Proper pool maintenance is very important, even during the off-season. From water balance to freeze protection, we're here to help. Failure to properly winterize your pool can result in stains, scaling, and equipment damage, all of which can be costly to correct.

Remember to not close your pool too early. Pool water needs to be consistently below 65ºF before closing for the winter. Closing too soon can cause the sanitizer to be used up too quickly, which can increase the risk of algae growth. This may cause more work, extra hassle, and additional expense when opening the pool back up in the spring.Here at EZ Pool & Spa Supply we have everything you need to properly winterize your pool!

Clean And Balance

Brush, Skim, and Vacuum up all the debris you see on your pools floor and walls. Be sure not to leave anything behind!

Test 

Test the water using a Test Kit to make sure your water balance is in the recommended ranges below.

Free Available Chlorine: 2.0–4.0 ppm

Total Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm

pH: 7.4–7.6 ppm

Calcium Hardness: 200–400 ppm

You want to make sure your water levels are properly balanced to prevent pool damage while it is closed.

Winterizing Kit

If Using a Winterizing Kit Follow The Instructions for the Included Chemicals

Adding a winterizing kit to your pool is the easiest way to close your pool. If you skip this step, you could end up uncovering an algae and bacteria-filled pool in the spring!

Thankfully, we carry many prepackaged closing kits with everything you need to make this process easy such as Enjoy, OnGuard, and SeaKlear. We also have the Safe-T-Zone Winterizing kit for mesh covered pools! Whatever you need, we’ve got you covered.

Shock

Shock your pool a night or two before you close and run the pump overnight to distribute the product throughout the system. Make sure you do this at night, otherwise the sun could take away all of the chlorine before it has time to work!

Lower Water Level

• Using a submersible pump, lower the water about 4-6 inches below the skimmer inlet or tile line, whichever is lower. Do this only if the plumbing is properly configured to blow out the lines with an air compressor or the exhaust from a wet/dry vac. Alternatively, you can lower the water level below the skimmer and all return lines (normally about 18 inches below the tile line), which will allow the water to drain out of the returns. Never drain a vinyl or fiberglass pool — always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for winter draining procedures.

Winterize Plumbing (Freezing Climates Only)

• Turn off the main power supply and remove the “on” and “off” trippers from the time clock (if applicable).
• Remove the drain plugs from the pump strainer basket housing, pump volute (if applicable), filter tank, booster pump, automatic chlorinator, heater, and any other equipment. Place all the drain plugs in the strainer basket of the pump and replace the strainer cover.
• Position the multiport valve handle (if applicable) between any two settings. Some multiport valves have a dedicated "Winter" setting for pool closing purposes.
• For above ground pools, disconnect the filter hoses from the skimmer fitting and from the pool return fitting, and move the equipment to a non-freezing location, such as a basement.
• When the water has completely drained out of the plumbing lines, put winterizing plugs into the return and skimmer line(s).
• Add non-toxic swimming pool antifreeze (DO NOT use automotive antifreeze) to all lines, and place a Skimguard or Gizzmo winterizer into the skimmer to take up any expansion due to freezing. The Skimguard will also seal off the skimmer line and trap any air in the line. If the skimmer is connected to the main drain, this air lock will prevent water from rising in the plumbing line when adding water to the pool.
• Refill the pool to 4–6 inches below the skimmer inlet in vinyl liner pools, or 4–6 inches below the tile line in gunite and plaster pools. This will prevent ice damage to the tile.

Put Away Accessories

• Remove all ladders, hoses, pool cleaners, and over-the-top skimmers. Drain the cleaner, and lay any hoses out straight in a non-freezing location, such as a basement or garage.
• If the coping or deck around your pool has a rough surface or edge, protect your pool cover by placing foam, old solar cover material, or other soft material around the perimeter of the pool. This will help prevent premature wear.
• For above ground pools, inflate the air pillow and tie to an anchor with rope. As an alternative, you can use the Pillow Pal to attach the air pillow to the bottom of your winter cover. If you need multiple air pillows, tie them together using the grommets at the corners. Air pillows help relieve the pressure of expanding ice, support the cover, and make water removal from the cover easier to accomplish.

Make Sure Your Pool Cover is Ready!

Check your pool cover for any rips or tears before you start to close your pool. EZ Pool & Spa Supply has a wide variety of Above Ground and Inground covers in stock. We also provide custom sizes made for that perfect fit! Please reach out to us at 1-877-209-7773 and we will get you a quote right away!

Install Winter Cover

• Carefully unfold the cover and pull it across the pool.
• Ensure the winter cover is centered.
• For above ground pools, run a cable through all of the grommets and tighten until snug. Don't hang weights on the grommets, as this can stress the cover and eventually cause a tear. If wind is a problem, use small water bags on the surface of the pool to help weigh down the cover.
• For inground pools, use the grommets or straps to secure the water bags, water tubes, or cover blocks to your winter cover. Or, if using a safety cover, secure the cover to the deck anchors. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for best results in sealing your pool with the winter or safety cover.
• Place a water siphon or pool cover pump on the cover to drain rainwater, melted snow, or other precipitation from the cover. You may also opt to use a small submersible pump instead.
• We recommend checking the chemical balance about once a month after pool closing, and remember to remove all excess water and debris from the cover to keep it from getting bogged down.

You can opt to install a regular cover, which will protect your pool from filling with snow, and debris and keep it clean. You can also upgrade to a winter safety cover. Safety covers will protect your pool from objects and animals falling into the pool and harming themselves and the pool. The great part about a safety cover is it can be custom-fit to your exact pool shape as well as allow water to drain through so you don’t have to pump your cover in the spring!

At this point, your pool should be closed and ready for winter! If you want specific instructions on how to close an above ground pool make sure to read our blog here. When spring rolls around, you can also refer to our blog 10 Step Pool Opening Guide.