Here’s How to Perform a DIY Pool Closing

As soon as the temperatures drop below 18 degrees Celsius, it’s a sign that it’s time to close your pool. But how do you close it up on your own? If you’ve never tried to close down a pool before, don’t worry! Just follow this quick step-by-step guide to performing a DIY pool closing this year.

Cleaning

The pool closing process should start about a week before you officially close your pool. This gives you enough time to properly clean the parts and to add the pool chemicals required to prevent grime and algae from forming over the winter. Adding a winterizing chemical kit to the water will also help keep it crystal clear until next season. Be sure to follow any instructions that come with the chemicals to avoid any staining or etching of the pool lining.

Remove Pool Items

The majority of the pool items will need to be removed in order for you to close down the pool. This includes the ladder, skimmer basket, chlorine float, and diving board. Leaving these in will only cause the chemicals to ruin the finishes over the course of the winter time. Be sure also to move the chlorine and chemicals that you’ve stored near the pump to a secure location inside.

Shock It

Right before you put the cover on, shock your pool one last time. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, add the recommended amount to prevent any algae blooms. Then run the pump overnight to properly distribute the shock throughout the system and water and test it the next morning to ensure it’s balanced.

Drain the Pool And Equipment

To protect your pool plumbing and parts from freezing, you need to lower the water level below the skimmer.  You should also remove any water from your plumbing lines with a shop vac and seal any lines to prevent water from getting in and freezing. The pump as well as the chemical feeder, heater, and any other filtration equipment should also be drained before you finish up.

Cover the Pool

Once everything has been removed and properly stored away, it’s time to cover the pool. If you have children or small animals, we recommend using a solid cover for an extra layer of protection. To finally close it up, slide your cover over and ensure it’s sealed tightly. Don’t forget to cover the pump to protect it from icy conditions during the winter season.  

Even though the process seems easy, it’s often difficult to do it efficiently all on your own. If something isn’t straightforward or it becomes too much for you to handle, don’t be afraid to call a professional to do it for you — we’d be happy to recommend someone!