How do you close a pool for the season?

Answer 1

Follow these instructions to professionally close your pool for the winter season, protecting it from winter's harsh conditions and making opening it next season simple

You will need the following chemicals

Pool Shock, Algaecide, and Chlorinating Tablets

You will need the following Accessories

Winter Cover, Pool Pillows or Inner-tubes, Chlorine Float Dispenser and Water Bags (for in ground pools only)
Step One - Debris & Chemicals

Remove any debris from pool water by use of a leaf rake attachment. Add the appropriate amount of shock treatment to the pool water, as prescribed on the packaging.

Add the appropriate amount of algaecide to the pool water, as prescribed on the packaging.

Run your filter for the appropriate time to circulate all water once. (See your filter documentation for your size pool)

Step Two - Vacuum & Water Level

Vacuum your pool while setting your filter to the "back wash" or "waste" setting.

(This will help lower your water level)

After vacuuming, install the sump pump and drain pool to about 6 inches below your thru-the-wall skimmer

Step Three - Parts Disassembly & Cleaning

Disconnect all ladders, filter systems, hoses, solar reels and/or other accessories.

Using standard household cleansers, thoroughly clean all ladders, solar reels and/or other accessories.

Disassemble the filtration system.

Remove sand, cartridge or DE powder from your filtration tank.

Thoroughly clean all filter system parts.

Allow all items to dry.

Store all items in an area that will not be subject to freezing temperatures.

Step Four - Pillow & Cover Installation

Inflate all pool pillows or inner tubes. You can also use plastic bottles with sand or anti freeze in them for ballast

Install one pillow for every 15' of linear water surface.

(Example: a 15' x 30' would require at least two pillows)

Tie pillows to pool area via nylon rope and place equally with respects to pool walls and each other.

(this is extremely important! This prevents freeze damage)

Install winter cover as prescribed by the covers manufacturer.

Step Five - Winter Tips

During the winter months, remove any excess snow from the winter cover.

(If you have a solid cover, this will prevent excessive weight form tearing you cover)

(If you have a mesh cover, this will prevent excessive water build up)


just one thought to improve upon this answer in regards to the cover: when you install the cover, be sure to run the cover straight down the sides of the liner/wall prior to touching the water. then run the cover flat across the water. this will allow expansion when the water freezes and should prevent your 'water socks', or whatever you have anchoring your cover, from being pulled into the pool.
hope this helps