| The nights start getting a little cooler (40 degrees | | | | Solar covers (all pools) |
| or less), and pool owners recognize it as the first | | | | Some pool covers require the water level to be |
| sign that the season is preparing to change. The | | | | lowered. Check the pool cover manufacturer's |
| days warm enough to swim reduce gradually until | | | | recommendations. Use a submersible pump or the |
| they regularly are out numbered by the days that | | | | filter pump to lower water level if need. |
| are too cool to swim. At some point, it can no | | | | Remove all plugs from equipment like pumps, |
| longer be denied, the pool season is over! | | | | heater, and chlorinator. Completely drain all |
| When it's time to get ready to close up your pool, | | | | equipment. If needed, blow out equipment so |
| taking the time to do it right will prevent problems | | | | there is no water left to freeze and cause |
| during the winter and help avoid delays opening | | | | damage to the pool equipment. When possible, |
| the pool when the warm weather returns. About | | | | remove the pump and store indoors. DE filter |
| three days to a week before you will close your | | | | grids and cartridges will need to be removed and |
| pool, begin preparing it. Adjust the water chemical | | | | cleaned. It is recommended to lubricate all o-rings |
| balance to the following ranges:pH: 7.2-7.6 | | | | and for gas heaters with cast iron plugs it's a |
| Alkalinity: 80-120ppm | | | | good idea to lubricate the threads. |
| Calcium Hardness: 180-220ppm | | | | The pool should be as clean and clear as you can |
| Reduce filtering times gradually over a week | | | | make it. If you have been properly maintaining the |
| Once this is accomplished, shock the pool, | | | | pool, it shouldn't be much work to skim and |
| following the package directions. When the chlorine | | | | vacuum the swimming pool. |
| level is 1.0 to 3.0, winter algaecide can be added | | | | For in-ground pools if you can't blow out the lines, |
| and it won't interfere with the effectiveness of | | | | add antifreeze, following package directions. Once |
| the algaecide. | | | | lines are safe from freezing, install expansion plugs. |
| To avoid damage from freezing and/or snow, | | | | For above ground pools, the lines can be |
| these items should be removed from a pool and | | | | disconnected. Putting large air pillows in an |
| stored for the winter: | | | | above-ground pool will help protect the liner. |
| Skimmer baskets (all pools) | | | | When the pool is clear and the water is clean and |
| Wall fittings (all pools) | | | | at desired chemical levels, it's time to cover it. A |
| Cleaners (all pools) | | | | properly fitting cover is essential to proper pool |
| Ladders (above-ground pools) | | | | closure. |
| Decks and rails (above-ground pools) | | | | |