As summer winds down in Clovis and Fresno, many pool owners across the Central Valley are starting to prepare for the end of another swim season. While our region is known for its long, hot summers, cooler nights and shorter days are a reminder that it’s time to give your pool some extra attention.
Whether you’re in Clovis, Fresno, or anywhere across the Central Valley, end-of-season pool care isn’t just about shutting things down — it’s about protecting your investment, saving money on maintenance, and making sure your water is ready to go when swim season returns.
In this guide, we’ll cover why closing season matters, the key steps every pool owner should take, and which products can make the process easier. We’ll also point you to trusted resources and local pool services that can take the stress out of seasonal care.
Why End-of-Season Pool Care Matters in Clovis and the Central Valley
Skipping proper maintenance in the fall can lead to costly problems by spring:
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Algae blooms – Even as temperatures drop, algae spores can still grow in unbalanced water.
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Stains & scale – Central Valley water tends to be hard, which can leave calcium scale and mineral stains over the winter.
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Equipment strain – Dirty filters and pumps left unchecked often require replacement parts sooner.
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Extra spring cleanup – Pools that aren’t properly cared for in fall take far more time (and chemicals) to reopen.
The good news: a little work now saves you hours later — and prevents you from spending more on pool chemicals when swim season returns.
Step 1: Balance and Shock Your Water
Before reducing circulation or covering your pool, make sure your chemistry is on point:
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pH: 7.4 – 7.6
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Alkalinity: 80 – 120 ppm
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Calcium hardness: 200 – 400 ppm
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Chlorine: 2 – 4 ppm
Once balanced, give your pool a final chlorine boost. Using a stabilized shock like GLB Dichlor Shock 1LB helps eliminate contaminants and prevents algae growth.
Internal link tip: Link this step to your Pool Shock Collection to help visitors find all shock options in one place.
Step 2: Remove Debris and Brush Surfaces
Leaves, pollen, and oils don’t just look bad — they feed algae. Use a deep-net skimmer and a stiff pool brush to sweep walls, steps, and corners. If you need a reliable brush, the Purity Red Baron Tuff Duty Leaf Rake is a local favorite.
Brushing loosens hidden algae and improves chlorine contact.
Step 3: Clean or Replace Your Filter Media
If you’re running a cartridge filter, fall is the perfect time to inspect your elements. Dirty or brittle cartridges can’t be revived after sitting all winter. Replacing them now ensures smooth water flow and better spring startup.
A great choice is the Unicel C-7471-4 Cartridge Filter Set, an OEM replacement for Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 420 systems.
Internal link tip: You can also link this step to your Pool Filters Collection.
Step 4: Protect Against Stains and Scale
The hard water in the Central Valley makes stain and scale prevention critical. Minerals left untreated during the cooler months often cause staining and calcium deposits.
Two reliable products:
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EasyCare Scaletec Plus – dissolves and prevents scale.
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Natural Chemistry Stain Free – an ascorbic acid treatment that safely removes metal stains.
Applying these before swim season ends saves you costly cleanup in spring.
Step 5: Adjust Filtration and Circulation
In Clovis and Fresno, most pool owners don’t fully “winterize” like in colder climates. Instead, they reduce pump runtime while continuing light circulation to prevent stagnant water.
Tip: Run your pump 2–4 hours daily in cooler months. This keeps water moving, prevents algae growth, and reduces strain on your system.
If your pump shows signs of wear, upgrading to a high-efficiency variable-speed model can cut your energy costs year-round. Explore our Pool Pump Collection for options.
Step 6: Consider Professional Service
While many pool owners handle end-of-season care themselves, sometimes it pays to call in the pros. At Benchmark Pool Supply Services, we offer:
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Weekly and bi-weekly pool maintenance
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Filter cleaning and cartridge replacement
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Equipment checks and repairs
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Water balancing and specialty chemical treatments
Choosing a professional ensures your pool stays protected, especially if you’re busy or traveling during the off-season.
Local Focus: Pool Care in Clovis, Fresno, and the Central Valley
Every region has its own pool care challenges. Here in the Central Valley:
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Clovis & Fresno water often has high calcium, leading to scale.
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Dust and pollen from agriculture add to debris load.
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Extended fall swimming means pools aren’t fully closed, just maintained differently.
By tailoring your routine to our local conditions, you’ll keep your water clean and equipment lasting longer.
Products and Tools to Help
Here’s a quick checklist of useful products available at Benchmark Pool Supply:
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GLB Dichlor Shock – quick, stabilized chlorine shock
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EasyCare Scaletec Plus – scale prevention
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Natural Chemistry Stain Free – stain remover
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Unicel C-7471-4 Filter Cartridges – OEM replacement filters
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Purity Red Baron Tuff Duty Leaf Rake – debris removal tool
Internal linking reminder: Each of these should connect back to its product page and its collection page (chemicals, filters, tools, etc.).
Final Thoughts
Closing out swim season in Clovis, Fresno, and the Central Valley doesn’t mean you stop caring for your pool — it means adjusting your maintenance routine for cooler months. By balancing water, cleaning thoroughly, and protecting against scale and stains, you’ll save time, money, and hassle when spring returns.
If you’d like hands-on help, our local service team is here for you. Or, shop our full range of pool chemicals, filters, and accessories online for convenient pickup or delivery.
