← Pool Care & Troubleshooting GuideWinterizing Your Pool
Closing a pool properly for the off-season protects your plumbing and equipment from freeze damage and makes opening day next spring much easier.
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In-Ground Pools
- Balance the water chemistry and give it a final shock about a week before closing.
- Lower the water level below the skimmer for mesh covers, or to the standard closing line for your cover type.
- Blow out or drain the plumbing lines and add pool antifreeze to prevent freeze damage, then plug the lines.
- Install a rated winter cover and a cover pump or cover support to keep water and debris off the surface.
Safety note: Never add pool antifreeze to the pool water itself; it’s for the plumbing lines only.
Above-Ground Pools
- Clean the pool thoroughly and balance the water before closing, since it will sit untouched for months.
- Lower the water level a few inches below the skimmer opening or per your cover manufacturer’s instructions.
- Remove, drain, and store the pump and filter indoors if your climate sees hard freezes.
- Secure a winter cover with a cable and winch or air pillow to handle ice expansion.
Safety note: Never leave the pump running through a hard freeze if the intake will be above the lowered water line.