Closing your inground pool before winter is essential to protect your equipment and prevent freezing water lines. Follow these steps for a successful winterization:
1. Prepare Your Equipment
Check that your winter cover, water bags, skimmer plugs, return jet plugs, and chemicals are in good condition. Make repairs and gather essential equipment like an air compressor or shop vac.
2. Get Your Pool Ready
Remove accessories like diving boards, toys, and inflatables. Drain the pool to just below the return lines and ensure all piping, including slides and waterfalls, is drained. Clean and store accessories for the winter.
3. Winterize the Pump and Filter
Disconnect and drain your pump and filter to remove all water, preventing freezing damage. Clean the filter, open the backwash valve, and store everything in a dry place. For cartridge filters, ensure they're clean before storage.
4. Prepare the Pool Heater
If your pool has a heater, drain it completely and blow out the lines using a shop vac or compressor. Remove and store the drain plugs. Consult your heater’s manual for any additional steps, such as removing the heater tray.
5. Blow Out Your Lines
Use an air compressor or shop vac to blow out water from the plumbing lines. Once air bubbles appear from the return jets, plug the jets tightly to prevent water from entering.
6. Plug the Skimmer
Use a Gizzmo or skimmer plate to protect your skimmer from freeze damage. A Gizzmo expands if water freezes in the skimmer, while a skimmer plate keeps water out, allowing you to leave the water level higher.
7. Balance Your Pool Chemicals
Balance pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness to prevent staining and scaling. Avoid using floaters or chlorine tablets directly in the pool, as they can damage the liner.
8. Install Your Pool Cover
Secure your winter cover with water bags around the pool perimeter. If you have a safety cover, attach it using the anchors and periodically remove debris to keep it clean.
9. Clean and Store Equipment
After installing the cover, store your pool equipment in a dry, safe location. Proper storage ensures it’s ready for easy use when spring arrives.
By following these steps, you'll safeguard your pool during winter and make the spring reopening hassle-free. Check out our winter pool closing kits for everything you need to get started!