- Why a Thorough Pool Closing is Non-Negotiable
- When Is the Best Time for Your Pool Closing?
- The Essential Steps for a Smooth Pool Closing
- 1. Thorough Cleaning
- 2. Balance Water Chemistry
- 3. Add Winterizing Chemicals
- 4. Lower Water Level
- 5. Prepare Equipment for Winter
- 6. Remove Accessories
- 7. Install the Pool Cover
- 8. Final Checks and Storage
- Essential Supplies for Winterizing a Pool
- Common Mistakes to Avoid During Your Pool Closing
Pool Closing: It’s a task many pool owners approach with a mix of dread and resignation, but with the right knowledge and a systematic approach, winterizing your pool can be an effortless process. Far from being a mere chore, proper pool closing is a crucial investment in the longevity of your pool and equipment, ensuring a pristine oasis is ready to greet you next spring. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to protect your swimming pool from winter’s harsh embrace, transforming a potentially complex job into a straightforward end-of-season ritual.
Why a Thorough Pool Closing is Non-Negotiable
Ignoring the proper steps for winterizing a pool can lead to costly damages and a frustrating start to the next swim season. Freezing water expands, and if left in pipes, filters, or pumps, it can crack plumbing, rupture equipment, and cause significant structural harm to your pool shell. Beyond preventing physical damage, a well-executed pool closing also:
Preserves Water Quality: Balancing chemicals and adding winterizing agents prevents algae growth and mineral staining, leading to clearer water in spring.
Extends Equipment Lifespan: Draining and protecting your pump, filter, heater, and other components shields them from freezing temperatures and corrosion, extending their operational life.
Saves Time and Money: A clean, properly closed pool requires less effort and fewer chemicals to open in the spring, saving you labor and operating costs.
Maintains Aesthetic Appeal: Even under a cover, neglecting closing procedures can lead to unsightly stains and debris buildup, which are challenging to remove.
When Is the Best Time for Your Pool Closing?
Timing is key. Many experts suggest waiting until the ambient air temperature consistently stays below 65°F (18°C) for several days. Closing too early, when temperatures are still high, can encourage algae growth beneath the cover, as winterizing chemicals are less effective in warmer water. Waiting until leaves are largely fallen from nearby trees also helps prevent a build-up of organic matter in the pool after it’s closed, reducing nutrient load for algae.
The Essential Steps for a Smooth Pool Closing
Follow these steps for a comprehensive and effective Pool Closing, ensuring your swimming haven survives the winter unscathed.
1. Thorough Cleaning
Start by giving your pool a meticulous cleaning. Skim any surface debris, vacuum the bottom, and brush the walls. The cleaner your pool is now, the less work you’ll have in the spring, and fewer organic materials will be available to fuel algae growth under the cover.
2. Balance Water Chemistry
This is a critical step for preventing stains and corrosion. Test your water and adjust levels to the following ranges:
pH: 7.4-7.6
Alkalinity: 80-120 ppm
Calcium Hardness: 180-220 ppm
Chlorine: 1-3 ppm
Once balanced, shock the pool with a high dose of chlorine to kill off any remaining contaminants. Allow the water to circulate for several hours, then let the chlorine level drop to 1-3 ppm before adding winterizing chemicals.
3. Add Winterizing Chemicals
Purchase a good quality winterizing chemical kit specific to your pool size. These typically include:
Algaecide: To prevent algae growth.
Stain & Scale Preventer: To inhibit mineral deposits and staining.
Pool Antifreeze (optional but recommended for lines): If your local climate is extremely cold or you have complex plumbing.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dosage and application. Distribute them evenly around the pool, particularly near skimmers and returns.
4. Lower Water Level
The exact water level depends on your pool type and cover:
Solid Covers: Lower the water level approximately 4-6 inches below the skimmer opening and return lines. This prevents water from entering the skimmer and plumbing.
Mesh Covers: You may only need to lower the water level a few inches below the skimmer, as mesh covers allow winter precipitation to pass through. However, it’s still prudent to drain lines.
Use a submersible pump or your pool’s filter system on the “waste” setting to lower the water.
5. Prepare Equipment for Winter
This is where you protect your vital pool components from freezing:
Filter: Backwash and thoroughly clean your filter. For DE filters, remove and clean grids. For cartridge filters, remove and clean cartridges. For sand filters, set the valve to “winterize” or “drain” and remove the drain plug.
Pump & Heater: Disconnect the pump and heater from the plumbing. Remove all drain plugs from the pump, heater, and any other equipment. Store plugs in the pump basket for easy retrieval in spring. Ensure all water is drained. Store the pump in a dry, protected area if possible.
Plumbing Lines: Use a powerful air blower (like a shop vac on exhaust) to blow out all water from the skimmer and return lines. As you blow air, plug the lines with winterizing plugs or Gizzmos to prevent water from re-entering. If using pool antifreeze, pour it into the skimmer and return lines after blowing them out.
6. Remove Accessories
Take out all ladders, diving boards, skimmer baskets, solar blankets, and any other detachable accessories. Clean them thoroughly, dry them, and store them in a dry, protected place to prevent weathering and degradation.
7. Install the Pool Cover
This is the final protective layer for your pool. Whether you have a solid safety cover, a mesh cover, or a tarp-and-water-bag cover, ensure it’s installed correctly and securely. A tight-fitting cover prevents leaves, debris, and sunlight from entering the pool, keeping it cleaner and inhibiting algae growth. Ensure solid covers are properly pumped off throughout winter to prevent standing water accumulation.
8. Final Checks and Storage
Do one last walk-around. Are all plugs removed from equipment that stays outside? Is the cover taut and secure? Are all chemicals and stored items safely put away? Taking these final moments ensures nothing is overlooked.
Essential Supplies for Winterizing a Pool
Having these items on hand will make your pool closing much smoother:
Pool test kit/strips
Winterizing chemical kit (algaecide, stain & scale preventer)
Pool shock
Pool brush, skimmer net, vacuum
Submersible pump (for lowering water)
Air compressor or shop vac (for blowing lines)
Winterizing plugs and/or Gizzmos
Pool antifreeze (if needed)
Screwdriver, wrenches (for equipment disassembly)
Pool cover and cover pump (if using a solid cover)
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Your Pool Closing
Closing too early or too late: As discussed, timing is crucial.
Neglecting water chemistry: Unbalanced water leads to staining and hardware corrosion.
Not blowing out lines sufficiently: Any water left in pipes will freeze and cause damage.
Forgetting to remove drain plugs from equipment: This is a common oversight that leads to cracked equipment.
Using the wrong size or type of cover: An ill-fitting cover is ineffective at protecting your pool.
Skipping the final clean-up: Debris left under the cover creates a breeding ground for algae and makes spring opening a nightmare.
By following this ultimate guide, your Pool Closing can be an effortless and confidence-inspiring process. You’ll not only protect your significant investment but also ensure a clear, well-maintained pool is awaiting your return when the warmer months beckon again. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a perfectly winterized pool.
