As summer fades and temperatures begin to drop, it’s time to prepare your pool for winter. Proper pool closing, also known as pool winterization, helps protect your pool from freezing temperatures, maintain water quality, minimize maintenance and make reopening easier in the spring.
Whether you have an above-ground or inground pool, following a proper pool closing checklist can help protect your pool, equipment and water throughout the colder months.
Why Winterizing Your Pool Is Important?
Properly winterizing your pool helps protect it from damage caused by cold and freezing temperatures. Preparing the water, plumbing, equipment and pool surfaces before winter can reduce the risk of cracked pipes, equipment damage, algae growth and other costly problems.
Winterizing also makes pool maintenance easier during the off-season and can simplify the reopening process in spring. By closing your pool correctly, you can help keep it cleaner and better protected until it’s time to swim again.
When Should You Close Your Pool?
The ideal time to close your pool depends mainly on the weather and water temperature in your area. In most regions, it’s best to winterize the pool when the water temperature consistently stays around 65°F (18°C) or lower. Waiting until the temperature drops into this range helps slow algae growth while avoiding the risk of closing the pool too early. Keep an eye on the local forecast and choose a period when cooler temperatures are expected to continue.
Avoid closing your pool too soon while the weather is still warm, as higher temperatures can encourage algae and bacteria to grow under the winter cover. At the same time, don’t wait until freezing conditions arrive, since cold temperatures can damage plumbing, equipment and other pool components. Planning your pool closing around the seasonal temperature change gives your pool better protection and can make reopening it in spring much easier.
Preparing Your Pool for Winter
Before closing your pool, give it a thorough cleaning by removing leaves, dirt and other debris from the water. Brush and vacuum the pool, clean the skimmer and filter and check that the water chemistry is properly balanced.
Once the pool is clean and balanced, prepare the plumbing and equipment for colder weather. Lower the water level if needed, remove water from the pool lines, add the recommended winterizing chemicals and secure the appropriate winter cover to protect the pool throughout the off-season.
Pool Closing Checklist
Winterizing your pool becomes much easier when you have everything you need on hand before starting. Use the checklist below to prepare for the pool-closing process and make sure you have the right supplies for your pool type.
Inground Pools
Before closing an inground pool for the season, make sure you have these essential supplies:
- Pool closing kit or the appropriate winterizing chemicals
- Safety cover or winter cover to protect the pool throughout the colder months
- Leaf net (optional) for catching leaves and other debris
- Swimming pool antifreeze — approximately 1 gallon for every 10 feet of plumbing
- Water bags or winter cover blocks for securing the cover
- Skimguard winterizer — one for each skimmer
- Submersible pump for removing excess water from the pool cover
- Pipe blowout equipment, such as a liner vacuum, air compressor, or wet/dry vacuum, along with the appropriate blowout extension or plugs
- Winterizing freeze plugs — one for each return fitting
Above-Ground Pools
For an above-ground pool, gather the following items before beginning the winterization process:
- Pool closing kit or suitable winterizing chemicals
- Winter cover designed for above-ground pools
- Leaf net (optional) to help collect leaves and debris
- Air pillow(s) to help support the winter cover and reduce pressure on the pool walls
- Cable and winch assembly for keeping the cover securely in place
- Water bags, cover clips or winter wrap (optional) for additional cover support
- Pillow Pal to help keep the air pillow positioned correctly
- Skimmer plugs for sealing the skimmer during winter
- Submersible pump for removing accumulated water from the cover
How to Close a Pool for Winter: Step-by-Step
1. Clean the Pool Thoroughly
○ Brush the pool walls and floor.
○ Vacuum the pool and skim leaves, dirt and debris.
○ Remove organic debris to help prevent staining and algae growth.
2. Balance the Water Chemistry
○ Test pH, alkalinity and calcium hardness.
○ Adjust each level to the recommended range for your pool.
○ Properly balanced water helps prevent scaling, corrosion and surface damage.
3. Shock and Sanitize the Pool
○ Add the appropriate pool treatment before closing.
○ Allow the treatment to circulate properly.
○ This helps reduce contaminants and unwanted microbial growth before the pool is covered.
4. Lower the Pool Water Level
○ Lower the water according to your pool type and winter cover.
○ For inground pools, follow the cover manufacturer’s recommended level.
○ Avoid unnecessarily draining an inground pool completely.
5. Use a Copper Ionizer for Winter Water Protection
○ Use a copper ionizer instead of traditional pool shock and chlorine. Copper ions act as a natural algaecide and bactericide, maintaining the pool’s water quality throughout winter without harsh chemicals. Cupric ions can generally remain active during the entire winter season if the pool is covered and not recirculated, unlike chlorine.
○ Our copper ionizers offer a sustainable, chlorine-free way to protect your pool, ensuring minimal algae and bacteria growth over the colder months.
6. Drain and Winterize Pool Equipment
○ Drain water from pumps, filters, heaters, chlorinators and other equipment.
○ Blow out remaining water from plumbing lines where appropriate.
○ Proper winterization helps protect pipes and equipment from freezing damage.
7. Remove and Store Pool Accessories
○ Remove ladders, floats, toys, cleaners and other removable equipment.
○ Clean and dry accessories before storing them in a dry, protected location.
○ This also makes the pool area easier to inspect during winter.
8. Install and Secure the Winter Pool Cover
○ Choose a durable cover suitable for your pool type.
○ Secure it properly to keep out debris and protect the pool.
○ Periodically inspect the cover and remove accumulated debris or excess water.
Learn more: Choosing the Right Winter Pool Cover
Additional Tips for winterizing your pool
- Install a Pool Pillow (for Above-Ground Pools): Use an air pillow under the cover to prevent ice expansion, which can damage pool walls.
- Check Your Equipment: Inspect pool equipment like ladders, diving boards, and rails, and store them safely indoors.
- Regular Winter Checks: Occasionally check your pool cover and surrounding area to ensure everything is secure, especially after storms.
Conclusion
Closing your pool properly is essential to protect it from winter weather, prevent damage, and save time and effort come spring. Following this checklist for balancing water chemistry, cleaning, using a winter cover, and opting for copper ionization can ensure your pool remains in great condition all winter long. It also helps hassle-free opening next season.
For more tips and the best tools to help winterize your pool, contact us today!
FAQs
Q.) When is the best time to close my pool for winter?
Ans. The ideal time to close your pool is when the water temperature stays consistently below 65°F (18°C). Cooler water temperatures help prevent algae growth and other bacterial issues that can arise in warmer water.
Q.) Is it safe to close my pool without chlorine?
Ans. Yes, using a copper ionizer is a safe alternative to chlorine that prevents algae and bacterial growth naturally.
Q.) Should I drain my pool completely for winter?
Ans. Typically, no. Fully draining can damage the pool structure. Lowering the water level is sufficient for most pools.
Q.) How often should I check on my pool over winter?
Ans. It’s good to check on your pool cover every 4-6 weeks during winter to ensure it is secure and free from heavy snow or debris. If you use a copper ionizer, periodic checks can help ensure the system is functioning and preventing any algae growth.
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