How to close and winterize your pool
Updated:
Closing a pool protects it from freeze damage and makes spring easy. Balance the water, lower the level, drain and blow out the equipment so nothing freezes, add winter chemicals, and cover it.
Step by step
- Balance the water firstA few days before closing, bring pH, alkalinity, and calcium into range so the water stays gentle on surfaces all winter. Aim for a balanced LSI.
- Shock, then let chlorine settleShock a few days out and let free chlorine drift back toward normal before you close, so you don’t bleach the cover.
- Lower the water levelFor in-ground pools, drop the level below the skimmer and returns to suit your cover type. Most above-ground pools with a skimmer cover skip this.
- Drain and blow out the equipmentDrain the pump, filter, heater, and plumbing and blow the lines out, then add pool antifreeze to the lines in hard-freeze areas. This is the step that prevents cracked equipment.
- Add winter chemicals and coverAdd a winterizing kit or winter algaecide, remove and store the baskets, and put on a clean, tight cover.
FAQ
When should I close my pool?
Wait until the water is consistently below about 60°F (15°C). Closing while the water is still warm invites algae to grow under the cover over winter.
Do I need to drain my pool to winterize it?
No. You only lower it below the skimmer and returns on an in-ground pool. Fully draining can damage the pool or float a liner and is almost never needed.
Can I leave my pool running all winter?
In mild, sun-belt climates that never freeze, many owners keep the pump running instead of closing. Closing matters most where the plumbing can freeze.
Related
Stop guessing. Get the exact fix
DoseMyPool turns your test numbers into the precise doses and the safe order to add them. Free on the App Store.
Coming soon to the App Store