How to Close Your Above Ground Pool at the End of the Season

Closing an above ground pool at season’s end should be an easy and worry-free process. Our pool specialists at The Pool Factory™ have put together the following tutorial to ensure proper pre-maintenance and closing of your investment at the end of the season.

For instructions on closing your Saltwater Pool, please follow this step-by-step guide - How To Close Your Saltwater Swimming Pool At The End Of The Season

For instructions on closing your Pool with the Frog Pool Tender System, please follow this step-by-step guide - How To Close Your Pool - Frog Pool Tender Water Care System

Recommended Pool Closing Supplies

Winterizing Chemical Kit

Skimmer Winterizing Plate

Threaded Winterizing Plug for Standard Return

Air Pillow
(Ice Compensator)

Winter Cover

Filter System Winter Cover

Cover Pump

Steps to Close your Swimming Pool

Step 1

Gather Supplies - Before you start, make sure you have all necessary supplies on hand:

• Winter Cover
• Winterizing Chemical Kit
• Skimmer Winterizing Plate
• Threaded Winterizing Plug for Return
• Air Pillow

For a Complete Pool Closing Package that includes all 5 of these accessories click here - Pool Closing Packages

Step 2

Clean the pool:

• Brush and Vacuum: Thoroughly brush the walls and floor of the pool to remove any dirt, algae, or debris. Vacuum the pool to ensure it's clean.
• Remove Debris: Skim the surface to remove leaves, bugs, and other floating debris.

Step 3

Balance the Water Chemistry:

• Test the Water: Use a pool water testing kit to check the chemical levels (pH, alkalinity, and chlorine). Test Kits can be found here → Test Kits
• Adjust pH and Alkalinity: Ensure the pH is between 7.4 and 7.6, and the total alkalinity is between 80 and 120 ppm. Adjust if necessary. pH and Alkalinity balancers can be found here → Pool Chemicals

Step 4

Add Winterizing Chemical Kit and clean your filter system:

• Add Dry Granular Winterizer, follow directions for use and precautionary statements on label.
• Add Sequestering Compound, follow directions for use and precautionary statements on label.
• Add Winter Oxy Plus, follow directions for use and precautionary statements on container.
• You will wait approximately 1 hour between adding each chemical. Once you add the last chemical, you should run your filter system for another 3-4 hours to circulate the treated water before moving on to the next step.
• Clean the Filter System: Backwash the filter (Sand filter or D.E. filter) or clean the cartridge (Cartridge filter).

Step 5

Close off thru-wall skimmer and return fitting:

• Install Skimmer Winterizing Plate.
• Install Threaded Winterizing Plug for Standard Return.
• Installation Videos can be found below for these winterizing accessories.

Step 6

Clean and Store Equipment:

• Remove any debris from the skimmer and pump baskets.
  
• Disconnect the filter system and remove all of the drain plugs in the filter tank and pump. This will allow the filter system to completely drain out any water and dry before storing indoors over the winter time. You also have the option to use a Filter System Winter Cover to protect the filter system from the fall and winter elements if left outside.
• Take out all pool accessories like ladders, lights, and solar covers. Clean them thoroughly and store them in a dry place.

Step 7

Install the Air Pillow:

• Inflate the Air Pillow: Inflate the air pillow to about 60-70% of its capacity. The air pillow helps to absorb ice expansion and protect the pool walls.
• Place the Air Pillow: Place the air pillow in the center of the pool and secure it with ropes or tethers.

Step 8

Cover the Pool:

• Install the Winter Pool Cover: Spread the pool cover over the pool, making sure it covers the entire pool and air pillow. Drape the winter cover over the air pillow so it lays on the surface of the water all around the pillow.
• Secure the Cover: Use the cable and winch to secure the cover tightly around the pool. Ensure there are no gaps or loose areas where debris can enter.
• Add 1-2 inches of water on the cover to prevent wind damage.

Tips for a Successful Pool Closing

• Perform regular checks: Throughout the winter, periodically check the pool cover and remove any debris or water that accumulates on top.
• Avoid heavy weight on the cover: Ensure the cover is not weighed down by heavy snow or ice, as this can damage the cover and pool.
• Winter Cover Pumps are strongly recommended to keep excess water from building up on your cover. Excess water on your cover means excess stress and a torn cover or damaged pool.

By following these steps, you can help ensure your above ground pool remains in good condition throughout the off-season and is ready for use when the warm weather returns.

Related Articles:

Skimmer Winterizing Plate Instructions

The following is step-by-step installation instructions for installing your skimmer winterizing plate on your pool.

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Benefits of Winter Cover Pumps For Pool Closing

Learn the many benefits of a winter cover pump and how it will help protect your above ground pool during the harsh winter season.

View Article

Additional Tips

Alternative Pool Closing Tutorials

How To Close Your Pool with the Pool Frog System

Closing a pool with the Pool Frog System at seasons end should be a fast and worry-free process - learn how.

View Article

How To Close Your Saltwater Pool at the End of the Season

Closing a saltwater swimming pool at seasons end should be a fast and worry-free process - learn how.

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