C
Closing the pool
for another season
losing a pool at the end of the swimming season can
be bittersweet. Homeowners may be sad to bid adieu
to the lazy days of splashing and swimming, but ready
to embrace the cooler weather and the beauty of autumn.
Before the leaves begin to fall from the trees, pool owners
must prepare to close, or winterize, their pools.
∞ Gather your supplies. Make a list of the supplies you
need to close the pool. Having everything on hand will make
the process far more efficient than trying to wing it. Closing
a pool can be a large job, so it pays to have some extra hands
available. Enlist some helpers who will be available to hand
you materials or to assist with placing the cover on the pool
Ñ which can be challenging to do on your own.
∞ Don’t wait until the last minute to purchase necessary
chemicals. The chemicals used throughout the season will
also be needed in the winterization process. Therefore, be
sure you have enough before pool supplies become difficult
to find in area stores. These include sanitizer, algaecide and
pH-balancing chemicals.
∞ Clean the entire pool area. Ensuring the pool water and
the surface of the pool is clean can make reopening the pool
easy. Vacuum the pool thoroughly, removing any debris and
organic matter that can contribute to algae growth. Don’t
forget to brush down the walls of the pool and clean the jets
and area where the filter skimmer meets the pool. Pool walls
have plenty of crevices where algae can hide and multiply.
∞ Test the water. Leading pool products manufacturer Hayward recommends adjusting the pH to between 7.2 and 7.8
to prevent stains, scaling and algae growth. Alkalinity should
be 80 to 125 ppm for plaster/gunite pools and 125 to 150
ppm for other pool types. Test the level of available chlorine,
and super-chlorinate the pool to maintain a sanitation level
of at least 4 ppm. Once the pool cover is on, the amount of
chlorine that escapes due to sunlight and evaporation will
decrease. An algaecide may be used, if desired, as well. In
very cold climates, a pool-water antifreeze may be necessary.
Check with your pool supply retailer for more information.
∞ Run the filter. Run the filter at least 24 hours before disassembling the filter for the season. This will help circulate
any chemicals added through the water.
∞ Drain the pool’s water to the appropriate level. Water
should fall just below the skimmer opening. Many pools do
not need to be completely drained for the winter.
∞ Shut off the filter pump, heater and any other equipment. Let all water drain out and allow equipment to dry
before storing them away. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for lubrication and covering. Install freeze plugs if you
choose to use them.
∞ Adjust electricity settings. Turn off the circuit to outdoor
outlets that feed the pool equipment, testing to make sure
the power is off.
∞ Put accessories away. Remove any ladders, diving boards,
slides, external drain lines, and other recreational materials
from the pool, storing them in a garage or shed so they are
not subjected to potentially harsh winter weather.
∞ Inflate air pillows to roughly 80 percent full if you will be
using them. Gather your helpers to attach the pool cover or leaf
catcher net. Secure it thoroughly with anchors, water bags,
wire fasteners, or whatever method is applicable for the cover
and pool type. Remember, a quality pool cover will last for
several years and keep leaves, dust and other unwanted items
out of the water.
Come early autumn, homeowners can begin closing their
pools to keep them secure and clean until the next swimming season begins.
Fall Vermont Home Garden & Car • 17