Pool Myth of the Month
“You have to close your pool every winter.”
Myth! Here’s why…
Should You Close Your Pool…or Keep It Open? (Hint: There’s No Wrong Answer.)
Every September, I start hearing the same question:
“So…when should I close my pool?”
My answer usually surprises people.
Maybe never.
Here in Metro Atlanta, we have two perfectly good options, and neither is “right” for everyone.
Option 1: Close the Pool
Closing is a great choice if your family is finished swimming for the season and you’d like to reduce maintenance.
Pros
- Less evaporation
- Less chemical usage
- Reduced equipment wear
- Peace of mind during extended travel
Things to consider
Leaves.
Lots and lots of leaves.
If your cover isn’t secured well—or if leaves pile up on top—they can become a messy science experiment by spring.
Option 2: Keep It Open with Reduced Service
Many Atlanta homeowners choose to leave pools open all winter.
The water stays clear, equipment continues circulating, and when an unexpected 75° February afternoon arrives, your pool is ready to go.
Maintenance is simply reduced because cooler water slows algae growth.
One Thing Both Options Have in Common
Fall leaves don’t care which option you choose.
Leaves add phosphates and organic debris to the water, making your pool work harder. They also stain surfaces and clog skimmers if left too long.
Whether you close your pool or keep it open, keeping leaves under control is one of the biggest gifts you can give your future self.
Bottom line?
Choose the option that fits how you use your pool—not what your neighbor does. The best maintenance plan is the one that matches your family’s lifestyle.
Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements, and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media LLC (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses, or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability, or timeliness of any content submitted, inclusive of materials generated or composed through artificial intelligence (AI). All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party.
