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How To Close My Pool For Winter

What is the best way to close a pool for winter?

Plug and Cover the Pool Drain the pool about four to six inches below the skimmer then add a skimmer cover. Blow up the air pillow and place it in the middle of your pool. Put on the pool cover and secure with winter cover clips. Remove the ladder and other deck equipment.

How far down do you drain your pool for winter?

Drain the water down to no more than 6 inches from the bottom of the skimmer if you plan to use a standard floating winter cover. Use your pool filter, switched to the “Drain” setting, to empty the pool water. Attach a pool hose to the end of the filter opening that leads to your yard’s drain to avoid flooding.

What chemicals do you need to close a pool for the winter?

What chemicals do I need to close my pool? Chlorine. Pool Shock. Soda Ash. Baking Soda. Muriatic Acid. Winter Algaecide. Pool Antifreeze. Stain and Scale Prevention.

Should I drain my above ground pool for winter?

Important: Never completely drain an above ground pool. This can cause your pool to collapse. If your pool is plumbed with detachable, flexible hoses, remove them and store for the winter. Basically you’ll need to drain them so there is no water in them that could freeze and damage the pump or filter.

Should I shock pool before closing?

Shocking kills any bacteria that might linger in your pool during the winter. We recommend shocking a few days before you close the pool. If that is not possible, make sure to shock the pool the night before you close it for winter.

Do I need to add chlorine to my pool in the winter?

During the winter months, the amount of chlorine needed from your salt cell to keep the pool clean is reduced. This is due to the fact that it is difficult for bacteria to grow in cold temperatures.

Do you have to drain pool below skimmer for winter?

Do you need to drain any water when winterizing an above ground pool? The answer hinges on how you protect your skimmer during the winter. If you’re concerned about freezing and cracking, and don’t use a winter skimmer cover plate, then you should drain the water level below the skimmer and returns.

How much should I drain my above-ground pool for winter?

Adjust Water Levels In most cases, you will want to drain the pool to be at least 4 to 6 inches below the top of the skimmer. This allows adequate space for expansion of the water throughout the winter without risking damage to the pool.

Are pool winterizing chemicals necessary?

You do not need a pool winterizing kit. You really only need one chemical (algaecide) to properly winterize a swimming pool. You need some other stuff to protect your pool from harsh winter conditions, but only one chemical to add when closing.

Can I leave water in my pool over winter?

It’s not good to leave your pool empty when the weather gets cold. You may naturally assume it’s best to completely drain your pool of water for the winter months, because you fear the water will freeze and cause damage. Actually, it’s not good to leave your pool empty when the weather gets cold.

How do you close an above ground pool for the season?

How to Close Your Above Ground Pool in 10 Steps Step 1: Deep Clean. Step 2: Balance your Water. Step 3: Add Winterizing Chemicals. Step 4: Add Pump Protector. Step 5: Protect Your Return and Skimmer. Step 6: Prepare Your Filter for Hibernation. Step 7: Clear the Pool. Step 8: Set Up Ice Equalizer Pillow.

Does an above ground pool freeze solid?

Above ground pools can freeze solid, especially in negative degree temperatures. Above ground pools will freeze solid from side to side within a few days in temperatures below zero degrees. However, very rarely will a pool freeze all the way to the bottom.

Can I close my pool with green water?

If your pool has been green all season you’re probably super excited to close it. While it seems like the easiest option – it’s not! It’s much smarter to close your pool as clean as possible. Algae can grow in water as cold as 50 degrees.

Should I put algaecide in my pool when closing?

By simply adding algaecide to your water prior to closing, you can prevent algae growth from occurring during the cold, winter months which makes for an easier opening in the spring. You can apply algaecide directly to the pool water and allow the pump to continue to circulate for approximately two to four hours.

How many bags of shock does it take to close a pool?

For use, consult the directions listed on the packaging of the shock you buy. Typically, a 1-pound bag is enough for 10,000 gallons of water. Mix the product with some pool water in a large bucket. Then, as the filter is running, pour the mixture into the pool.

Do you add salt to pool in winter?

Use salt test strips for an accurate reading and when the season starts cooling down, do not add anymore salt to the pool. It is better not to have a lot of salt in your pool toward the end of the season. Balancing your water’s chemistry is important for all pools during closing time.