How to Close Your Pool for Fall/Winter

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Balance the water chemistry: Approximately 3 - 7 days prior to closing the pool

   Allow the chlorine level to return to
   1.0
   -
   3.0 ppm before adding any winter algaecide and your pool cover.
   
   Chlorine tends to break down both algaecides and pool covers. ,, Don't coil pool cleaners hoses tight.
   
   If you coil the hoses to a pool cleaner too tight it will develop a memory for that and end up coiling up in the pool next season. ,, If you are using an Aquador skimmer cover on above ground or in ground pools for some vinyl lined pools, the water level will not need to be lowered. ,, All water must be drained or blown out or it will freeze and crack.
   
   After draining, D.E. filter grids or Cartridge filters should be removed and cleaned thoroughly.
   
   If the filter and pump is small enough to remove it and store it indoors, this may be desirable.
   
   If not, using a small amount of air from a shop vacuum, compressor or Mighty Vac is good to blow out any water that may still be in the equipment. ,, If you have a push-pull valve (also known as a slide valve) on the filter, lubricate it's o-rings as well.
   
   If you have a gas heater with cast iron plugs, lubricate these threads or leave the plugs in after draining to prevent rusting. ,, Leaf rake (bag) types skim nets are best.
   
   Also useful for scooping large amounts of leaves/debris from pool floor.
   
   If pool is especially silty or has lots of algae, Vacuum Pool to Waste.
   
   This means to bypass the filter, and vacuum dirt from floors/walls out the backwash line.
   
   This prevents constant clogging/cleaning of filter.
   
   Place the multiport filter valve on drain to waste position (usually 2pm, if viewed as a clock face) If you have a push-pull filter valve, or a cartridge type filter there is no easy way to vacuum to waste, except for cutting the pipe coming out of the pump and then reconnecting afterward.
   
   Brush the pool thoroughly.
   
   The pool should be as clean and clear as possible before covering. ,, Then plug the lines at the pool using expansion plugs.
   
   If you don't blow the lines, add Swimming Pool Antifreeze into the line (follow package directions).
   
   Above ground pools usually just need to disconnect the hoses to and from the pump and filter, and plug the wall outlets. ,, This tends to result in the chlorine breaking down the algacide.
   
   High chlorine levels can also be harsh to floating solid pool covers. , A tight fit of your pool cover is essential.
   
   Your cover should not have holes or gaps where leaves and debris may enter the pool.
   
   A mesh safety cover provides the highest protection and safety.
   
   Solid pool covers are not safe and will require a cover pump or siphon to remove rainwater and snow melt.
   
   Water Bags or Aqua Bloks are used to secure an in ground solid pool cover.
   
   Above ground pool covers use a cable/winch device to secure the cover around the pool.
   
   Air Pillows are used in above ground pools to absorb the expansion of ice inside the pool.
   
   In areas of high wind, an above ground pool owner will find wall bags or cover seal useful products.
   
   A leaf net is very useful if you have a lot of trees surrounding your pool.
2. 2

   Step 2: adjust your water balance within the ranges below: pH: 7.2 - 7.6 Alkalinity: 80 - 120 ppm Calcium Hardness: 180 - 220 ppm;

3. 3

   Step 3: shock the pool with a Chlorine Shock or a Non-Chlorine Shock

4. 4

   Step 4: at least 1lb per 10

5. 5

   Step 5: 000 gallons (38

6. 6

   Step 6: 000 L) (follow package directions).

7. 7

   Step 7: Remove skimmer baskets

8. 8

   Step 8: wall fittings

9. 9

   Step 9: cleaners

10. 10

    Step 10: solar blankets

11. 11

    Step 11: ladders from the pool.

12. 12

    Step 12: Put these in a safe location during the winter.

13. 13

    Step 13: Lower water level in pool.

14. 14

    Step 14: Using the filter pump

15. 15

    Step 15: or a submersible pump

16. 16

    Step 16: lower the level 12" - 18" below the skimmer for mesh covers

17. 17

    Step 17: and 3" - 6" below the tile for solid

18. 18

    Step 18: floating covers.

19. 19

    Step 19: Drain all pumping

20. 20

    Step 20: filtering

21. 21

    Step 21: heating and chlorinating equipment.

22. 22

    Step 22: Every pump

23. 23

    Step 23: filter

24. 24

    Step 24: heater and chlorinator has drain plugs to allow water to drain out.

25. 25

    Step 25: Lubricate

26. 26

    Step 26: Fall closing of the pool is a good time to lubricate the pump lid o-ring o-rings with Magic Lube.

27. 27

    Step 27: Clean pool

28. 28

    Step 28: Skim pool

29. 29

    Step 29: vacuum pool

30. 30

    Step 30: brush pool.

31. 31

    Step 31: Winterize the plumbing to and from the pool

32. 32

    Step 32: If you have an in ground pool

33. 33

    Step 33: you should blow out the lines using a Mighty Vac to blow air from the skimmer

34. 34

    Step 34: through the equipment

35. 35

    Step 35: and back to the pool.

36. 36

    Step 36: Add winterizing algacide and other floaters.

37. 37

    Step 37: Remember not to add algacide and shock at the same time.

38. 38

    Step 38: Cover the pool.

Detailed Guide

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