Winterizing Your Pool: A Step-by-Step Closing Checklist
June 30, 2026 · 8 min read
Close when water holds steady below 60°F. Closing too early leaves warm, unsanitized water sitting under a cover for weeks — the fastest route to a green spring opening.
Balance first
Bring pH to 7.4–7.6, alkalinity to 100 ppm and calcium into range, then add a winter algaecide. Balanced water protects surfaces for months; shocking on closing day does not.
Clean and lower
Brush and vacuum thoroughly, clean the filter, and lower water 4–6 inches below the skimmer for mesh covers or just below the tile line for solid covers.
Clear every line
Blow lines with a shop vac or blower until they surge, then plug returns and add non-toxic pool antifreeze where lines cannot be fully cleared. Drain the pump, filter, heater and chlorinator.
- Remove and store drain plugs in the pump basket
- Store the pump indoors if the pad floods
- Leave the multiport valve in the winterize position
Cover and check
Secure the cover, install a cover pump for solid covers, and check after storms. Standing water and leaves are what tear covers, not cold.
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