Backyard Blogging.

As the temperatures drop this fall, it’s time to prepare your swimming pool for the off-season.

Properly winterizing — or closing your pool for the cold months — protects your investment from freeze damage, prevents unnecessary wear, and makes reopening it in the spring much easier.

If you’re new to the process or just need a refresher, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you winterize your own pool.

What Does It Mean to Winterize a Pool?

Winterizing is the process of preparing your pool for freezing temperatures and months of non-use.

When you winterize your pool, you balance the water, protect the equipment, and cover the pool to keep it clean and damage-free until warm weather returns.

Here are the steps to take:

Step 1: Balance Your Pool Water

Before shutting down the pool, test the water and adjust it to the correct levels. Balanced water helps prevent corrosion, scaling, and other problems that could make reopening a hassle in the spring.

Here’s what to check:

• pH: Aim for 7.2–7.6 PPM. Keeping pH within this range prevents corrosion, scaling, and algae growth.
• Total Alkalinity: Maintain a level of around 100 PPM. Alkalinity acts as a buffer for pH, helping maintain stability.
• Calcium Hardness: The ideal range is 100–400 PPM. Too little calcium can cause corrosion, while too much can lead to scaling.

💡 Pro tip: Use a reliable test kit (Or bring us a water sample, and we’ll test it for free!) and add BioGuard winterizing chemicals designed to keep your water chemistry steady through the colder months.

Step 2: Shock the Pool

Give your pool a strong dose of chlorine before closing it. A shock treatment eliminates bacteria, prevents algae, and keeps the water fresh.

Bring chlorine levels up to about 10–12 PPM, then wait a couple of days for it to return to the normal range (1.5–3.5 PPM).

💡 Pro tip: Shock your pool a few days before closing to give the chlorine time to settle.

Step 3: Remove and Store Equipment

Take out ladders, handrails, skimmer baskets, pool cleaners, wall fittings, and any other removable accessories. Clean and dry everything thoroughly before storing it in a dry, safe place. Once that’s done, skim debris from the pool using a net or leaf rake.

Step 4: Lower the Water Level

Reduce the water level so it sits four to six inches below the lowest plumbing line (usually the return line) and make sure it’s below the skimmer. This helps prevent water from entering pipes and freezing.

Step 5: Drain and Protect Pool Equipment

Pumps, heaters, filters, and chlorinators all hold water that can freeze and cause damage. Remove the drain plugs from each unit and let the water flow out. Some pool owners also use a shop vac to blow water out of the lines.

• Sand & DE Filters: Backwash them, then disconnect and store in a dry location.
• Cartridge Filters: Clean thoroughly, inspect for damage, and allow them to dry.

💡 Pro tip: Store the plugs in your skimmer basket so they’re easy to find next spring.

Step 6: Empty the Chemical Feeder

If your pool has a chemical feeder, drain it completely. Leaving chlorine or other chemicals inside during the winter can cause equipment corrosion. Always wear gloves and goggles for safety.

Step 7: Cover the Pool

A quality winter pool cover keeps out leaves, debris, and sunlight while discouraging algae growth.

If you have an above ground pool, don’t forget the air pillow. This helps absorb pressure from ice and snow while preventing debris from collecting in the center of the cover.

💡 Pro tip: Use a pool cover pump to remove standing water from the cover throughout the winter.

For families with children or pets, a safety cover is a worthwhile upgrade! These covers are very strong, last longer when properly cared for, and provide peace of mind by preventing accidental falls into the pool.

Final Thoughts on How to Winterize Your Pool

Every pool is different. For example, above ground,and inground pools have slightly different winterizing steps. If you’re unsure about the process or want to guarantee your pool is protected, consider reaching out to us. We can either close your pool for you or provide you with the tools and information you need.

By following these steps, you safeguard your pool from costly damage and enjoy a much smoother opening when swim season arrives again.