Closing your pool correctly protects it from freeze damage and makes opening it in spring much easier. Here's how to do it right.
Step 1: Balance your water first
About a week before closing, balance your pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness. This protects your surfaces over winter when the water sits still.
Step 2: Give it one final shock
Shock the pool and run the pump for 24 hours to make sure the water is clean going into winter. Dirty water sitting for months causes staining and algae problems.
Step 3: Add winterizing chemicals
Add a winter algaecide and a pool enzyme product. These work slowly over winter to keep the water from turning green while everything is off.
Step 4: Lower the water level
Drop the water level about 6 inches below the skimmer. This prevents freeze damage to your skimmer and return lines.
Step 5: Blow out and plug the lines
Use a shop vac or air compressor to blow water out of all return lines, then plug them. Any water left in lines can freeze and crack the pipes.
Step 6: Winterize your equipment
Drain your pump, filter, and heater completely. Store any removable equipment like ladders and accessories indoors.
Step 7: Cover the pool
Use a quality winter cover secured tightly around the edges. A good cover keeps debris out and reduces algae growth all winter long. A properly closed pool opens back up clean and clear in the spring.