How to Close your Above Ground Pool*

Things to do:

  1. Brush the pool walls, knocking down debris
  2. Vacuum the pool
  3. Add winterizing chemicals (your local pool store carries winterizing kits which usually include shock and winter algaecide)
  4. Allow the chemicals to circulate at least 24-48 hours
  5. Unplug pump
  6. Drain or Siphon pool water 12” to 18” below skimmer
  7. Remove skimmer door
  8. Disconnect skimmer line from pump
  9. Blow out line with shop vac and add RV/pool antifreeze (only if line runs underground)
  10. Tightly snap skimmer cover
  11. Place plastic bag over end of the skimmer line that was attached to the pump; A sandwich bag can be used and secure with rubber band or plastic zip ties.
  12. Remove return nozzle
  13. Disconnect the return line from the pump
  14. Blow out line, again only needed if line is underground
  15. Plug return with cap
  16. Place plastic over the opening of the return line that was attached to the pump
  17. Disconnect bottom drain line from the pump (if not already done to lower water level)
  18. Add RV/pool antifreeze to the bottom drain line until you see a small amount come out the bottom drain. This could take several gallons.
  19. Tie bottom drain line up high possibly to rail of the pool or deck; so water does not drain out of your pool via gravity.
  20. Cover the bottom drain line (the end that was attached to the pump) with plastic.  A sandwich bag can be used and secure with rubber band or plastic zip ties.
  21. Cover pool securely with a solid cover or safety cover (permeable). Both covers have their advantages and disadvantages.
    1. Solid cover you have to be concerned with how to secure the cover with water bags, ties, or bungee cords. Also siphoning water off the cover so that the weight of the water or ice does not cause the cover to collapse into the pool.
    2. The permeable cover is secure and allows the water to pass through the cover into the pool; however, this can cost more in chemicals in the spring.

Drain water from filter and pump. Place both inside a shed or basement to prevent freezing.

What not to do:

  1. Don’t close your pool too soon. This could cause algae to grow if there is still a chance of warm weather. For best result, close your pool when daytime tempetures remain between 60-65 degrees.
  2. Never put a cartridge filter away wet. This will cause the filter to mold and mildew.
  3. Do not mix your winterizing chemicals before putting them into the pool.

*DISCLAIMER: These tips are only intended to be a guide for pool owners and should not be followed without consulting your owners manual or other documents from your manufacturer. PoolMaintenanceTips.com does not accept liability for any damage to your person, property or pool as a result from follwing the above guidelines.