How to protect your pool from winter damage and ensure an easy spring opening

When the air turns crisp and the snow shovels come out, it’s your cue to get your pool ready for winter. Properly closing your swimming pool protects it from freeze damage, keeps the water clean, and makes spring opening dramatically easier.

Here’s everything you need to know to winterize your pool like a pro.

🧼 Step 1: Clean and Balance Your Pool

A clean pool at closing leads to a smooth, stress‑free opening in spring.

✔️ Clean the Pool

• Vacuum the floor
• Skim all debris
• Brush the walls and waterline

✔️ Balance the Water

• pH: 7.2–7.6
• Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm
• Chlorine: 1–3 ppm

Make sure no visible algae is present before closing.

💡 Pro Tip: A clean, balanced pool now prevents green‑water surprises next season.

🧪 Step 2: Add Winterizing Chemicals

Using the right winter kit protects your pool all season long.

We recommend a non‑chlorine winter kit, which is gentler on liners and covers than chlorine gas. Kits are sized by pool volume and include three separate chemicals.

How to Add Winter Chemicals

(You can add them in any order.)

1. Add the first chemical → run pump 1 hour
2. Add the second chemical → run pump 1 hour
3. Add the final chemical → circulate overnight

🌀 Step 3: Prepare Your Filter & Lower the Water

Clean the Filter

• Sand Filter: Backwash until the sight glass runs clear
• Cartridge Filter: Rinse and soak the cartridge in cleaner

Lower the Water Level

Drain water to 2 inches below the skimmer opening.
This keeps more water in the pool, which stabilizes the structure during freezing weather.

🧱 Step 4: Cap the Skimmer & Return Jet

Skimmer Cover (Above‑Ground Pools)

We recommend the Aqua Door or similar cover — secure, reusable, and reliable. Replace the inner trim plate once, and reuse the cover every year.

Return Jet Plug

1. Remove the outer ring and eyeball
2. Use the return key to remove the main body (if still installed)
3. Thread in the winter plug and tighten with the key

This plug also works as a temporary block during the season when servicing the filter.

In‑Ground Pools

Lines should be blown out before installing any caps or plugs.

🎈 Step 5: Install an Air Pillow (Above‑Ground Pools)

Air pillows help protect your pool walls and make debris removal easier.

Benefits

1. Reduces ice pressure on pool walls
2. Pushes debris toward the edges for easier cleaning

Installation Tips

• Inflate 2/3 full (never fully)
• Place the valve facing up and secure it with duct tape
• Attach using ropes or Velcro pillow pads

🛡️ Step 6: Cover Your Pool Securely

1. Remove the ladder
2. Lay out your cover, cable, and winch
3. Thread the cable through the cover’s eyelets
4. Leave 4 extra feet of cable (2 ft per end)
5. Tighten the cable and walk the perimeter to check for snags
6. Add 1 inch of water on the cover to hold it in place

Avoid Water Jugs

They can damage grommets and void the cover warranty.
Use a cover sealer instead for added security.

⚙️ Step 7: Winterize Your Filter & Pump

Proper filter care prevents freeze damage.

Cartridge Filter System

1. Drain the pump and cartridge cylinder
2. Clean and soak the cartridge overnight

Sand Filter System

1. Drain the pump and remove the bottom drain cap
2. Choose one:
   • Option A: Remove the top multiport and store indoors
   • Option B: Set to winter position and leave on filter
3. (Optional) Add 1 gallon of non‑toxic pool antifreeze:
   • ¾ into the sand bed
   • ¼ down the center pipe
4. For pools with a center drain:
   • Raise the hose above the waterline
   • Secure it to a stake to prevent backflow

👀 Step 8: Check Your Pool During the Off‑Season

• Remove heavy debris from the cover
• Recheck cable tension after 2 weeks
• Inspect your air pillow occasionally

🎉 You’re Ready for Winter!

By following these steps, your pool will be:

• Protected from freeze damage
• Free of algae and debris in spring
• Easier and cheaper to reopen

💦 Need winter kits, Aqua Doors, or antifreeze? Visit your local pool store to get everything you need for a worry‑free closing.

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