Opening the inground pool for the summer months, usually done in May, is an occasion pool owners (and their families, neighbors, and friends) often look forward to every year; closing the pool for the fall and winter, on the other hand, generally doesn’t hold the same level of appeal. However, it is nevertheless a job that must be done; not only that, but ensuring the job is done right and correctly is of utmost importance.

The purpose of “winterizing” your pool, which basically refers to shutting it down for the winter, is essentially two-fold: one, to protect your pool from the elements of the changing seasons, particularly winter; and two, to make for an easier transition when you reopen your pool next spring or summer. If you don’t bother winterizing your pool, or if you don’t take the time to do it carefully, you could end up with a dirty pool full of dead leaves and algae and possibly even damaged from a cold winter next year.

Here are a few steps you can use to help you close your inground pool for winter, until it’s ready to be reopened for use next year. Keep in mind that while it may be tempting to keep your pool open longer in case there might be a few hot days left in the autumn, it’s better to begin the pool-closing process before too many leaves begin to fall from the trees, which will only clutter up your pool and make the process more difficult and time-consuming than it needs to be.

First, if you have a heater and it’s been in use throughout the summer, shut it off. Your pool doesn’t need to stay warm throughout the winter when it’s not in use; plus, you can save on your electric bill. Next, it’s time to clean the pool thoroughly. This will save you a lot of work next year. Vacuum the bottom (floor) of the pool, brush the walls, and skim the surface for any leaves, bugs, and other paraphernalia.

After the pool is clean, it’s time to check the pool’s pH balance and add the appropriate winterizing chemicals to it. Your pool requires a different balance during the winter than during the summer in order to keep in clean and functioning properly. Winter chemicals for your pool include algae fighters or winter algaecide, extra-strong sanitizing cleaners that control stains, scum, and mineral deposits, and winter oxidizers, among others. Try to have these chemicals ready and on hand before you start the pool-closing process. Some pool contractors and pool companies offer winter packs that include everything you need to winter-proof your pool when the time comes.

Once this is done, you can drain the pool to the level you’d prefer, whether it’s somewhere below the return fittings or completely drained. You may also need to add appropriate antifreeze solution to your pool’s plumbing system, and you will need to completely shut down your pool’s filtering system. Next, remove ladders and ropes or anything else around the pool, including poolside furniture. Clean these items as needed and store them appropriately.

Finally, make sure that you completely cover your pool before you consider the job officially done. Covering your pool is not only a safety feature, particularly for families with children, but it also serves as a protectant from winter’s elements. If you don’t already have a winter-proof pool cover, there are a number of different options available. Make sure it’s secured firmly.