Top 10 Tips for a Successful Winter Pool Closing

Closing your pool properly for the winter is essential to protect it from cold weather damage and make opening it next season a breeze. Here are the best practices, step-by-step, for closing your swimming pool safely and effectively this winter.

1 – Deep Clean Your Pool First

A thorough cleaning is the first and perhaps most critical step in preparing your pool for winter. Begin by skimming the water to remove leaves, dirt, and other debris, as organic matter left in the pool over winter can cause staining and promote algae growth. Scrub the walls, floor, and steps with a pool brush to dislodge any lingering grime. If you have a pool vacuum, use it to clean the pool thoroughly.

Pro Tip: Clean all around the edges of the pool as well, as debris along the waterline can slip into the water during heavy rain or snowfall.

2 – Balance the Water Chemistry

Proper water balance prevents corrosion, scale buildup, and algae growth during winter. Start by testing your pool’s pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness levels with a water testing kit. Aim for a pH between 7.4 and 7.6, alkalinity between 100-150 ppm, and calcium hardness around 175-225 ppm. Make adjustments as necessary.

Pro Tip: Test the water two to three times leading up to closing day to ensure it’s balanced and will maintain this balance as temperatures begin to drop.

3 – Add Winterizing Chemicals

Winterizing chemicals protect your pool water over the winter months, preventing algae blooms and helping keep the water clean. Add an algaecide to inhibit algae growth, and consider adding a chlorine shock to kill any remaining bacteria. Some pool owners also add a winter float that disperses chemicals throughout the pool for consistent treatment.

Pro Tip: Be sure to follow the product instructions precisely to avoid over-treating or under-treating the water, as chemical imbalances can lead to staining or cloudiness.

4 – Lower the Water Level (But Not Too Much!)

Draining the pool slightly helps protect your skimmer and tile line from freezing damage. Lower the water level to about 4-6 inches below the skimmer in in-ground pools or 6-8 inches below in above-ground pools. Avoid over-draining, as this can cause structural issues in some pools.

Pro Tip: If you live in an area with heavy rainfall or snowfall, you may need to keep an eye on the water level during winter to ensure it doesn’t rise too high.

5 – Backwash and Clean Your Filter

Clean and backwash your filter to remove any debris, dirt, or buildup. For cartridge filters, rinse and inspect them for wear, replacing if necessary. For sand filters, a thorough backwash is sufficient, while DE filters will benefit from a more intense cleaning.

Pro Tip: Removing and storing your filter indoors can extend its life, especially in regions where winter temperatures drop significantly.

6 – Drain and Blow Out Pool Equipment

Water left in pool equipment can freeze and expand, potentially causing costly damage. Drain your pool pump, filter, heater, and any other connected equipment. After draining, use an air compressor or shop vac to blow out any remaining water from the lines, which will prevent freezing.

Pro Tip: Place all drained plugs and small parts in a labeled bag to make reassembling everything easier when it’s time to reopen the pool.

7 – Protect Your Pool with a Quality Cover

Invest in a sturdy winter pool cover that can withstand wind, snow, and debris. A solid safety cover prevents debris from entering the water and keeps the pool cleaner over winter. For areas with harsh winters, consider a custom-fitted mesh cover for added durability and security.

Pro Tip: Tighten the cover to prevent it from sagging or collecting water, which can cause stress on the cover material and make it harder to remove come spring.

8 – Install a Pool Cover Pump

If you use a solid winter cover, a pool cover pump is a worthwhile investment. Accumulated rain, snow, and melting ice can create water pools on top of the cover, which can damage it. A cover pump removes excess water, preventing it from sagging and protecting the cover’s integrity.

Pro Tip: Regularly check the pump and remove any debris that may clog it. Automated pumps with float sensors can simplify this maintenance task by activating when they detect excess water.

9 – Store Pool Accessories and Equipment Properly

Remove ladders, handrails, skimmer baskets, and any pool toys or accessories, and store them indoors. Leaving metal components in the pool can lead to rust and damage from freezing water. Make sure these items are clean and dry before storing them to prevent mildew.

Pro Tip: Label and bag small items like drain plugs to keep everything organized and easy to locate when reopening the pool.

10 – Perform a Final Inspection and Close Up

Once the pool is covered and all equipment is stored, conduct a final inspection. Check that the cover is secure and that all equipment has been drained and disconnected as necessary. Make sure any chemicals or cleaning supplies are safely stored away from children and pets.

Pro Tip: Document each step you’ve taken with notes or photos so you have a checklist for future closings, ensuring you haven’t missed any key tasks.

Following these 10 detailed steps will help ensure that your pool weathers the winter safely, requiring minimal maintenance and repairs come spring. Taking the time to prepare thoroughly now can save you time, money, and hassle when the warmer months return