Steps to Closing Your Swimming Pool

It’s that time of year again. As fall marches on, it’s time to think about preparing your swimming pool for the cold months ahead. Winterizing your pool can be a lot of work and, if it’s a job you don’t relish, you can always opt to let the professionals tackle it for you.

If you’re ready to take it on yourself, however, you can make the process easier by assembling the items you’ll need in advance. They are:

• Pool chemicals or a pool winterizing kit
• Air compressor or shop–vac
• Pool brush and vacuum
• Telescoping pole
• Tools
• Winter pool cover and accessories

Once you’ve assembled everything you need, it’s time to dive in. Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to close your pool for the winter.

Step 1 — Balance Your Water

If you’ve been faithful in keeping your water balanced throughout the warmer months, this won’t be a big job. Use a kit to test the water. This will determine which chemicals your water needs for the colder months. The water’s pH levels, alkalinity and calcium should all be balanced to prevent corrosion and scale build-up over the winter. This should be done about a week before you close your pool.

Step 2 — Clean Your Pool

Use your pool brush and telescoping pole to give the walls a good scrub. Once that is done, vacuum up any dirt or debris that was dislodged. If you spot any algae in your pool, go over it with an algae brush and then the vacuum. Test your water again and add chemicals if needed.

Step 3 — Remove and Store Equipment

Clean your pool’s skimmer baskets before storing them for the winter. Next, remove your ladder or drop in steps and give them a wash. Your solar blanket should also be cleaned. Once the items are dry, they can be put into storage. If you have a slide or diving board, give them a scrub and, once dry, wrap them up and store safely to protect them from the elements.

 Step 4 — Drain the Water

Draining some water from your pool will help prevent damage from freezing. How much you drain will depend on the type of cover you plan to use. Be sure to follow the cover manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the water will support the cover as well as any snow that falls on it.

Step 5 — Cleaning the Pump and Filter

Backwashing your filters is an easy and effective way to clean them. Be sure to drain all water from the pump, filters and pool heater. Once filters are dry, they can be stored for the winter.

Step 6 — Blow Out the Lines

Removing every trace of water from your lines, pump and filter is essential to preventing damage. This process involves sending air through your pool’s plumbing to dry the lines. If you blast the air too hard, it can cause damage to your plumbing, so be careful if you choose to do this step on your own. It can be a good idea to hire an expert to handle the process for you.

Step 7 — Install Cover

A winter cover protects your pool from the winter elements while also keeping your water balanced. You can use pool cover weights or water tubes to keep the cover from sinking. If your pool is in an area where a lot of snow or freezing rain will hit it, you’ll benefit from a pool cover pump. This will get rid of any water laying on top of the cover.

Pool Brite

As Western New York’s top pool supply store, Pool Brite has everything you need to winterize your pool from chemicals to pool safety covers. Not in the mood to do it yourself? Take advantage of our swimming pool service. Our experts can handle closing your pool in the fall and opening it again in the spring. Get in touch with us to schedule an appointment.