How to Close an Above Ground Pool

With the winter season just around the corner, it’s common for most homeowners to stop using their pools. For this reason, we’ll teach you how to close an above ground pool. That way, you can prepare your pool with the right measures and enjoy a holiday season without any worries.

Why Is Winterizing Your Pool A Must ?

Depending on where you live, covering your pool during the winter months can be an additional pool maintenance step or an inevitable one.

While some areas require pool closing due to potential ice damage, bear in mind that it doesn’t need snow to cover your pool.

That’s why if you often find yourself in a situation that air and water temperatures aren’t enjoyable for swimming, then you should consider covering your pool. This is because if temperatures simply aren’t right for you, then it’s very likely you would rarely use your pool.

By preparing your pool for the winter season, you’ll be able to protect your pool, thus extending its lifespan by a lot. Not only that, but you’re also able to reduce significantly any contamination to your pool, thus avoiding any costly repairs in the future.

In other words, you’ll receive the spring season with a well-maintained pool. And luckily, winterizing your pool here in California requires much less effort compared to other places with colder climates.

On the other hand, if you don’t winterize your pool, you’ll want to keep in mind that it might go through any damage. This goes the same whenever you opt for completely draining the pool rather than covering it.

7 Steps in How to Close an Above Ground Pool

Before starting, you must make sure that you count on the right equipment for the job. For this process, you’ll need a winterizing chemical closing kit, an above-ground skimmer cover, a pool air pillow, pool plugs, and protective wear such as glasses and gloves.

Also, make sure that your chemical kit has pH, calcium hardness, and alkalinity increasers, as well as a pool shock, algaecide, and enzyme supplement.

Now that you have everything you need for closing your pool, it’s time for you to learn the main steps.

Here’s how to close an above ground pool:

Clean and balance out the pool water
Remove any deck equipment.
Brush the floors and sides of the pool walls.
Use the winterizing chemical kit.
Clean the filter tank and skimmers
Remove detachable hoses and use an air pillow.
Place the winter cover.

If you have decided to leave your pool mounted in winter, we recommend taking into account the following tips so that your pool reaches the new season in the best conditions.

Clean and Balance Out the Pool Water

You must first make sure the water is filtered and appropriately cleaned by removing all types of leaves and debris. Be sure to vacuum the deposits as well.

Many people choose to empty their pools, but it is not necessary. You should not empty your pool as it can damage its structure, and you will also waste water unnecessarily.

To fill the pool, the water level should be 5 cm below the border.

Remove Any Deck Equipment

After leveling the water, you should make sure to clear everything that is near the edge of the pool. Remove the pool ladders or anything else that is near your pool. This will help you have more space to clean it and prevent residues from falling into the water.

You should also make sure to clean up the equipment before storing it. This process is essential for the pool to be kept clean, and you can continue with the rest of the steps in this guide.

Brush the Floors and Sides of the Pool Walls

Pool edge cleaning is often put off as it is a time-consuming task. However, we advise you to clean the edge of the pool yourself.

Nor should you forget about the background and the walls. The quickest and most effective way to clean the interior is by using a pool vacuum cleaner. This tool will help you remove all the dirt particles that adhere to the floor and the pool walls.

Use the Winterizing Chemical Kit

Use a winterizing chemical kit following the manufacturer’s directions. Remember that the purpose of the product is to prevent the growth of algae and fungi, as well as the incrustation of lime and minerals deposits.

If you have questions about these chemicals’ operation or dosage, we recommend consulting our pool cleaning guide.

Clean the Filter Tank and Skimmers

Open the pre-filter cover, clean the basket and unscrew the drain plugs, if equipped, so that the water can escape.

The filter must be clean before winter starts, or this can facilitate the growth of bacteria and mold. Remember to repeat the process in the middle of winter. You must also recheck the measurements of the pool and redose the winterizing products.

Remove Detachable Hoses and Use an Air Pillow

Once you have cleaned the filter, then you should make sure to remove the hoses. Since the pool will be inactive, you won’t need any type of hose or duct.

We also recommend placing an air pillow to keep your pool covered and safe from ice during the cold months.

Place the Winter Cover

The winter cover is a highly recommended element for hibernating the pool. It protects the water from the outside elements, will keep it clean and free of branches, leaves, insects, and other debris and particles.

In other words, if you want to keep the water in your pool clean, then you should get a winter cover.

How Often Should You Close Your Above-Ground Pool ?

So, when should you do the steps we mentioned above?

As we said earlier, homeowners need to cover their pool depending on the area they live in. However, a general rule of thumb is to close your pool whenever temperatures reach and stay lower than 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

At this temperature, algae and other organisms tend to hibernate since they can’t thrive.

Moreover, if your place often counts on several days when temperatures spike up, you can use this to your advantage by checking the water. Be sure to check if the water chemistry is in order.

Now that you have completed our guide, you have learned how to close an above ground pool. Remember that you must clean and balance the water first. Do not forget to add the winterizing chemical, clean the filters, and put the winter cover.