Whether your pool is above-ground or in-ground, maintaining it during the off-season will ensure that it’s ready and safe to use when the warmer weather returns. Properly closing down your pool for the season involves a series of simple steps that will help protect your investment and make opening it up next year that much easier. Your local pool experts have compiled a list of their best advice for how to close down your pool for the winter.

Why Closing Down Your Pool Is Important

Closing down your pool for the season helps in several ways: 

1. Prevent damage to your pool equipment, such as pipes and filters, from freezing temperatures. 
2. Closing down your pool can also save you money on energy costs by reducing pump run time during the colder months. 
3. Proper winterization of your pool will ensure that it’s safe to use when you reopen it next season. 

Neglecting these important steps can lead to dirty and unsafe water, as well as potential damage to the pool structure.

Steps for Closing Down Your Pool

1. Clean and Balance the Water: Before closing down your pool, make sure to clean and balance the water. This includes vacuuming, scrubbing the walls and floor, testing and adjusting pH levels, and adding winterizing chemicals.
2. Lower the Water Level: The next step is to lower the water level in your pool. This is done by using a submersible pump or a siphon hose to drain water below the skimmer level.
3. Drain and Remove Equipment: Once the water is below the skimmer level, drain all of your pool equipment, including pumps, filters, and heaters. Make sure to also remove any ladders, diving boards, or other accessories.
4. Winterize Your Equipment: After removing all equipment from the pool, it’s important to properly winterize them for storage. This includes draining all remaining water and adding antifreeze if necessary.
5. Cover Your Pool: The final step is to cover your pool with a high-quality pool cover that will protect it from debris and harsh weather conditions during the off-season.

Additional Tips for Closing Down Your Pool

• Don’t forget to clean and store any pool toys or floats that may have been left in the water.
• If you live in an area with freezing temperatures, make sure to also drain and winterize your pool plumbing pipes to prevent damage.
• Regularly check and clean your pool cover throughout the off-season to ensure it’s still secure and free of debris.
• Consider hiring a professional to close down your pool if you’re unsure about any of the steps or want a more thorough closing process.

Properly closing down your pool for the season is essential for protecting your investment and ensuring its safety for future use. By following these steps and additional tips, you can confidently close down your pool knowing that it will be in good condition when you reopen it next year. Remember to always consult your pool’s manufacturer instructions and seek professional help if needed. Your friendly experts at Bachmanns Pools, Spas and Saunas are always here to help!