Pool Closing and Fill In

by Jim

I have a pool which I am having buried in October. It would appear I have a leak somewhere and it is sometimes impossible to prime.

I would really like to just have the pool sit there for the next 3-4 months. I would put a solar cover on it and maybe just put some chlorine in periodically. Is that doable? I really don't want to spend a lot of money just for the next 2-3 months of use.

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Thanks for the question Jim

Anything is doable, but here are some things to consider.

I will assume the pool is an inground pool. Concerning the leak, the water level will continue to go down until it reaches the source and height of the leak. It could be the skimmer, the light (if it has one) or possibly the bottom drain.

Without filtration and have the chemicals properly balanced there's a high chance the pool will go green. Adding the occasional chlorine will, in the big picture, really do nothing unless the other chemical parameters are met.

Then you have the possibility of breeding mosquitoes due to the stagnant water.

I understand your situation. I've received a few questions about this very subject. Pool owners wanting to leave the pool and fill it in at a later date. The swimming pool is similar to a living organism. If you leave it alone for a period of time and don't take care of it, it will die. If you turn the pump and filter off and simply add the occasional chlorine, the water will evaporate and the pool will go green.

What you're asking is doable, but just be prepared for the above.

Hope this helps and have a great day.

Robert