As summer draws to a close, your swimming activities may be also starting to slow down. If you are one of the lucky ones who has a pool heater, perhaps you are planning to use your pool all year long. But for many, it’s time to start thinking about the steps to take when you stop swimming for the season. Closing a swimming pool for the season requires specific steps to protect your pool and equipment from potential damage due to the winter weather. Here are five important things that pool owners should do when closing their pool for the season:

Consider if it’s time to perform maintenance on your pool. Now that you won’t be using your pool, this could be a perfect time to FINALLY get your pool resurfaced and replace your old tile. Perhaps your concrete decking needs some love. We have a lot of options to help breathe new life into your old pool - give us a call! 1-800-527-4567.
Balance and Adjust Pool Chemistry:
- Test the water and ensure that all chemical levels, including pH, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness, are within the recommended range. Adjust them if necessary to prevent scale buildup or corrosion during the offseason.
- Shock the pool with a chlorine shock treatment to eliminate any remaining contaminants and algae. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the appropriate dosage.
Clean and Remove Debris:
- Skim the pool's surface to remove leaves, debris, and any foreign objects that may have fallen into the water.
- Vacuum the pool floor and walls to remove dirt, algae, and other particles.
- Brush the pool walls and tiles to prevent the buildup of algae and stains.
If you live in freezing temperatures, Winterize Pool Equipment:
- Lower the water level in the pool to below the skimmer and return lines. This prevents water from freezing and damaging the plumbing and equipment.
- Drain and winterize the pool pump, filter, and heater according to the manufacturer's guidelines. This may involve disconnecting and draining the equipment to prevent freezing and damage.
- Remove and clean the pool's skimmer and pump baskets.
Cover and Protect the Pool:
- Install a durable and properly fitted pool cover designed for winter use. This will help keep debris out of the pool and prevent algae growth during the offseason.
- Ensure that the pool cover is securely fastened to prevent it from blowing away or falling into the pool due to strong winds.
- Consider using pool pillows or airbags under the cover to help prevent water from accumulating and potentially damaging the cover. A sump pump sitting on top of the cover can also keep water from accumulating on the top of the cover.

Additionally, it's a good practice to regularly inspect your pool during the offseason to ensure that the cover remains intact and that water levels are maintained. Following these steps will help protect your pool during the winter months and make the reopening process easier when the swimming season returns.