When the air turns crisp and the snow shovels start to 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 much 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 an easy pool opening in spring.

1. Vacuum and skim all debris from the water and pool floor.
2. Check water balance:

• pH: .2–7.6
• Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm
• Chlorine: Normal level (1–3 ppm)

3. Ensure no visible algae is present before closing.

>  Pro Tip: A clean, balanced pool now will prevent green water surprises next season.

Step 2: Add Winterizing Chemicals        

Using the right closing kit helps protect your pool all winter long.

We recommend our non-chlorine winter kit, which is safer for your liner and cover than chlorine gas. The kit contains three separate chemicals, sized for different pool volumes.

How to add winter chemicals:      

Chemicals can be in any order

1. Add the first chemical and run the pump for 1 hour        .
2. Add the second chemical and run for one more hour        .
3. Add the final chemical and circulate overnight        .

Step 3: Prepare Your Filter and Drain Water        

Backwash or clean your filter before disconnecting hoses.

• Sand Filter: Backwash until the site glass is clear.
• Cartridge Filter: Rinse and soak the cartridge in a cleaner.

Lower the water level:

Drain water to 2 inches below the skimmer opening. This keeps more water in the pool, providing stability during freezing weather.
            

Step 4: Cap the Skimmer and Return Jet        

Skimmer Cover        

We recommend the Aqua Door or similar cove —it’s secure and reliable. Replace the inner trim plate once, and the cover can be reused yearly.

Return Jet Plug        

1. Remove the outer ring and eyeball        .
2. Use the return key to remove the main body if still in place.
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.

            
Step 5: Install an Air Pillow (Optional)        

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

Benefits:        

  1. Acts as a pressure valve to reduce ice pressure on walls.
  2. Pushes debris toward the edges for easier cleaning.

Installation Tips:

• Inflate 2/3 full (never completely)
• Place valve facing up, secured with duct tape
• Attach using ropes or Velcro pillow pads        

Step 6: Cover Your Pool Securely        

1. Remove the ladder before covering.
2. Your cover setup includes:

• Cover
• Cable
• Cable winch/ratchet      

 
3. Thread the cable through the cover’s eyelets and secure with the winch.
4. Leave at least four extra feet of cable (2 feet per end).
5. Tighten the cable,  then walk the perimeter to ensure no snags.
6. Add 1 inch of water on the cover to hold it in place.

Avoid hanging water jugs—they can damage the grommets and void the cover warranty. Use a cover sealer instead for added security.

Step 7: Winterize Your Filter and Pump        

Proper filter care prevents freeze damage.

Cartridge Filter System:        

1. Drain the pump and cartridge cylinder using the bottom plugs.
2. Clean and soak the cartridge in a filter solution overnight.

Sand Filter System:        

1. Drain the pump and leave the bottom drain cap off the filter tank.
2. a-Remove the top multiport assembly and store it indoors. OR. b-Set it to the 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 and secure it to a stake to prevent backflow.

            
Step 8: Check Your Pool During the Off-Season

• Remove heavy debris like leaves or branches from the cover.
• Check cable tension after 2 weeks and tighten if necessary.
• Inspect your air pillow occasionally if you use it.
  

✅ You’re Ready for Winter!        

By following these steps, your pool will be:

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

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