact us to book your pool closing appointment today. If leak repairs are on order then we urge you to call us as soon as you can.

At Bremner Pools, our experienced pool installers can offer advice on these or any other maintenance issues – or better yet, a weekly maintenance package that gives you peace of mind knowing your pool is being operated with best practices both for you and the environment – and the City of Toronto’s guidelines.

Contact Bremner Pool & Spa today for swimming pool service, swimming pool repairs, safety tips and maintenance, along with a range of products designed to help keep your family safe, including pool lighting, alarms, covers and more. Free Quotes Available.

About Bremner Pool & Spa:
Established in 1981, Bremner Pool & Spa is one of the premiere swimming pool service companies in Toronto, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and Durham Region. We operate 11 state-of-the art vehicles and offer a variety of high quality and eco-friendly products & services including swimming pool repair, openings, partial swimming pool openings, swimming pool closings, weekly pool and spa service, pool leak detection & repair, heaters, liners, pumps and more. As well, Bremner Pool & Spa complies with all City of Toronto By Laws for Pools, Hot Tubs and Spas.

Swimming pool services including openings, renovations, installations and maintenance throughout Toronto and the GTA including Ajax, Durham, East York, Forest Hill, Markham, North York, Oshawa, Pickering, Richmond Hill, Scarborough, Thornhill, Unionville, Vaughan and Whitby, Ontario.